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Media Representations of Homosexuality

Media Representations of Homosexuality. Class: WISE 2P90 Date: November 2010. Research Study: Media and Perception. Media is highly influential on the development & perpetuation of prejudices and stereotypes Stereotype – generalizations about a group whereby characteristics are attributed

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Media Representations of Homosexuality

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  1. Media Representations of Homosexuality Class: WISE 2P90 Date: November 2010

  2. Research Study: Media and Perception • Media is highly influential on the development & perpetuation of prejudices and stereotypes • Stereotype – generalizations about a group whereby characteristics are attributed • http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Fr5DOdTnVUE&vq=medium#t=50 • Prejudice – passing judgment without basis (fact)

  3. Contact Hypothesis • Prejudices can be reduced through interpersonal contact between minority and majority groups (Allport, 1954) • This has been identified as one of the most successful strategies in reducing anti-gay stereotypes (Schiappa, Gregg, & Hews, 2006) • The absence of experience contributes to the formulation of prejudice

  4. Parasocial Contact Hypothesis • Ability of the mass media (i.e., movies, radio, television etc.) to create the illusion of a face-to-face connection with the actors/actresses (Horton & Wahl, 1956) • Viewers form attitudes and beliefs about the characters they are watching the same they would if they were experiencing an interpersonal interaction • HOW? Schiappa et al. (2006)

  5. Parasocial Contact Hypothesis Continued….. • Researchers suggest that the human brain processes media experiences in the same manner as interpersonal interactions • Media provides viewers with the opportunity to experience relationships with performers that may otherwise not happen in reality Schiappa et al. (2006)

  6. Correlation Study • 245 undergraduate university students • 74 item survey to determine: • Current perception of gay/lesbian individuals • Eg., “Female homosexuality is a sin” • Viewing frequency of Will & Grace • Level of social contact with non-heterosexual individuals • 7-point Likert scale used to establish global measure of perception of Will & Grace characters

  7. Findings • Positive correlation between viewing frequency and parasocial interaction measures for the homosexual characters • ‘Negative correlations between Attitude Toward Gay Men’ measures and homosexual acquaintances • Negative correlations between parasocial interaction measures and level of prejudice • Negative correlation between viewing frequency and prejudice levels • 60% of participants agreed to the statement “The show has encouraged me to think positively about homosexuals.” • http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=urEQWvGWfkU&vq=large#t=16 Schiappa et al. (2006)

  8. Conclusion • The absence of experience contributes to the formulation of prejudice

  9. Descriptive Research: Media and Homosexual Representation • 22 television shows were studies to determine: • The frequency of homosexuality • The demographics of the homosexuals if presented in the show • The frequency homosexuals reference their sexual orientation • Each show was studied once and coded for the above variables Fouts & Inch, (2005)

  10. Findings • 22 independent television shows: • 125 characters in total yet, only 2% (3) were homosexual and male (0 female homosexuals) • Statistics show that 10-13% of adolescents are homosexual in North America • Out of the 2% that were homosexuals, 0 were adolescents (20 – 35) • Homosexual characters made several references to their sexual orientation compared to heterosexuals • This just maintains & perpetuates the stereotypes of homosexuality (they are promiscuous) Fouts & Inch, (2005)

  11. Implications • Homosexuality is underrepresented in the media • There are no homosexual adolescents in television therefore: • There are NO PEER ROLE MODELS for the teenagers • Television is the number one preference for media exposure • Therefore, it is one of the main socializing institutions • Average child watches TV 1023 hrs/annually • > 4hrs daily leads to development of gender and racial stereotypes (Gavin, 2005) • Media is perpetuating homosexual stereotypes and prejudices

  12. Support Services for Homosexuality • With no representation for homosexual adolescents: • Marginalization and oppression are maintained • Homosexuality is made out to be subordinate to heterosexuality • Depression, low self-esteem, bullying, suicide etc. are functions of marginalization and oppression • Rainbow Youth Niagara • 3340 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON • (905) 380-4576 • www.niagarapride.ca • Brock Pride • www.brocku.ca/human-rights/positive-space

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