For this week's blog (Mar. 24-30), please respond to either question #3 or #4 on this week's SeinLanguage guide. NOTE: Whichever question you choose, please respond to both parts. Thanks!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
#10: Gay Betty
In ABC's hit show, UGLY BETTY, they have a fertile playing ground for gay characters and gay-friendly characters. Set in the Manhattan, in a fashion magazine's office, gay guys are pretty prominent, and many of the topics in the office and outside of the office are oriented to things gays would be interested in.
An avid watcher of this show, this is no surprise to me. It protrays a semi-realistic view behind the fashion magazine thousands of people pour countless hours over every month. Ugly Betty gives an equal balance to the gay men and straight. Justin Suarez, Marc St. James, and Cliff, Mark's photographer boyfriend who gets introduced in the second season during one a fashion spread shoot represent the gays, in all extremities, the "Broadway Bound Babes" to "Fashionistas" to "Fashion-Mistakes." The straight men characteristics are shown through Ignacio Suarez, a effeminate straight guy who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, Daniel Meade, who is girl crazy and chases any girl with nice assets and good looks, and Santos, a character who is the quintessential macho man, and ends up getting involved in gangs and dies at the end of Season 1 after a small fight with former gang members.
The show is also open to transsexuals. Alex Meade, Daniels brother turned sister, appears throughout the show, and is remembered in the Meade family as the brother who died in a tragic ski accident. A few years later, Alexis Meade returns to the scene and the brotherly competition that was always there when they were both brothers, chasing after the same girls, etc., evolve to sibling rivalries at the company.
An avid watcher of this show, this is no surprise to me. It protrays a semi-realistic view behind the fashion magazine thousands of people pour countless hours over every month. Ugly Betty gives an equal balance to the gay men and straight. Justin Suarez, Marc St. James, and Cliff, Mark's photographer boyfriend who gets introduced in the second season during one a fashion spread shoot represent the gays, in all extremities, the "Broadway Bound Babes" to "Fashionistas" to "Fashion-Mistakes." The straight men characteristics are shown through Ignacio Suarez, a effeminate straight guy who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, Daniel Meade, who is girl crazy and chases any girl with nice assets and good looks, and Santos, a character who is the quintessential macho man, and ends up getting involved in gangs and dies at the end of Season 1 after a small fight with former gang members.
The show is also open to transsexuals. Alex Meade, Daniels brother turned sister, appears throughout the show, and is remembered in the Meade family as the brother who died in a tragic ski accident. A few years later, Alexis Meade returns to the scene and the brotherly competition that was always there when they were both brothers, chasing after the same girls, etc., evolve to sibling rivalries at the company.
America: Homosexual Christians
America. Greatest country on Earth. The powerful capitalist nation. America. Land of the free, home of the brave. America. One nation, under God. The “Christians.” America. Homosexual.
Like we discussed in English, generation Y is the most diverse, tolerant, and accepting generation in the history of America. We are becoming more and more liberal every day. Looking at AfterElton.com, I have realized how much homosexuality has been accepted in this country. You see it in the way we talk, what we listen to, and what we watch. The way advertising and entertainment works. Proves this. Marketing creates and broadcasts what American viewers like. Knowing this and looking at shows like Torchwood, Ugly Betty, Brothers & Sisters, and Project Runway, I’ve come to the conclusion that many people in America have become more accepting of homosexuality. The funny thing is that, America being a predominantly Christian country, these people don’t see anything wrong with it. If you really think about it, homosexuality is just another sin, right? Then why is it that “Christians” think that it is acceptable? I know why. To quote Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae, “America ain’t Christian. They’re just practicing the ritual.”
Like we discussed in English, generation Y is the most diverse, tolerant, and accepting generation in the history of America. We are becoming more and more liberal every day. Looking at AfterElton.com, I have realized how much homosexuality has been accepted in this country. You see it in the way we talk, what we listen to, and what we watch. The way advertising and entertainment works. Proves this. Marketing creates and broadcasts what American viewers like. Knowing this and looking at shows like Torchwood, Ugly Betty, Brothers & Sisters, and Project Runway, I’ve come to the conclusion that many people in America have become more accepting of homosexuality. The funny thing is that, America being a predominantly Christian country, these people don’t see anything wrong with it. If you really think about it, homosexuality is just another sin, right? Then why is it that “Christians” think that it is acceptable? I know why. To quote Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae, “America ain’t Christian. They’re just practicing the ritual.”
#10 Lesbians on TV
After visiting www.afterellen.com, I realized there were many references of lesbians or bisexuals on television. There were actually a lot more shows that have homosexual characters on there then I ever have seen before. Some examples include SATISFACTION, THE L WORD, EXES AND OHS, and several more. The writers give some praise it seems like to the shows who have the main character lesbian, or even put one in the show. For example, they seemed pleased with the British television show MISTRESSES for putting a bisexual woman in the series.
However, some of the writers on this page seem to think that the media gives a negative image portrayal/stereotype on lesbians. Rebecca Beirne a writer for this website, thinks that in SATISFACTION lesbians are portrayed as girls who do "strange and reckless things" after the episode "Jizz" has the women fighting each other trying to find a sperm donor for their baby. THE L WORD actually has a similar situation with trying to find a donor, and the main character also has unprotected sex with an untested man.
After just quickly scanning this webpage, I learned lots about stereotypes of lesbian and how these shows might not doing the best job of portraying this to the public.
#10: Xena Comes Out
Today, more and more television networks are debuting shows such as The L Word and Exes & Ohs centered on issues of homosexuality and bisexuality. These traditionally controversial issues would have been considered inappropriate decades ago, however as times change, the 21st century society now has a different perspective on these types of shows.
During the 1990s, the popular television show Xena: Warrior Princess was the story of heroic female friends Xena and Gabrielle who battled the wrong-doings of villains during the times of the Roman Empire. As a viewer of the show, it was easy to see a lesbian subtext between Xena and Gabrielle, but the show never officially addressed them as a couple and some chose to be oblivious to this possible relationship. In Christie Keith’s article, Bringing Out the Warrior Princess, she asks would things be different if the show would be made- or remade-today or in other words, would society be as accepting of the show if Xena and Gabrielle were a blatant couple? The answer Keith received from the show’s creators was that if the show was created in this day in age, the cable version would have definitely explored deeper into the obvious lesbian relationship between Xena and Gabrielle and it still would be a financial success as it was in the 1990s. From this article, I was clearly able to understand the Keith’s point on the changes of society and how much more tolerant this 21st century culture is of homosexual issues.
During the 1990s, the popular television show Xena: Warrior Princess was the story of heroic female friends Xena and Gabrielle who battled the wrong-doings of villains during the times of the Roman Empire. As a viewer of the show, it was easy to see a lesbian subtext between Xena and Gabrielle, but the show never officially addressed them as a couple and some chose to be oblivious to this possible relationship. In Christie Keith’s article, Bringing Out the Warrior Princess, she asks would things be different if the show would be made- or remade-today or in other words, would society be as accepting of the show if Xena and Gabrielle were a blatant couple? The answer Keith received from the show’s creators was that if the show was created in this day in age, the cable version would have definitely explored deeper into the obvious lesbian relationship between Xena and Gabrielle and it still would be a financial success as it was in the 1990s. From this article, I was clearly able to understand the Keith’s point on the changes of society and how much more tolerant this 21st century culture is of homosexual issues.
#10: the evolution of gay T.V. characters
This weekend I visited the website Afterelton.com/tv and realized that I am not very familiar with shows involving gay characters. After scanning the site, I realized that I did not recognize one t.v. show name and the only t.v. show I watch regularly with an openly gay character is South Park (and the main gay character isn't always a man, doesn't always like women, and is sometimes transsexual or even bisexual, or a mix of all of these). I did however, read the article "Survival of the Fab-est: how gay T.V. characters evolve" and learned that the writers for this site are not only wacky, but way over the top. Steven Frank, the writer of this article described the hypothetical situation where scientists discover the evolution of gay television characters as "a pivotal moment in the 22nd century". It is obvious to see that Frank believes that gay men are represented fairly in television and have earned "tolerance, if not outright acceptance" (as he uses almost five pages to prove his point with examples from THE WAR AT HOME, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, MELROSE PLACE, WILL & GRACE and many many other shows), but he goes as far as to credit the evolution of the typical gay television characters to some wacky natural selection mixed with television characters theory rather than simply realize that it is part of gays being accepted more often as the times progress. It is very important for us to realize when magazines or e-zines are writing opinion, such as this one is, because sometimes we forget that people just like you and me are writing them and get lost in believing anything we see that is written down.
#10:
As I scanned the website http://www.afterellen.com/tv, I realized how many shows on television are related to homosexual and bisexual characters. For example, shows that display gay women include "The L Word", "A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila", "Top Chef", "Nip/Tuck", and "Degrassi". I came across an article called, "2007 Year in Review: Television" by Malinda Lo, that really gave an in-depth analysis on the way bi and lesbian women are represented on American television. This year was truly the year that lesbian-themed programming really came out of the closet, including lots of romance and drama. In the previous years, most lesbians were always portrayed as feminine, but shows such as "Dani Campbell" and "The Kill Point" really broke the stereotype. Even in reality shows like "Top Chef", lesbian and bisexual women were clearly represented, and even had their chance to be in a dating show with Tila Tequila. It is safe to say that the past year in 2007, the lesbian and bisexual representation has increased a great deal and almost seems as if the media and culture is more accepting than ever. Regardless to say, the Hollywood environment raves liberalism, and is always looking for new ways to display all kinds of people and sexuality on television. No matter what preference you like, be it homosexual or heterosexual..."sex sells", and there will always be the audience there to support either side.
#10 Straight Traits
There are several shows that incorporate gay characters into their cast- Will And Grace, Ugly Betty, Desperate House Wives, The Office and even Law and Order to name a few. These characters either play a main role as in Will and Grace (Will Truman and Jack Mcfarland) or have a secondary role like Marc from Ugly Betty. Either way the media poses certain stereotypes on their characters. In his article “Survival of the Fab- est: how Gay TV characters evolved” Steven Frank rejoices at the fact that Gay characters and their stereotypes have evolved over the years. He describes how the trend in the TV media now emphasizes that the gay characters aren’t any different than the other characters by ridding some of the standard typecasts from their characters. For example Will Truman from Will and Grace, though gay, does not exhibit the typical traits associated with 'gay' men and can very easily be considered a straight man.
The emerging trend is also to endow the secondary gay characters with some added importance that makes the audience pay attention and remember them even though they are not the main protagonist. Increasingly writers/ directors are typecasting their gay characters with not so gay qualities and still maintaining that fundamental differences exist.
The emerging trend is also to endow the secondary gay characters with some added importance that makes the audience pay attention and remember them even though they are not the main protagonist. Increasingly writers/ directors are typecasting their gay characters with not so gay qualities and still maintaining that fundamental differences exist.
# 10: Project RunGAY
After looking at the website www.afterellen.com, It was easy to see what this site was created to do. On this site they post commentary on shows that contain gay and lesbian characters such as "The L Word," "Top Chef," "Bad Girls," "Project Runway" and more. Out of these shows, the only one that I have watched is "Project Runway."
This is a show about aspiring fashion designers competing with each other to win the challenges and potentially get help in creating their own line of clothing. From what I have seen, the gay designers are portrayed exactly as you would think of a stereotypical homosexual. First off, it is a show about fashion design which is a historically gay profession in the first place. The biggest reason I see this stereotypical trend played-up is that the producers over-emphasize any stereotype that a gay character does. For example, one of the gay designers, Christian, is shown doing his hair and crying more than any of the heterosexual characters. This is done to re-iterate and play up the already known characteristics of gay people. In this case, the media is not helping the gay community make any new strides. If however the show played down these stereotypes, it would be less derogatory and insensitive to the growing number of homosexuals.
#10; Ready or Not, Here They Come
Today, there are many shows which incorporate and/or reference lesbian and bisexual characters, for example: The L Word, A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila, and Nip/Tuck. According to Malinda Lo’s article “2007 Year in Review: Television,” lesbians and bisexuals are being portrayed in a more positive light than ever before. “From sex and dating to gender expression, lesbians and bi women came out of the closet this year as fully fledged individuals with romantic lives and political beliefs — whether you liked them or not” (Para.1). Today, lesbians and bisexuals are being depicted in a more realistic fashion. They have moved out from under the subtext, like in the show Xena, and into the spotlight, like in the show The L Word. Also, many shows began to challenge certain stereotypes. “As in 2006, the vast majority of lesbians on television in 2007 were traditionally feminine in appearance, but this year the gender envelope was pushed by several lesbian/bi women who had more androgynous looks” (Para. 4). In other words, lesbians and bisexuals are being portrayed more realistically than ever before, and the number of shows portraying them is dramatically increasing.
#10 "The L-Word"
After visiting http://www.afterellen.com/ I came to discover that many shows on television address bisexuality and homosexuality. Such shows include "Bad Girls," "Cashmere Mafia," "Exes & Ohs," "South of Nowhere," and "The L-Word." As I scanned the website, I came across the article "THE L WORD Reinforces Negative Bisexual Stereotypes" by Nicole Kristal. This particular writer feels that "The L-Word" represents the bisexual women on the show in a negative manner by contributing to the negative stereotypes put on bisexuals. I think the author feels this show represents the LGBT community in a negative way because of her use of several examples. One example is that these myths include that all bisexuals are crazy, in denial about their true sexual orientation, and likely to cheat on their partners for the other gender (para. 1). Another example is that this particular author is a bisexual viewer of the show and was disappointed that the show does not portray bisexuality fairly in the sense that the character fulfilled the stereotype that all female fence-sitters transition into lesbians (para. 6).
I had not ever heard of the stereotype that all bisexuals transition into lesbians, in fact I thought the opposite. The authors points brought important stereotypes to my attention that I had never paid attention to before.
I had not ever heard of the stereotype that all bisexuals transition into lesbians, in fact I thought the opposite. The authors points brought important stereotypes to my attention that I had never paid attention to before.
# 10 Pregnant Lesbians
I didn’t know any of the shows which deal with lesbians but as I read several articles on the site, I found that the TV shows incorporate lesbian: “Cashmere Mafia”, “The L Word”, “Exes & Ohs” and “Satisfaction.” One of the articles which caught my eye was “TV’s Negative Portrayal of Pregnant Lesbians Continues.” This article talked about the some lesbian couple in the show tried to have baby to have real family. And Arthur talked about most of shows described negative aspect about pregnant lesbians. Most show’s story line are based that one person from the lesbian couple tried to have sex with guys who can give her sperm to make her pregnant and after the other person found out, they have some trouble and break up at the end. The Arthur said that the story line is evidence of the way that the hunt for sperm seems to drive television's lesbians to do strange and reckless things (Para. 7). Also these shows don’t encourage lesbians to have baby to keep the relationship and also it is incompatible (Para. 18). I can tell that the reason these kinds of story lines are continue is that still we have some kinds of stereotypes toward to homosexuality.
#10 Will and Grace
One of my favorite TV shows, WILL & GRACE, a TV show about 2 gay men, one straight woman, and one sometimes bi-sexual woman. It is one of the best sit-coms I have ever seen and it deals with homosexuality and bi-sexuality very well, in the terms of making fun of gay stereotypes and showing a little more about them. Adding two gay characters to this show makes the show hilarious, interesting, and never boring. Jack and Will, the two male gay characters of the show portray two different types of gay men. Jack, the more flamboyant one, is used as the sterotypical gay man. He is very feminine in his speech, loves Cher, is very high-maintenance,loves to create drama and loves fashion. In my opinion, Jack makes the show with his actions and with his self-involved pursuits. Will, on the other hand, is the more level-headed, down to earth homosexual man of the show. He is responsible, successful and doesn't normally portray the stereotypical gay man. Will shows audiences and media that not all gay men are like Jack, flamboyant, feminine, high-strung, and love fashion. This show is great in the terms of dealing with homosexuality because it shows two types or sides of homosexuality showing the audience that you dont have to be so flamboyant to be gay and that the gay stereotype only refers to SOME gay men, not all, and that you shouldnt categorize gay men in that stereotype. The media should not be so harsh on gay men as they are now, but I think the show, WILL & GRACE, handles it very well and creates a sense of humor for all types of audiences.
#10 The Improvement of the Decade
Homosexuality has become more prevalent in today’s television and movies. People have become a little more accepting than they have been in the past especially with its display in the media. One particular show that I enjoy watching is Top Chef. It has been very interesting to watch season 4 which publicly displays three lesbian contestants. It doesn’t really affect the show to know that there are a couple lesbians as the chefs; after all it is a reality show just about cooking. However, it is public knowledge that two of the chefs have a past romantic history. Two of the chefs, Zoi Antonitsas and Lisa Fernandes, are long time partners which makes it even more interesting when they are competing for the title of “Top Chef”.
While Top Chef is one of the only television shows that I am familiar with that has lesbians, I know there are more out there. The website, AfterEllen.com, depicts many shows and articles containing lesbians on television. I feel that the writers of this website feel that lesbians can be sometimes be misrepresented in television but also they praise some shows for better portraying the lives of gays and lesbians. The writers of the website are most likely lesbian and they are conveying their feelings about which television shows stereotype them in the wrong way and which shows have really improved on representing the lesbians correctly. Overall, I think that lesbian and gay representation has vastly improved in the media in the past decade.
While Top Chef is one of the only television shows that I am familiar with that has lesbians, I know there are more out there. The website, AfterEllen.com, depicts many shows and articles containing lesbians on television. I feel that the writers of this website feel that lesbians can be sometimes be misrepresented in television but also they praise some shows for better portraying the lives of gays and lesbians. The writers of the website are most likely lesbian and they are conveying their feelings about which television shows stereotype them in the wrong way and which shows have really improved on representing the lesbians correctly. Overall, I think that lesbian and gay representation has vastly improved in the media in the past decade.
#10 Our Gay Media
Torchwood and Ugly Betty are two examples of somewhat popular shows that make reference to gay men. These two shows try to portray the message that there is nothing wrong with being gay and it is just a part of life. I believe that the media is trying to say that there is hardly a difference between people that are gay and those that are straight. It seems as if this matter is no longer a controversial issue as it was when Seinfeld was first on the air. Although I am not familiar with any shows that have strong gay or lesbian influences, the writers/editors of this site seem to feel that gays are misrepresented in the media. They feel as if the media reinforces the common negative stereotypes about gays and lesbians. The writers are suggesting in numerous articles that gay men in the media are no different than straight men and it should not be a big issue. Finally, gay representation in the media has changed dramatically over the past few decades and critics on this site are the first to cover the story.
#10: Lesbians Will Survive
Survivor is one of the most well recognized series in the "reality TV" genre, and in all sixteen seasons, there have only been two openly lesbian participants on the show. Ami Cusack is one of these lesbians being given a second chance at "surviving" in the current season, Survivor: Micronesia. In her first appearance in Survivor: Vanuata, the press surrounding Cusack attempted to paint her as a "man hater and arrogant".
In an interview with Cusack, conducted by Malinda Lo of AfterEllen.com, this issue about the hatred surrounding her openly queer sexual preference was addressed. Cusack acknowledged that her demeanor on the show probably made it easier to paint an unfair picture of lesbians as "man-haters and arrogant" because she was playing to win, but she didn't let it bother her. Other questions of the interview addressed both her romantic life and the media's take on it. According to the interview, the directors decided to omit her kissing with her girlfriend at that time, Crissy, because he didn't think it was "right".
From this interview, I discerned that the interviewer representing AfterEllen.com did a fair job at revealing her own position that lesbians should be treated more fairly by the media. She also managed to show that not all lesbians live up to the “tough” stereotype because Cusack admits that part of it was due to her military upbringing and that she felt more like a "delicate flower" at the time the interview was conducted.
(10) An Evolutionary Change in Perceptions
This week’s class mainly discussed sexuality and sexual preference in pop culture, primarily in television. The current television shows that incorporate and/or reference gay and/or bisexual male characters include: As the World Turns, Brothers & Sisters, Dante's Cove, Project Runway, Torchwood, and Ugly Betty just to name a few.
According to AfterElton.com these gay and or bisexual male characters in sitcoms have somewhat evolved since their early 90’s stereotypes. In his article titled Survival of the Fab-est: How Gay TV Characters Evolve—Steven Franks goes into great detail about their previous and current perceptions or even misconceptions. He goes on to say until now, conventional wisdom held that the pinnacle of Gay Character Evolution had been a type more like Marc—fabulous, fashionable, and, most crucially, rail-thin (par 2.) What he meant by until now is the new portrayal that is seen on a more recent television program. Something of a couch potato, a regular, somewhat stocky guy without discernible product in his hair or designer labels on his clothing (par 2.) From my understanding of this article there was more of a concern for lack of greater numbers of gay characters on television. However, this evolutionary change is showing a change in perception, which is definitely a good thing for the representation of gay and or bisexual characters in the media.
According to AfterElton.com these gay and or bisexual male characters in sitcoms have somewhat evolved since their early 90’s stereotypes. In his article titled Survival of the Fab-est: How Gay TV Characters Evolve—Steven Franks goes into great detail about their previous and current perceptions or even misconceptions. He goes on to say until now, conventional wisdom held that the pinnacle of Gay Character Evolution had been a type more like Marc—fabulous, fashionable, and, most crucially, rail-thin (par 2.) What he meant by until now is the new portrayal that is seen on a more recent television program. Something of a couch potato, a regular, somewhat stocky guy without discernible product in his hair or designer labels on his clothing (par 2.) From my understanding of this article there was more of a concern for lack of greater numbers of gay characters on television. However, this evolutionary change is showing a change in perception, which is definitely a good thing for the representation of gay and or bisexual characters in the media.
#10 The Two Sides of Homosexual Men
One of the most well known sitcom to reference gay and/or bisexual gay male characters is WILL & GRACE. Jack and Will are the two main gay characters who represent the flamboyant and not-so flamboyant sides of homosexual men. Jack’s sassiness and over the top love for acting and fashion is the stereotypical characteristics of a homosexual. Will on the other hand is a normal, tend to be laid back male who does not come off as a homosexual when first encountered. Majority of the time the media tends to forget "the Wills" that are out there, and judge and stereotype "the Jacks." For example, many comedians that I have seen on TV enjoy to act out in a way Jack would when describing a homosexual man. That is where the writers and editors come in and form characters such as Will and Jack. The audience can then view both sides of how homosexual men would act. WILL & GRACE, from the help of the writers and editors, handles the representation of gay men in very good manner and to the point where it can be quite accurate.
L For Love
On www.afterellen.com there are reviews and commentaries on shows that have lesbian or bisexual characters such as "The L Word", "Top Chef", "Bad Girls", and "Cashmere Mafia". A review of Season 5 of "The L Word" praised the show for changing the way lesbian life is portrayed on television. However, in another article about "The L Word" the show is criticized for giving stereotypical representations of Latina lesbians. It seems that homosexuals have created their own circle of shows that they love for their positive display of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. In an article about the cooking show "Top Chef" I learned that they have even come up with the term "chefbians" to refer to lesbian chefs. In all of the articles the shows are reviewed from a lesbians perspective on how lesbians and bisexuals are portrayed. After reading through a few reviews it is evident to see what homosexuals love to see on television shows and what stereotypes they hate to see displayed.
Friday, March 28, 2008
#10 Lesbians in the Media
As a fan on the hit television show ER, I found it interesting that the show's writers chose to bravely incorporate a lesbian doctor in such an intense hospital environment where traditionally, doctors are heterosexual and the expression of sexual preference is not openly discussed. Also, most lesbians were given "masculine" roles such as a truck driver or firefighter. Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) who debuted on ER in 1994, was not only a lesbian, but also had a physical walking handicap. Fearful to be close to another sexually and emotionally, Dr. Weaver did not "come out of the closet" until later in the season, which was well received by most of her co-workers, but not all. Being a unique character for her sexual preference, Dr. Weaver also had an African American partner who was a female firefighter (Lisa Vidal). Together the union decided to have a child, an idea rarely portrayed even in our current media. From the outside looking in, the homosexual nuclear family was no different than that of a heterosexual couple until tragedy occurred with the death of Dr. Weaver's partner. Viewers were brought back to reality when Child Protective Services took away the child since the couple was never a "legal" union. Dr. Weaver's sexual preference was never an issue until the government stepped in, reminding the public that homosexuality was illegal and socially unacceptable. Thus, Dr. Weaver's lesbian character was a pioneer in the media, yet in the end, did not come out on top because of her differences in sexual preference.Overall, I believe the After Ellen website feels the acceptance of lesbians in the media is growing, but slowly. In most cases, lesbians are viewing in a positive atmosphere, but may have too much of a sexual portrayal at times. Hopefully over time the public will further appreciate various sexual preferences portrayed in the media.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
#10 What T.V. shows demonstrate gay men?
Project Runway is a show about several contestants who compete to make the most unique and fashionable clothing design for each week’s theme. The contestants are all random people who have an exquisite talent for passion for fashion. It was noted that in season four it was the gayest television show ever aired. They concluded this because seven out of the eight contestants were gay. At the top of the article it was said that, “Considering they're fashion designers, the "gay" part wasn't really news, but the "out" part wasn't the kind of thing we'd have seen in a Pre-Queer Eye world.” The whole intro explains how it is really rare that straight men are fashion designers.
Another show that deals with the generalizations of gay men is Ugly Betty. It is a show about a girl who lacks appearance and social skills, one in which being fashion. On the show, the directors chose a male to help her out with her sense of fashion. In the show it is not mentioned whether or not he (Justin Suarez) is gay; however the show gives off that vibe by a male being knowledgeable in the fashion industry. A lot of the watchers commented on how the show should declare that he is straight, they said just because one is in fashion does not mean they have to be gay.
Another show that deals with the generalizations of gay men is Ugly Betty. It is a show about a girl who lacks appearance and social skills, one in which being fashion. On the show, the directors chose a male to help her out with her sense of fashion. In the show it is not mentioned whether or not he (Justin Suarez) is gay; however the show gives off that vibe by a male being knowledgeable in the fashion industry. A lot of the watchers commented on how the show should declare that he is straight, they said just because one is in fashion does not mean they have to be gay.
#10: My name is Jack and I'm a bisexual action hero!
According to the website AfterElton.com the lack of homosexual characters in sitcoms is a tragedy, where representation of homosexuals as a distinct class in society is almost non- existent in sitcoms. However despite this belief sitcoms such as Will and Grace create storylines around homosexual characters such as Will Truman (Eric McCormack) who is a homosexual lawyer and Jack McFarland (Sean Hayes) who is a struggling homosexual actor. It is this distinct portrayal of homosexual characters in Will and Grace that have writers and editors of AfterElton.com relieved as they stated, "...the ways in which gay men are portrayed is being expanded and diversified and that is a very good thing."
Whether true or not what's evident is shows such as Ellen, and Will and Grace recieve a lot of applause from writers and editors of AfterElton.com, "Fortunately a small but happy tidal wave came along called Will and Grace...landing on T.Vs must see list..." Similar to the Will and Grace, Brothers and Sisters centers around the political arena where one of the main roles includes an upper class homosexual lawyer called Kevin (Matthew Rhys). In addition sitcoms today even include homosexual action heroes, rather in the case of the new BBC show Torchwood the show's main male character is a bisexual action hero named Captain Jack (John Barrowman) who fights extraterrestials.
Today there are shows and sitcoms that either play lead characters or their entire premise revolves around the theme of homosexuality indicating how we as a society feel and view the issue in contrast to four decades ago. As the writers and editors of AfterElton.com exclaimed, "I have good news...it's gayer than ever!"
Whether true or not what's evident is shows such as Ellen, and Will and Grace recieve a lot of applause from writers and editors of AfterElton.com, "Fortunately a small but happy tidal wave came along called Will and Grace...landing on T.Vs must see list..." Similar to the Will and Grace, Brothers and Sisters centers around the political arena where one of the main roles includes an upper class homosexual lawyer called Kevin (Matthew Rhys). In addition sitcoms today even include homosexual action heroes, rather in the case of the new BBC show Torchwood the show's main male character is a bisexual action hero named Captain Jack (John Barrowman) who fights extraterrestials.
Today there are shows and sitcoms that either play lead characters or their entire premise revolves around the theme of homosexuality indicating how we as a society feel and view the issue in contrast to four decades ago. As the writers and editors of AfterElton.com exclaimed, "I have good news...it's gayer than ever!"
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