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Representation of gays/lesbians in cinema
Representation of gays/lesbians in cinema
Psychology human behavior
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Society today has become more accepting of homosexuality. There are single gender couples in the media, and gay rights, such as marriage, have become a political standpoint. In this class we have discussed how society today is changing, and how important it is to be accepting of others who are different. In a heterosexual society, it is a big deal that we are becoming more accepting of people who like the same sex. The problem is, some people aren't just heterosexual or homosexual. Similar to the gender binary, there is a sexual orientation binary being created by the media. The black and white view is damaging to people who like both genders. Society tries to put labels on people, causing people to question their own identity. In the time …show more content…
Right now, a bisexual is seen as someone who cannot make a choice, but society should not pressure people to choose. People should not have to label themselves heterosexual or homosexual. The media has become more accepting of same sex couples, however, it exploits bisexuality. If a girl has an experiment with her roommate in college, some people who say that that automatically makes her a lesbian, but that may not be what she identifies as. The same concept applies for males. For instance, many members of male sports teams have traditionally been pushed into partaking in hyper-masculine activities and behaviors, pushing the ideas of homosexuality to the category of taboo. However, as times continue to change, so do the behaviors and ideas towards homophobia. A soccer team of sixty men were interviewed to disclose their …show more content…
“April’ s Shower presents the issue of conformity to heterosexuality. Although April confesses to Alex that she is her best friend and soul mate, April is not comfortable being in a same-sex relationship. She chooses to develop a relationship with Pauly, her fiancé, because she wants to fit into the heterosexist society. When Alex confronts her on this matter, April admits to not being as strong as Alex. That is, April does not consider herself strong enough to handle the secrecy and stress associated with same-sex love (i.e. commitment to Alex) rather than to choose social conformity (i.e. marriage to Pauly)”. This article also analyzes another movie. “Imagine Me & You focuses specifically on the relationships between three characters: Rachael, the young bride; Hector, Rachael’s husband; and Luce, the woman Rachael loves. The film begins on the day of Rachael and Heck’s wedding. As Rachael is walking down the aisle, she catches a glimpse of Luce, the florist for their wedding. Rachael is mesmerized by Luce, and although very much in love with her new husband, she cannot stop herself from thinking about Luce. After the wedding, Rachael pursues Luce in what she describes as friendship” These two movies have a unique perspective about how bisexuality is viewed. “In April’s Shower and Imagine Me & You, the interest in female
For my interview portion of this response I interviewed a friend of mine named Nicole who is a bisexual. When I asked her about her fears of coming out her she said that her only fear was being seen as some kind of pervert or sexual predator.” I came out to my friends first, some were shocked but soon it just became something that people just knew and after awhile it became just as relevant as my hair color”. She also stated that after she came out to her friends some of those friends came out to her soon after. She admitted she was treated differently by people because of the discrimination bisexuals get by both hetrosexuals and homosexuals.“People tolerate bisexuals but they are not respected” She said that many people treated her as if she was confused or like she was only pretending to like girls because they believe that would attract men. She explained that most people tend to believe that bisexuality doesn’t exist.
... so many lives are suppressed, depressed and carry the plague of a negative stigma. Suppressed feelings, self esteem, and personal sexual choice is hindered by the norms and expectations of our society.
For example, “sociological and popular understanding of gay and lesbian relationships has been greatly distorted by the false presumption that only heterosexual relationships are normal ways of expressing sexual intimacy and love” (Andersen 1997, 95). This explains how society helps in influencing and identifying people sexual identities throughout their lifetime. Andersen admits that “heterosexual identity includes the belief that men have an overpowering sex drive and that women are considered more loving, soft and are link to sex [… and] contemporary sexual attitudes are shaped by phallocentric thinking-that which sees men as powerful and women as weak” (Andersen 1997, 94, 96). Although, society is lead to believe that men should be the dominant figure of the family. The reality is that, in gay and lesbian relationships, no one individual displays the behavior of an authoritative
For years homosexuality in the United States of America has been looked down upon by citizens, religions, and even politicians. The homosexual culture, or the LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender), has been demoralized and stuck out and lashed against by the Heterosexual community time and time again. To better understand the LGBT community we must first grasp the concept of Sexual Orientation.
I chose this topic because there is an issue of homophobia around the world. I find it interesting as to why people are homosexual, and if there is a gene responsible for this or if it can be developed later in life. This area of research directly relates to the age old question of “nature Vs. nurture”.
Today television shows are widely praised for their portrayal of different characters sexuality. On Modern Family a same-sex couple’s life is shown through their relations with their family and raising a child. There’s also shows aimed at young adults that are receiving attention for their depiction of gay or lesbian characters such as Glee and Pretty Little Liars. Even the Disney Channel has shown a same-sex couple on the show Good Luck Charlie (with some backlash claiming that since Disney is intended for children that they should seek merely to entertain and not to push an agenda). On the contrary to this argument is the idea, that same-sex couples are becoming more and more normal thus they should make it recognizable to children.
Milstein, Susan A. Taking Sides Clashing Views in Human Sexuality. Ed. William J. Taverner and Ryan W. McKee. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2009. Print.
...a. Homophobic behavior can be driven by an individual’s fear, family, religion, culture, political affiliation, societal setting, and personal beliefs. All three articles made suggestions in order to prevent stereotypes and homophobia, and while many people are being educated and changing their beliefs about homosexuality, many more people may never change their beliefs and ideals. Educating people to change their minds takes generations, since many people are not so easily persuaded to think differently. People have been brainwashed to think certain ways. Even though society is beginning to accept homosexuality and homosexuals, society still has not broken the stereotypes associated. Stereotypes today are still prevalent, need to be addressed, and broken so homosexuals can have the same freedoms as heterosexuals and not live in fear of being discriminated against.
In the sports world, homosexual athletes are often forced to hide their sexual orientation and to keep it as a private matter. This is mainly due to the hegemonic masculinity associated with playing sports. Homosexuality is considered the direct opposite of this and therefore is not associated with sports. Also the way athletes talk to each other in the locker room makes it more difficult for gay athletes to come out. Guys jokingly call each other homophobic slurs or pump their chest by talking about women to express their masculinity. Female athletes, unlike their male counterparts, are considered to be more free to talk about their sexual orientation. But, there still exists the misconception that women who participate in sports are assumed to be gay. In college and professional men’s sports it is beginning to become more common for athletes to be more open to talking publically about their sexual orientation. This brings up the question as to whether or not things are changing in our society so that the acceptance of gay athletes will be more common. More acceptance by our overall society as a whole will lead to more gay athletes – both male and female – feeling free to step forward and be open about their sexual orientation.
Gender is a socially constructed phenomenon, and how acceptable one’s relationship is determined by society’s view of gender roles. Because the majority of the population is characterized as heterosexual, those who deviate from that path are ...
Stein, Edward. The Mismeasure of Desire: The Science, Theory, and Ethics of Sexual Orientation. New York, NY: Oxford UP, 1999. Print. 20 Oct. 2011
The sexual orientation of a person has been a critical debate over the past several centuries. For several...
An issue that has, in recent years, begun to increase in arguments, is the acceptability of homosexuality in society. Until recently, homosexuality was considered strictly taboo. If an individual was homosexual, it was considered a secret to be kept from all family, friends, and society. However, it seems that society has begun to accept this lifestyle by allowing same sex couples. The idea of coming out of the closet has moved to the head of homosexual individuals when it used to be the exception.
I am bisexual. Are you paying attention now? Bisexuality holds an interesting position when it comes to sexual minorities. On one hand, it's seen as the ultimate liberation: "They'll do it with anyone...how hot!". But when it comes to seeking mainstream social acceptance, we can be seen as the worst in sexual perversion: "They'll do it with anyone...how shameful!". There are many theories and opinions on bisexuals, some I agree with, others do not fit my definition of being bisexual. The important thing is that bisexuality is real, it's not a "transition period" to being gay, a homosexual in denial, or a person who just can't make up their mind. Being bisexual is a huge part of my identity, something that no one can take away from me. I cannot imagine not liking both sexes in just the same way that completely straight people can't imagine being attracted to someone of the same sex.
Vrangalova, Z., & Savin-Williams, R. C. (2012). Mostly heterosexual and mostly gay/lesbian: Evidence for new sexual orientation identities. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 41, 85-101. doi: 10.1007/s10505- 012-9921-y.