Written Analysis #5

Written Analysis #5

Ashlee Motoer

Popular Culture

Professor Whitney Iles

August 8, 2014

Written Analysis #5

            Through all of my research and analysis throughout the duration of this class, I have confirmed some suspicions and learned new things regarding the growing popularity of the LGBT community in television today. Just like in other aspects of our society, the acceptance of the LGBT community is growing. This is not to say that there are still people opposed, and it is likely that it will stay that way, but strides are being made in the direction of acceptance.

            It was amazing to me how, with each passing week, I could make correlations between all of the theories studied and my pop culture topic. One that was confirmed for me was the presence of stereotypes. People within the LGBT community are judged based on things like their sexual orientation, the way the talk, and the way they dress. It was great to see though, that the media chose characters in shows with all different types of personalities and mannerisms to show that not all people in the LGBT community are defined by these stereotypes.

            I was impressed on how I was able to make an association between the new found acceptances of the LGBT community and how some people see heroism in these members of the community. Through much research it was found that these actors and musicians in the media today are role models for our society young and old. These celebrities are pioneering the way for others to come, and people in society see this as bravery. It is hopefully just the start of seeing more and more diversity in the media today.

            It is because of my research and analysis that I am able to see beyond just what clothes people are wearing, or the lines they are memorizing on the television shows, but now I am able to see the underlying messages the media is sending. With the increasing number of LGBT community members in the mainstream media today, it is showing greater acceptance of people who do not fit in with stereotypical norms. This is showing youth and adults, that it is completely acceptable to be yourself without fear. Hopefully, this trend continues and the messages reach out to more and more people across America.