The Royal Effect

As a country, we have watched the royals for years, and consumed everything about their culture.  From buying magazines to purchasing the clothes that Kate Middleton wears when she goes grocery shopping. This is an example of cultural studies because we are trying to understand how a group of people live.  In addition, we live in a society where privilege is taken into account, and who is in a position of marginalization. The nonstop coverage of Prince William and Kate is an example of 'whitness.' Given that these two people, and the entire Royal Family is white, they constitute the racial norm that makes up some of our society. This brings up an interesting question....if these two people were a different race, would they have such widespread coverage? Would the world be as anxious to see their new baby, Prince George? Would billions be watching with wishful thinking as Kate Middleton lives out her lives with her prince? With each issue of People Magazine that has these two on the cover, it brings to light beliefs that the media has that this is the dominant hierarchy--that more people would watch as they brought their firstborn son out of the hospital than a special press conference or speech that President Obama (or any other President for that matter) would have. There is also a hint of cultural studies in this portrayal of William and Kate because of the different representations that are shown as the couple travels the world, and goes to events--how they interact with eachother, what they are wearing, and whether they are/were expecting, and interactions with other members of the Royal Family. It's all part of this ideology.