How do media narratives shape self-concept, romantic expectations, and societal attitudes toward LGBTQ individuals?
The impact that the media has on society is undeniable. Media narratives are stories told through various forms such as books, television shows, movies, music, etc., which can influence an individual's perception of reality and their own identity. This essay will discuss how these narratives have shaped self-concept, romantic expectations, and societal attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals.
Media has played a significant role in shaping people's perceptions about their sexual orientation and gender identities, especially for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ). The traditional family model portrayed in the media often depicts heterosexual couples living together happily ever after, but this does not accurately reflect all families.
Some children grow up with same-sex parents or single parents without having siblings.
It would be challenging to find examples of such families in media, despite their existence.
Media narratives have also affected romantic expectations of LGBTQ individuals. In the past, LGBTQ individuals were commonly portrayed as hypersexualized and promiscuous, with little focus on meaningful relationships.
Recent years have seen a shift in representation, with more diverse representations of love and relationships between characters from different orientations.
The popular show "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" features two main characters who share a loving relationship despite their different genders. These representations help normalize same-sex relationships and promote acceptance of non-traditional partnerships.
The impact that media narratives have had on society regarding LGBTQ issues is also evident in societal attitudes towards them. Many individuals still hold prejudiced views toward members of the community, viewing them as unnatural or deviant. This stems partly from the limited exposure they have had to positive LGBTQ representation in media.
When people see LGBTQ individuals represented positively in television shows, movies, books, etc., it can help change their perspective and reduce negative stereotypes.
Media has played an essential role in shaping self-concept, romantic expectations, and societal attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals.
How do media narratives shape self-concept, romantic expectations, and societal attitudes toward LGBTQ individuals?
Research suggests that media can play an important role in shaping how people understand and interpret their own identity, as well as what they believe is expected of them in terms of love and relationships (Velten & Renzetti, 2017). In particular, portrayals of LGBTQ characters on television, film, social media, and other platforms have been shown to influence the way viewers think about sexuality, gender, and relationships (Gilbert et al.