Reality Television

In an episode of Law and Order Special Victims Unit, specifically season 17 episode 2, I paid close attention to Amanda Rollins' character and how her gender is portrayed. In the opening scene, when talking about a man who is brought into questioning, detective Amanda Rollins states, "You know he is more open when it is just the two of us." However, detective Benson shuts her down by stating, "Nice try, Rollins." This statement suggests how Rollins is aware male criminals are more open with females, most likely because of their nurturing and caring stereotyped characteristics. As a female detective, Rollins uses this to her advantage. Here, her gender is portrayed as courageous because not all females would put themselves in a situation as such. Rollins uses this strategy to find answers rather than to flaunt femininity. 

When on the stand, Amanda Rollins's gender is also portrayed. She is questioned and interrogated because she visited Dr. Yates multiple times. Her reasoning is because he was able to confide in her more easily, and it is suggested because of her gender. If Rollins were to be a man, she would not have been questioned as intently. Yates's lawyer even asks, "is that common practice for a female NYPD detective?" rather than just stating "an NYPD detective." Detective Amanda Rollins is vulnerable on the stand because of her gender.

This episode is interesting because Detective Rollins finds out she is pregnant. Other co-workers send signals which evidently display she cannot handle the job as a pregnant woman, despite her being very capable since she is only at the very start of her pregnancy. Rollins later mentions, "this is not going to effect my ability to do my job." Benson replies with "Actually, yes it is Amanda... as soon as the department hears about this they are going to put you on restricted duty." Amanda is again limited in what she can do because of her pregnancy and her gender. Many women are limited and set back in their careers because of unexpected pregnancies. Overall, it is evident how female detectives are limited in all aspects of their career; Detective Amanda Rollins displays this in her role on Law and Order SVU.