How Cinema Acts as Both a Mirror and Shaper of Societal Attitudes Towards LGBT Experiences and Ethical Responsibilities of Representation
Cinema is an important medium for telling stories about different social groups, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. It has the potential to reflect societal attitudes towards LGBT people, but also to shape them. This essay will discuss how cinema acts as both a mirror and shaper of societal attitudes toward LGBT experiences, and what ethical responsibilities accompany representation.
Representation of LGBT Community in Film
Films often portray LGBT individuals and their experiences, but it can be challenging to get accurate and positive representation on screen. Hollywood has traditionally presented LGBT characters negatively, such as with the stereotype that they are promiscuous, immoral, or dangerous.
Recent films have shown more nuanced and authentic depictions of LGBT people.
"Brokeback Mountain" explores the lives of two cowboys who fall in love while working together on the ranch. The film received critical acclaim and helped normalize same-sex relationships in mainstream culture. Similarly, "Moonlight" follows the life of a black gay man growing up in Miami and won several Academy Awards. These examples show that cinema can positively influence public opinion by presenting complex LGBT characters in humanizing ways.
Some films perpetuate harmful stereotypes and negative representations of LGBT people.
Films like "Basic Instinct" and "The Wolf of Wall Street" portray gay men as predators and villains, reinforcing existing homophobic beliefs. In these cases, cinema reflects societal attitudes rather than challenges them. This is problematic because it contributes to prejudice and discrimination against LGBT people. It's important for filmmakers to be aware of the power of their storytelling and its potential impact on society.
Impact of Cinema on Societal Attitudes Towards LGBT Experiences
Cinema can shape societal attitudes towards LGBT experiences by influencing viewers' perceptions and values. When positive representation is lacking, viewers may internalize negative attitudes about LGBT individuals. Conversely, when films feature realistic and nuanced portrayals, audiences may become more accepting of diverse sexualities and gender identities. A recent study found that exposure to media with positive depictions of LGBT characters reduces prejudice toward these groups. In addition, seeing LGBT people on screen normalizes non-heteronormative relationships and makes them seem less threatening or strange.
There are ethical considerations surrounding representation in cinema. Filmmakers have a responsibility to portray LGBT people accurately and respectfully. They should avoid stereotyping and tokenism, while also representing all aspects of the community.
Some films only focus on white, cisgendered gay men, excluding transgender and nonbinary individuals. Some films also perpetuate harmful tropes, such as presenting bisexuality as promiscuous or unstable.
Casting actors who do not identify as LGBT to play queer roles can be problematic. These practices reinforce the idea that being LGBT is abnormal and undermine the authenticity of the storytelling.
Cinema has the potential to both reflect and shape societal attitudes towards LGBT experiences. Positive and accurate representations can foster understanding and acceptance, but it's essential for filmmakers to approach their work ethically and responsibly. By considering the impact of their stories on society, they can create meaningful and inclusive content that challenges existing preconceptions about sexuality and gender identity.