Ross Horsely’s article was interesting.  Yes, I agree that there is a Gay culture.  But I don’t think it consists of the stereotypes that media portrays this culture to be.  Not all gay people are drag queens or butches.  They may have a certain sexual preference (we all do) which is a preference for the same sex, but each is different.  Not all gay male relationships are like the ones portrayed in “Birdcage” with Robin Williams.   I know of gay men, and their relationships are no way like the ones we see on TV, nor are they the same as heterosexual couples, however they do have certain roles in their relationships, one more probably masculine than the other. 

It frustrates me a little bit about the negative portrayals of gay people in the media, especially in the late 80’s and early 90’s.  It’s difficult enough for these individuals to come out and say they are gay to their families and friends, but it makes it even more difficult when ‘being gay’ is negatively expressed in the media (Saturday Night Live). 

I agree with Gross’s theory of ’symbolic annihilation’ where Gay culture is underpresented by media and where they have little say or control of what is being produced.  I also agree with his solution that minority groups should become the creators of what they want to portray to society.  This would be one way to do away with the negative stereotypes and images of the gay culture.

A prime example is Ellen Degeneres, she doesn’t come out on her show and act like a lesbian by hitting on all the women in her audience.  She’s like Opera, she treats everyone with respect, but only funnier!!  I remember when she first came out in her show, Ellen.  I hated the fact that everyone stopped watching her show because of that, and the mere fact that the network didn’t air her show anymore.  Did everyone forget why they first started watching it?  It was FUNNY!!  That’s why I watched it, I loved the humor and that is probably why I love her new talk show which is #1.  CONGRATS TO ELLEN!!!

The bottome line is, I think every sub-culture or culture should be respected for its own uniqueness.  Isn’t that what makes us a society?

Here is a clip from the Ellen Show that I thought you all might like.  ENJOY!

Happy Blogging!

Cindy