Re-enforcing homophobia at an early age?

Question

I babysit young children five days a week, so the I usually watch children's programming on television. I have noticed that the commercials and shows are very homophobic. Is the media teaching our youth to hate and stereotype gays?

"so the I usually" makes no sense, lol. Please forgive me and omit the "the."

The meaning of the word homophobia has changed. Gay doesn't mean homosexual, it means happy, but I am gay. So don't give definitions where they aren't wanted. You know what I mean.

I am trying to find a link or find the commercial on YouTube, but I couldn't, but I saw a specific commercial on Nick that I thought was homophobic. It was a Shrek GoGurt commercial.

Answer 1

Great question. Yes the media is.

The media has always potrayed gay men and gay women with over used generalizations. That's why many people connect sissyness to gay men, and butch maniliness to lesbian women. This is not true.

With regards to actors, straight actors have almost always played gay roles on mainstream television. Not Logo, etc. But, mainstream media. I think the reason for this, is the possiblity that the show on NBC or ABC may become a hit. This would then allow the public to get to know the actor behind role. I do think major networks fear a gay actor simply because they are gay, and people would not watch the show because of the gay actor. And, also they assume the public is not interested in reading about the gay actors life or relationships. The actor who played "Will" on Will and Grace was straight. The actor who played Jack, who is probably most definately gay in real life, was sexually amibiguous in real life. Also, the actor on ABC's hit Brother's and Sisters who plays the gay brother is also straight. His boyfriend on the show is gay in real life, but, he was just a bit role and now he's gone. I never really understood why they didn't give the gay actor the gay lead instead of the straight guy - but, probably network concerns.

With regards to Rosie, she was right in her arguements about the war and the Bush administration. She was attacked because she's a lesbian. This is true. She defended herself with just and intelligence with regards to Elizabeth Hassleback, but, she's gay, and opnionated and that's to much for a lot of people.

If Ellen took a stand instead of dance, well, we who knows. But, she's cute and fun. This allows people to forget that she's gay. But, if Ellen, heaven forbid, devloped an opinion, watch how fast she becomes hated. And, survey's on AOL sring up, "Is Ellen an Idiot?".

With exception to Neil Patrick Harris, I guess. But, he say's he's not planning on being a "gay advocate" - which gives some relief to networks because the public would probably revolt if he was gay, loud, and proud. And, also the chances of him talking about his love life is also slim to none which works for them as well. Basically, for tv networks right now, you can be gay, but just be seen, and not heard.

Answer 2

Even the show 'Will & Grace' stereotypes gays as flaming. And that is a show that stars gays, written by gays, and is very gay friendly and popular with the gay community.

Being a straight man I don't see the issues you do as most shows and comercials are sex nutral.

The only times I see stereotypical gay action is from shows that have gay people in them like W&G, or shows on PBS.

Answer 3

I don't doubt what you are saying, but I'm wondering what exactly you are speaking of. I haven't seen homophobic commercials, but maybe I'm missing the undertones, but I don't watch a lot of children's programming either.

Could you give examples?

Answer 4

I think you are crazy. You probably feel like the messages are being sent to you, some sort of fundamental insecurity about your own orientation. I'm not trying to be smart, I'm just saying that's what it sounds like. I don't know of too many young children that can absorb and interpert anti-gay messages from the television. I think they are more concerned with the sounds and colors. Call me crazy.

Answer 5

do you not remember the controversey that erupted over the teletubbies, because he (I use that term loosely) had a triangle on his head, was purple, and had a purse! Its not that the educational programming is homophobic, the stay-at-home mothers are. They don't want their children exposed to anything that doesn't fit into the 1950's way of life.

Answer 6

I sincerely doubt it. There are a lot of gay people in advertising and entertainment. If anything the television media is (relatively) pro-gay.

Answer 7

Yes, of course the media is trying to do this. 99.9% of movies, TV, advertisements, newspapers, etc. try to shove being straight down everyone's throat.

The rare depiction of LGBT people seen are often stereotypical [Logo being the exception].

And then some bigots try to deny us the other 0.01% of the media - what hypocrites!

Answer 8

Do you know what HOMOPHOBIC means? Anti-gay or hetro-friendly isn't HOMOPHOBIC.... PHOBIA= FEAR. I haven't seen 1 commercial yet promoting FEAR towards homosexuals.
PHOBIA= Noun
1. A persistent, abnormal, and irrational fear of a specific thing or situation that compels one to avoid it.
Suffix
An intense, abnormal, or illogical fear of a specified thing
Most stations are gay-friendly now.

Answer 9

I think so, everything is controlled by the government, watch your back.

Answer 10

get off the weed dude and stop being paranoid.
just say no to being homo and leave the kiddies alone