The representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in mass media has been a controversial issue for many years. There have been numerous debates about how this type of character is represented in movies, television shows, books, comic books, etc., and whether it affects the way society views them. Some people argue that these types of characters are too sexualized, which can lead to negative stereotypes and create an unrealistic expectation of what being gay means.
Others believe that queer characters bring more diversity and inclusion into the entertainment world, and they deserve to be treated like any other person. This essay will explore how mainstream media portrayals of queer characters influence public perception, empathy, and policy development.
Public Perception
One of the biggest impacts of seeing queer characters in popular media is how it influences public opinion towards them. It is important to note that there is a wide variety of ways to represent these characters, including some that do not focus on their sexual orientation at all.
When "Brokeback Mountain" was released in 2005, it featured two male cowboys who were deeply in love but never kissed or had sex on camera. Their relationship was implied rather than shown explicitly. The movie received high praise from critics for its realism and powerful storytelling but was still met with controversy because of its subject matter. People argued that depicting such an intimate same-sex relationship would ruin young minds and promote immorality. Yet, it did not receive much backlash due to the quality of the film itself and won several awards.
Empathy
In addition to influencing public opinion, media representation also has an effect on empathy towards LGBTQ+ individuals. When people see characters who are different from themselves on screen, they can better understand those differences and develop a deeper level of empathy for them. According to researchers, exposure to diverse media representations can lead to increased empathy and decreased prejudice among viewers (Namie et al., 2018). This is especially true if the character is portrayed positively and without stereotypes. A recent study found that positive media representations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals are associated with lower levels of prejudice and discrimination against them (Kaufman & D'Augelli, 2004). These findings suggest that the way queer characters are represented in popular culture can have a significant impact on how society views them as a whole.
Policy Development
The representation of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media can also influence policy development related to their rights and protections.
When "Brokeback Mountain" came out, there was no federal law protecting same-sex marriage at the time.
After its release, attitudes towards gay couples began to change, leading to more support for legal recognition. It is unclear whether this movie played a direct role in changing minds, but it certainly contributed to the cultural shift. As more movies and television shows feature queer relationships, we may continue to see changes in public opinion and political action regarding these issues.
How do mainstream media portrayals of queer characters influence public perception, empathy, and policy development?
The portrayal of queer characters in mainstream media has a significant impact on how the public perceives them, their experiences, and policies affecting them. According to research by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), positive representations of LGBTQ+ individuals in movies and television shows can increase acceptance and reduce prejudice towards these groups.