Children's Exposure to Homosexuality in Popular Culture
Brittany Harper
Professor Steffler
ENG 1100 O
December 4, 2009
Children’s Exposure to Homosexuality in Popular Culture The issue of homosexuality is a hot topic because of its religious, political, and social aspects that can be debated. The Family Research Report says "around 2-3% of men, and 2% of women, are homosexual or bisexual" (Gallup). Education on the topic is vital to promote acceptance and this can be done through formals or informal education. Formally, health care professionals or school sexual education classes can educate. But informally, parents, friends, and media are the most influential on people. In the media, homosexuality is portrayed in many ways and through many portals. In subtle ways it can be demonstrated with intimate friendships, inclusivity, hints, stereotypes, references, and physicality. The most easily influenced are children therefore they are the ones who need to be educated. Dennis says, “queering, locating undertows of same-sex desire between putatively heterosexual characters (Doty) is actually easier in programs targeted to children and adolescents than those targeted to adults” (739). Homosexual representations in popular culture on television positively and directly affect the acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transvestite individuals by younger generations. Inclusivity is important in children’s television programs to show viewers that heteronormativity is not the only option available in relationships. One show studied by Dennis uses a Nickelodeon show, Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, to
Harper, 2 demonstrate how subtle changes in dialogue can send a more positive message. The show is made as a guide to help adolescents survive in middle school or high school and offers tips on how to be successful in aspects not directly related to academics. In one episode Ned says “when you like someone…” when he could have just as easily said “when you like a girl…”(Dennis 742). Changing the tip to
Professor Steffler
ENG 1100 O
December 4, 2009
Children’s Exposure to Homosexuality in Popular Culture The issue of homosexuality is a hot topic because of its religious, political, and social aspects that can be debated. The Family Research Report says "around 2-3% of men, and 2% of women, are homosexual or bisexual" (Gallup). Education on the topic is vital to promote acceptance and this can be done through formals or informal education. Formally, health care professionals or school sexual education classes can educate. But informally, parents, friends, and media are the most influential on people. In the media, homosexuality is portrayed in many ways and through many portals. In subtle ways it can be demonstrated with intimate friendships, inclusivity, hints, stereotypes, references, and physicality. The most easily influenced are children therefore they are the ones who need to be educated. Dennis says, “queering, locating undertows of same-sex desire between putatively heterosexual characters (Doty) is actually easier in programs targeted to children and adolescents than those targeted to adults” (739). Homosexual representations in popular culture on television positively and directly affect the acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transvestite individuals by younger generations. Inclusivity is important in children’s television programs to show viewers that heteronormativity is not the only option available in relationships. One show studied by Dennis uses a Nickelodeon show, Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, to
Harper, 2 demonstrate how subtle changes in dialogue can send a more positive message. The show is made as a guide to help adolescents survive in middle school or high school and offers tips on how to be successful in aspects not directly related to academics. In one episode Ned says “when you like someone…” when he could have just as easily said “when you like a girl…”(Dennis 742). Changing the tip to
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