How 'Community' perfectly captured American culture
03 Jul 2025

The television show Community offers a quirky take on American culture and society.

With its eclectic ensemble and creative storytelling, the series often captures the spirit of America in more ways than one.

From delving into themes of friendship to celebrating cultural diversity, Community has been able to capture the essence of America in a way that appeals to many.

Here are five times when the show truly represented American values and experiences.

'Community's diverse cast reflects America
Diversity

One of the most interesting things about Community is its diverse cast, which reflects America's multicultural society.

The characters belong from different backgrounds, and each of them adds their own perspective and experiences to Greendale Community College.

This diversity not just makes the storyline deeper, but also reflects America's melting pot nature, where people from various cultures cohabitate and learn from each other.

Celebrating individuality in 'Community'
Individuality

More than anything else, the show is about individuality.

It showcases characters who accept their unique traits and quirks, be it Abed's obsession with pop culture or Troy's transition from a high school footballer to a more self-aware human being.

Community celebrates personal growth and self-discovery.

It's something that's very American and encourages everyone to be true to themselves while chasing their dreams.

The power of friendship in 'Community'
Friendship

One of the main themes of Community is friendship, and it portrays how people from different walks of life can bond so well despite their differences.

The study group at Greendale becomes a family, standing by each other in times of challenges and triumphs alike.

This is a reflection of the American value of community support and camaraderie as key to one's fulfillment.

Humor as a unifying force in 'Community'
Humor

Humor not only has an integral role in bringing the characters of the series together, but it also tackles serious topics with lightness.

By employing satire and witty cleverness, Community addresses issues like identity crises or societal norms without distancing audiences from people who may have contrasting opinions or beliefs about them.

It shows how humor can bridge divides among people across America.

Exploring American pop culture through parody
Pop culture

Throughout its run, Community often parodies popular films, TV shows, and genres—paying homage while also critiquing them.

Doing so allows audiences well-acquainted with these references to feel connected through shared cultural knowledge.

That the show manages to capture Americana's essence through parody says something about the role pop culture plays in shaping national identity.

It brings citizens together regardless of background or upbringing.