This chapter was really interesting because I never thought of the Internet as an outlet for queer youth to construct their emerging sexual identity. It makes sense though, now that I do think about it because it is an anonymous way of feeling accepted and learning from others’ experience of coming out and telling their friends and family that they are gay, especially in traditional families. Because homosexuals tend to be marginalized in society and as the chapter pointed out, there is no book to read on being gay or class you can take on how to come out. It is for these reasons that the media, which is widely accessible and can be used privately has become an outlet for this purpose.
“Like any person becoming part of a culture, gays, lesbians, and transgendered people have to learn the ways of being, knowing, and acting sociodiscursively within the community. For young queers, learning the discourse very often begins with media. Many coming out stories include memories of a favorite character from a book on which the young reader closely studied and patterned parts of her or his emerging persona.” (Macedo & Steinberg, p.465).
While thinking of homosexuals as occupying an important place in our media, as I mentioned in a previous blog, I find some gay approval groups take it a little far. I believe I am tolerant of all sexual orientations and have some really amazing friends who happen to be homosexual or bisexual. However, because heterosexuality is much more common in society, I believe it is normal for television and media, which are supposed to be a microcosm of society, to represent the various groups, homosexuals and heterosexuals, accordingly. I do, however, believe it is important that individuals, especially young teens, see people on television who are going through similar things-which brings comfort during difficult times.
“When not relying on tragedy to tell the stories of gay youths, writers often fall back on comedy. Many television shows, as well as films and books, rely on the stock character of the shallow by funny gay character. While these “non-threatening” characters have been able to make their way onto television and into the movies, thus increasing queer visibility, they do not offer well-rounded, substantive role models for young people. When the only characterizations others see of your culture are comedians or clowns, it is not likely that you will be taken seriously in real life” (Macedo & Steinberg, p. 465)
I could have not said that any better. Having queer individuals visible on the television is not the whole story. The queer individuals need to be realistic, respectable and serious. And the plot lines, the issues and events they confront need to be equally serious and well-respected. Shows such as “Will & Grace”, despite being very funny-exemplify this dichotomy very well they distinguish between Will, a respectable, hard-working man and Jack, a flamboyant, terrible actor.
The point is, media texts such as online chat rooms and websites can serve as an outlet for individuals who are struggling with their identity. However, there is still a need to maintain positive stereotypes in the media and breakdown other barriers in society that keep homophobia alive.
Tags: queer, sexual identity
