Representation

Person of Interest

This scene includes some typical stereotypes that our society and others (American) would formulate. An example of this is the gang, who look to be in control, are all African American. They are armed and are ruthless and I know this because the gang leader orders his men to eliminate two of the hostages without any rumours. However, in the gang they have a women who seems as heartless as the men which challenges the stereotype of women being physically weak and mentally she seems too composed as she isn't concerned about the gang leader's order. But, she is African American therefore in a way she reinforces the stereotype. 

Another example of stereotype in the scene is created with the three hostages. The woman looks scared and doesn't look like she has been in this environment before. Her facial expression suggests she might be on the verge of crying. The bearded man looks as if he has given up once his fate is decided as he shakes his head. However, the dialogue suggests he had something the gang wanted which could make the audience wonder why the elderly man was in this business. This challenges the stereotype of elderly people as being innocent and vulnerable. Finally, the man in the suit looks annoyed and his facial expression implies he has been in a situation similar to this because he doesn't look worried. This reinforces the stereotype that the protagonist is a calm person even when things don't look like they are going his way.

The next stereotype isn't plainly stated by people/media but the way black people are represented we would assume they are believed not be as intelligent as white people. The police (all white males) were able to out smart the gangsters by finding a way of indirectly communicating with the protagonist and they were able to make the arrests.