Initial discussion prompt: how are gay men represented on Attitude Online?
- A hypersexualised representation of men - Most images of men are topless, and often in provocative poses
- Article critical of lack of representation of different body types
- On Attitude, a singular, muscular build seems to be favoured
- Articles are generally focused on grooming, holidays, fashion and celebrities: a heavy emphasis on appearance and extrinsics - reinforces a gay stereotype
- Normalisation - majority of articles feature gay and LGBT related issues
- Articles featuring prejudice and attacks on gay men reinforce the ideology that to be gay still means being in a marginalised and threatened group - close up of mans injured head
- Even straight actors are represented and codified in a way that specifically appeals to a gay male audience. For example, the voyeuristic shots of Cristiano Ronaldo in tight fitting underwear presents an appealing fantasy to the gay target audience.
- An escapist fantasy for a gay audience. Stereotypically attractive gay men, hypermasculine and strong. Even if an audience lacks this body type, they are able escape in to a homoerotic fantasy.
- Offers the audience an escapist fantasy where everybody is gay, a hyperreal fantasy, a utopia!
- Advertising - targeted to gay male audience. Advertorial "your dream home awaits" helps to normalise homosexuality. "your dream home awaits" is perhaps stereotypically feminine, reinforcing a gay stereotype of enjoying interior design (reinforced by shows like Project Runway and Queer Eye For The Straight Guy)
- Extremely stereotypical throughout! Pop music, west end theatre, home improvement, and buff guys. Many commonly held, stereotype of gay men are presented here... but why?
- Conformity to stereotype of vain men: article specifically on weight loss and improving muscle definition. A focus on aesthetics.
- Represented as vulnerability. References to the 'coming out' narrative.
- Hypersexualised! beyond sexualisation, big focus on openess and 'out-there' sexualisation...
- ...however, the magazine and website have a definite target audience, and may go 'hidden' in the general populace.
- Article on gay rugby team focusses on the team's body image as opposed to their sporting prowess, again reinforcing an emphasis on aesthetics.
- Extravagant and with exotic lifestyles
- Proud and self-confident. Gives audience the confidence to come out and to live with pride
- Singular and stereotypical representation of men
Why do groups sometimes deliberately live up to stereotypes?
Visibility - a way of demonstrating pride and a lack of fear, To stand out in society
Social interaction - allows people to be part of a community
A set of rules to follow, providing structure and advice
Finding a partner
An assumption of normality - young gay people raised on cultivated notions of what is "gay acting" and "straight acting" will repeat these routines and rituals
Cheers to U and Q block for these suggestions!