As Roger blurs the lines in sexuality and gender through his cross-dressing, we are reminded that everyone has many sides. While we learn that his alien race believes in love as a powerful force, no other point is made that should be the only point necessary. Is he gay? Is he straight? Who the hell cares! He is an alien! Maybe where he comes from they do not even have genders or differing sexualities. Perhaps walking a mile in everyone else’s shoes allows Roger understands gender like no one else.Įverything he does and says when not in character exemplifies this. One would think that constantly being all these different personas could bring nothing but bad news for someone, even if that someone is an alien. Whether he is the snarky, sassy news reporter Genevieve Vavance, or the criminal mastermind tearjerker, Zach Braffland (the Legman to Wheels), his numerous imitations of real world women, or the hated *whisper* Rickyyy Spanishhh, Roger floats seamlessly into each and every character. Roger takes on every role with full embodiment. Through this we see not only Roger’s chameleon-like acting qualities, but also something serious: the most tolerant and open mindset a character has held towards both gender and sexuality. Since he longs to live outside the walls of the Smith family home, he gets creative in a way that suits him…through disguises Every episode features Roger in a new costume and a persona to match. One would be lost without the other.Īfter through analysis of Roger, calling him “quite the character” would be an understatement. The pair balances each other in a The Odd Couple-type dynamic. Stan Smith, (father, CIA agent and patriarchal symbol) is the perfect foil to Roger’s flamboyant and outlandish character. In the Seth McFarlane ‘s American Dad, we meet Roger as he crash lands into the Smith family’s life, bringing chaos and hilarity with him. However, there does seem to be an exemplary genderfluid character in the animated world. While gender is being recognized for its fluidity and ambiguity, there has yet to be a good depiction of this on television in the way of human acting roles. Gender, for example, has become a hot-button topic over the past few years as the world has begun to realize that gender follows no clear dichotomy. But what happens when things become ambiguous? Our culture has a preference for the “black and white” because it is clearly defined. His vindictiveness knows no bounds.In a society of this or that, right and wrong, we come from a culture that loves to compartmentalize things neatly into boxes. Roger will do just about anything to get what he wants, including lie, cheat or steal. Personality… immature, raunchy, and wild. He once successfully impersonated Kevin Bacon, going so far as to abuse the power that his star-status gave him. He has a long list of convincing alter egos. Since Roger is forbidden from leaving the Smith residence, he’s taken to becoming a master of disguise. Roger identifies as a “fey pansexual alcoholic non-human.” That’s correct: Roger is attracted to men, women, animals and inanimate objects.Ĭhallenge… getting out of the house a bit more. Relationship Status… single and ready to mingle with anything that moves (or doesn’t). Roger is a self-described alcoholic: “Wine lover right here! Also a heroin lover in case any wants to schedule a poppy tour. Interests… soap operas, junk food, and any mind-altering substance he can get his hands on. Today, Roger is just another member of the family – though he can’t leave the house for fear that government forces will recapture him. Roger belongs to Steve Smith, and was originally given to the young Steve as a sort of pet. Now, he lives with the Smith family in Langley Falls, Virginia. Frankly, he’s got more power here than he did back at home, where he worked as a greeter at a retail store. Roger, an alien, likes life on our little planet.
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