How do cultural narratives around "confusion" or "indecision" influence bisexual adolescents' ability to form a stable sense of self?
The term "bisexual" refers to people who have romantic attraction, desire, and/or behavior toward both males and females, although it can also refer more broadly to anyone who is attracted to multiple genders. It is often used interchangeably with pansexual, omnisexual, polysexual, fluid, nonbinary, and queer. This article focuses specifically on teenagers because they are going through the process of identity formation during their transition from childhood to adulthood.
There are many stereotypes surrounding bisexuals that portray them as confused about their sexuality or indecisive about whom they want to be with romantically.
Bisexual individuals are often perceived as having no real preference for either gender but just wanting to hook up with everyone. They may even experience pressure from peers or family members to choose one gender and stick to it.
This assumption that bisexuality means being "confused" or "indecisive" is harmful because it suggests that there is something wrong with these young adults' identities. As a result, they might feel ashamed and hesitant to embrace their true selves openly, which could lead to low self-esteem and mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
Cultural narratives around bisexuality can reinforce this idea by depicting bisexual characters in pop culture as unstable and promiscuous, unable to commit to any one relationship. Even if this isn't always the case, it can still shape perceptions and attitudes towards bisexual people, further exacerbating feelings of doubt and uncertainty.
To combat negative cultural beliefs about bisexuality, we need more positive representations in media that show bisexuals as whole, multi-dimensional individuals who have valid feelings and desires like anyone else. We also need to challenge myths about bisexuality within our communities and educate ourselves on how biphobia affects young people's wellbeing. By doing so, we can create a society where all sexual orientations are accepted without judgment or stigma.
Cultural narratives around confusion and indecision surrounding bisexuality can impact adolescents' ability to form a stable sense of self, leading them to feel ashamed and uncertain about their identity. It is important for us to challenge these stereotypes and provide support for bisexual teens to help them navigate through this challenging time.
How do cultural narratives around “confusion” or “indecision” influence bisexual adolescents' ability to form a stable sense of self?
The concept of “cultural narrative” refers to the collective set of beliefs and values that are shared by members of a particular culture or society. In Western societies, there is often an emphasis on binary gender norms, where individuals are expected to fit neatly into either the male or female category. This binary thinking can lead to confusion for those who identify as something other than strictly male or female, including bisexual adolescents.