The concept of "trans" is not new; it has been present for centuries, but its representation in mainstream media has been limited to certain stereotypes that have influenced how society views these individuals. These narratives often depict them as victims who need saving or villains who must be stopped at all costs. This essay will explore how these narrative tropes shape societal expectations of trans lives, examine the potential consequences of such representations, and offer insights into more effective storytelling practices.
The first trope is the victimization of trans people. This type of narrative presents trans characters as helpless and vulnerable, struggling against prejudice and discrimination. In this framework, their success depends on external factors like allies or supportive family members, rather than internal strength. This portrayal reinforces the idea that trans people are weak and incapable of making decisions without outside assistance, which can lead to negative attitudes towards them.
In the movie The Danish Girl, the protagonist's wife struggles with her husband's transition, leading him to take his own life. While this story highlights the challenges faced by trans individuals, it also perpetuates a harmful message that they cannot overcome adversity independently.
The second trope is the transgender character as a threat to society. This trope typically involves violent or criminal behavior and reinforces the idea that trans people pose a danger to others. This narrative often relies on sensationalism and shock value to grab viewers' attention, but it also contributes to a perception that trans people are deviant or immoral. Examples include movies like Silence of the Lambs and American Psycho, where trans women are depicted as violent predators.
Many real-life cases show that trans people are no more likely to commit crimes than cisgender individuals, yet they face disproportionate levels of violence.
A third trope is the magical transformation. These stories typically focus on physical changes and ignore the emotional complexities of gender identity. They may imply that gender change is easy or simple, overlooking the psychological and social difficulties that trans people experience during transitioning.
These tales often present transness as something to be fixed through surgery or therapy, implying that trans people need medical intervention to become normal. Films such as The Crying Game and Boys Don't Cry employ this trope, while trans people can still struggle with mental health issues even after physical modifications.
Another trope is the trans person as a sexual object. This portrayal reduces trans characters to their bodies and desires, ignoring their humanity and individuality. It emphasizes trans identities as unnatural and sinful, which stems from societal norms regarding gender expression and sex. Trans characters in shows like Orange Is the New Black and Pose are often hypersexualized, exploited for entertainment rather than fully developed characters. This eroticization reinforces the idea that trans individuals exist primarily for others' pleasure, leading to increased discrimination against them in real life.
More effective storytelling practices could involve narratives focusing on trans joy, resilience, and self-actualization. By centering trans voices and experiences, writers and filmmakers can highlight the complexity of gender identity and dispel harmful stereotypes. Stories about trans children growing up without judgement or ridicule or trans elders navigating aging can provide hope and inspiration. Representations of trans lives that celebrate diversity and individuality can counteract the tropes mentioned above, fostering more empathy towards marginalized groups.
Narrative tropes shape society's expectations of trans lives, perpetuating negative stereotypes and contributing to discrimination. To create better representation, writers must challenge these tropes by depicting trans individuals as multi-dimensional, complex beings who defy societal norms. This requires listening to trans voices, seeking out diverse perspectives, and creating stories that affirm trans identity while challenging preconceived notions.
How do narrative tropes shape societal expectations of trans lives, and what are their ethical implications?
Narratives have always played an important role in shaping social norms and values, including those surrounding gender and sexuality. The portrayal of trans individuals in literature, film, television, and other forms of media has been particularly influential in shaping societal expectations about gender identity and expression, as well as the treatment of trans people by others. This can lead to both positive and negative consequences for trans individuals and communities.