Media portrayal of the LGBT community varies from very positive and supportive to very negative and demoralizing. The gay community is constantly battling with the negative image and trying to overcome stereotypes in television, films and other media. Because many lesbians, gay, bisexual, and transgender people look just like everyone else the media tends to add images to make the community as visible as a difference in skin color. In many movies and television shows gays are depicted as prima donna, promiscuous, and bold. Despite the stereotypical portrayal of gays, the media has show support to the community with shows like The L Word, The Real L Word, Queer Eye, and Will and Grace. Recently many celebrities have felt more comfortable coming out of the closet which has, in turn, caused the media to create more gay friendly shows. With the popularity of gay television shows, celebrities, and music artists, Western culture has had to open its eyes to the gay community and be aware of the social issues. With more shows promoting the acceptance of gays, people are able to view a more correct depiction of the LGBT community. The gay community has been targeted by marketers who view LGBT people as an untapped source of discretionary spending, as many couples have two income streams and no children. As a result, companies are advertising more and more to the gay community, and LGBT activists use advertisement slogans to promote gay community views. Subaru marketed its "Forester" and "Outback" models with the slogan "It's not a choice. It's the way we're built" which was later used in eight United States cities on streets or in gay rights events.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daryl-c-hannah/lgbt-people-of-color-media_b_1466391.html
Great post Jamie!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree, the media is so major in our society today and most rely on it for their main source of information. The media can be judgmental, crude, vague and unethical, but also informational. In some ways I think the media hinders the true identity of the LGBT community. For the most part the LGBT community is more well-known and accepted in today’s society compared to the past. However, there is still a general dislike by some for a majority of the LGBT today. With more individuals freely expressing them-selves, and the community’s vast rate of hate crimes still prominent today, some are more at risk of being victims of hate crimes.
Some may argue that hate crimes don’t exist or are rare due to the lack of media coverage.
As we have learned in class, media coverage is often swayed by the decision and personal values of the CO of the company or its employees. I believe the media wants to mask issues such as hate crimes of the LGBT because so many of them are disturbing/brutal and most often result in fatalities. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the hate crimes are prevalent in every community. However, I am more aware of hate crimes stemming from the LGBT community due to my background in LGBT studies. Hate crimes are still very tragic and should not be swept under the rug. I believe it is our responsibility and duty, as well as the media’s, to educate and prevent hate crimes against all communities.