How do tropes and narrative conventions in media influence societal expectations of trans people?
To answer this question, we must first define "tropes" as they relate to literature and film. A trope is a recurring pattern, device, or motif that appears repeatedly across multiple stories, often used for purposes of comparison or contrast. Some common examples include the "damsel in distress," the "hero's journey," and the "villain who has a change of heart." These tropes are often used because they work well within the framework of storytelling; they allow audiences to connect with characters and understand their motivations more easily.
Now let's consider how these tropes apply to transgender individuals. One of the most common tropes regarding trans people is the "trans character who dies tragically." This trope occurs when a trans character is killed off early in the story, either through violence or suicide. The purpose of this trope is often to demonstrate society's prejudice against trans people and the danger they face due to it.
It also reinforces negative stereotypes about trans people, such as the idea that they are inherently unstable and prone to self-destructive behavior.
Another common trope is the "transgender individual as an object of ridicule." In this trope, trans people are depicted as comedic figures who are not taken seriously by others in the story. Their gender identity may be made fun of, or they may be mocked for the way they dress or act. While this trope can serve as commentary on society's lack of understanding of trans issues, it also reinforces negative attitudes towards them.
A third trope is the "magical transition" plot device. This trope involves a character undergoing a magical transformation, which changes their physical appearance and/or gender identity without any effort on their part. While this trope can be empowering for some viewers, it also perpetuates the idea that being trans is easy and requires no work or sacrifice.
These three tropes have been used repeatedly in media, from movies and TV shows to books and video games. They reflect societal expectations of what it means to be trans and how trans people should behave. By presenting these tropes over and over again, we reinforce negative attitudes towards trans individuals and make it harder for them to live authentically in our society.
That being said, there are ways to challenge these narrative conventions.
The Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black" features several trans characters who are fully developed and humanized beyond the scope of their gender identities. The show does not rely on these tropes but instead presents complex characters with unique stories and struggles. Similarly, the movie "Boy Meets Girl" tells the story of two transgender lovers navigating their relationship in rural Kentucky. The film challenges traditional romantic narratives by featuring trans characters who are allowed to fall in love and pursue happiness like anyone else.
Tropes and narrative conventions in media shape societal expectations of trans people. By portraying trans characters as tragic figures, objects of ridicule, or magical creatures, we reinforce harmful stereotypes about their community.
We can change these narratives by creating more nuanced and authentic representations of trans lives on screen and in print.
How do tropes and narrative conventions in media influence societal expectations of trans people?
Transgender representation in media has increased since the 1990s, but it is still lacking compared to other marginalized groups. Transgender individuals are often portrayed as villains or victims who struggle with their identity throughout their lives, which reinforces harmful stereotypes. Some viewers may not recognize that these tropes have negative effects on society's perceptions and attitudes towards transgender people.