Content censorship affects all people who consume media, but it can be particularly devastating for those from marginalized groups. One area where this is true is when it comes to depictions of sexuality. Marginalized communities have historically been underrepresented in mainstream media and often portrayed negatively or stereotypically. This has contributed to a stigma around their sexuality that makes them feel ashamed and undesirable. Censoring or filtering out sexual content from these representations only reinforces this negative viewpoint and further harms the self-esteem of these individuals.
LGBTQ+ individuals face significant challenges when it comes to seeing themselves represented positively in popular culture. According to a study by GLAAD, only 25% of queer characters on television were shown in positive ways during the 2019-2020 season. This lack of representation can lead to internalized homophobia and other mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. In addition, it can make it harder for young people to come out and seek support if they see no positive role models for being open about their sexuality.
Women and girls may struggle with body image issues due to the way they are portrayed in the media. A study by the National Eating Disorders Association found that nearly half of teenage girls and 73% of tweens felt worse after looking at images of models online. When sexually explicit content is censored, there is less diversity among female bodies presented, which can be detrimental for those who do not fit into conventional beauty standards.
Pornography can provide an opportunity for women to explore their own sexual desires without shame, but censorship prevents them from doing so.
Content censorship also impacts minority ethnic groups.
Black men often find themselves typecast as hypersexualized or aggressive in films and TV shows. This can contribute to stereotypes that negatively affect their relationships with women and lead to lower self-esteem. It can also perpetuate racialized violence against Black men and create mistrust between communities. Censoring this kind of content would help challenge these harmful perceptions.
Disabled individuals may feel alienated when their sexuality is ignored or excluded entirely from depictions on screen. They are already marginalized and face stigma around their disability, so seeing themselves represented positively can boost their confidence and sense of belonging. Censoring sexual content reinforces this stigma and makes it harder for people to connect with each other over common experiences.
Content censorship has a significant psychological toll on marginalized groups due to its effects on self-image and representation. By acknowledging the complexities of human sexuality and allowing diverse portrayals in media, we can help to break down barriers and promote inclusivity and acceptance.
What psychological toll does content censorship of sexuality take on marginalized groups?
One of the main reasons why people experience psychological distress due to content censorship of sexuality is that they may feel a lack of acceptance from society. They may also find it difficult to express their true identity and desires, which can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.