The issue of homosexuality has been prevalent since time immemorial, but it has become more evident in recent years due to increased awareness of this issue. As such, there have been various debates around this subject matter that have generated numerous conclusions. One of the most important issues is the effect that media-driven stereotypes have on public perception towards homosexuals and their self-perception. This discussion will focus on how these ideas shape attitudes and internalized feelings among LGBT youth. It is important to note that the LGBT community consists of people who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning their sexuality. The article's central theme is how media plays a role in shaping perceptions of these individuals. It will further elaborate on how these beliefs affect the self-concept of LGBT youths.
Homosexuality is an aspect of human nature whereby an individual is attracted to someone from the same gender. According to the American Psychological Association, sexual orientation is not a choice but rather an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and sexual attractions to others. Thus, some people are born with innate characteristics that make them attracted to the same sex while others are heterosexual. This means that no one can change his/her sexual orientation by force.
Despite being a natural phenomena, society has remained divided about homosexuality. Most societies do not view these individuals favorably due to the myths propagated by the media. This paper discusses how the media portrays gays negatively, leading to prejudice and discrimination against them. As such, it becomes challenging for those who fall under this category to live their lives normally because they fear judgment from other members of the society.
The issue of homosexuality was considered taboo by many people. In most cultures, children were raised to believe that engaging in same-sex relationships was unnatural and immoral. As such, any attempt by these individuals to date a person of the same sex was termed as an abomination.
With time, the media changed its standpoint concerning this issue. The reason is that they realized that homosexuals needed to be accepted and embraced just like the rest of the population. It is important to note that there is nothing wrong with homosexuality since it occurs naturally. Some people have found happiness through this lifestyle, which should not be interfered with. Therefore, the media became more liberal and started accepting LGBT youths.
The media has also created stereotypes that made these individuals feel bad about themselves.
Many movies depict lesbians or gay men as promiscuous people who sleep around with anyone they find attractive. They are also seen as deviants and criminals who cannot control their urges. Such characters have been used in TV shows, plays, books, and films without realizing that this gives an impression that all LGBT youths are the same way. This portrayal creates negative self-esteem among this group of people since they are constantly reminded that what they do is wrong. Even when gays come out publicly, they receive backlash from the community due to how they appear on television screens.
The media has also caused confusion within the society concerning the identity of transgender people. Unlike other sexual orientations where a person can know for sure whether he/she is homosexual or heterosexual, one may struggle to identify his/her gender. This is because some societies believe that gender roles are fixed and that every individual must adhere to them strictly.
There are those people whose biological sex does not match their preferred gender. In most cases, such people undergo therapy so that they can change their physical characteristics. The media has propagated this notion by showing images of these individuals looking like men but acting like women. As such, others in society question their gender identity and think that it is abnormal.
The article has discussed the effects that the media's stereotypes have on the attitudes towards homosexuals and their internalized feelings. It has shown how gays feel bad about themselves due to the beliefs held by society, which affects their self-concept. Therefore, the paper recommends that the media should stop portraying gay people negatively since it affects their self-perception and wellbeing.
It should create awareness that homosexuality occurs naturally, and no one chooses to be gay.
How do media-driven stereotypes about homosexuality shape public attitudes and internalized self-perceptions among LGBT youth?
Media-driven stereotypes play a significant role in shaping public attitudes towards LGBT individuals, including young people identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ), and other non-heteronormative sexual orientations. These portrayals can create both positive and negative perceptions of the LGBT community, influencing how society views their relationships, behaviors, and overall identity.