"Erica Hahn" from Grey's Anatomy

Grey's Anatomy is, arguably, one of the most popular medical dramas on TV. Although Dr. Erica Hahn was only on the show briefly, she has left quite an impact. She was introduced on the show as the "rival doctor". She was working with Dr. Burke, a doctor who went to school with her. They were rivals because Burke graduated number 1 from their graduating class at John Hopkins Medical School, while Hahn finished second. After she enters the show, Erica turns down sexual advances from Dr. Sloan, a.k.a. "Dr. Steamy". This might have raised questions in the minds of the viewers because Dr. Steamy wasn't turned down too often. Later, Erica became involved with another doctor, Callie Torres. Their relationship was cut short because the TV network somewhat pressured the producers of Grey's Anatomy to get rid of the character. The TV network believed that the relationship between Erica and Callie was getting too explicit. The producers of Grey's Anatomy, however, said that the reason they got rid of the character was because they felt that the viewers would eventually get bored with Erica. The producers stated that they were not homophobic in the least because, obviously, they had a lesbian/bisexual character already on the show (Callie Torres).

Although the producers tried to make it appear that the reason Emily was written out of the show was because their was not enough chemistry involved with Emily and the other characters to keep the viewers' attention, I think that they definitely feeled pressured by the TV network. It's sad that they couldn't show more of a serious romantic relationship between two women. I think that a lot of lesbian characters on the shows either have relationships off camera or their relationships are brief and not mentioned that much. Even though the character was shortly lived, I think that Erica kind of fit into the stereotype that other white women did. This stereotype is that rich, white women and men are homosexual or bisexual. Erica breaks another stereotype, however, by being involved openly with another woman that she works with. Although she might have been secretive, she still had the courage to have a romantic relationship with her co-worker even if she could have lost her job. She was very brave and honest about her feelings for Callie.

Okay, so Erica fits the rich, white lesbian stereotype but that is not her fault. The producers chose the actress who played her. She defies other stereotypes, however, by her bravery towards having a relationship with a woman show works with and by being with a woman of color (Callie). She is nonapologetic and she does not feel like she has to conform to anybody's standards even if she is in a high respected profession. Erica can she other gay or bisexual women that, sometimes, you might have to risk everything for love. Erica risked her job, but she knew that she couldn't hide her feelings for love. She was a very honest character and I am sad that she is no longer a part of the cast.