The Prevalence of Stereoypes in our Culture

Our society is firmly based on heterosexual relationships and families. Though homosexuality has come a long way in becoming more accepted and respected, homosexuals deal with many stereotypes that are highly prevalent in our culture and media. Will & Grace was a show that I used to love watching. I have come to realize however, all the stereotypes embedded in this television that once seemed completely harmless to me. In fact, I believed it was very contemporary and great for finally having two great gay men as main characters on the show! The stereotypes have become so accepted that I never thought deeply about them, I did not even notice them there. Jack was the flamboyant, quirky, obnoxious gay man with many feminine behaviors. Will was also gay, but he maintained his masculinity and was very handsome, professional and well reserved. Will's behaviors were that of a straight man more than a gay man. Therefore, Will was the successful man with the career, the good looks, who was educated and respected and admired by both sexes. Jack however, was the funny little one who did nothing serious with his life and whom no one took seriously. He was dependent, silly, and harmless. Jack was only the entertainment of the party. I feel that this is the way gay men are portrayed and viewed in society. Yes, they may be considered fun, creative, and "sassy" but as respected human beings of our society, not so much. Men who act more feminine are considered almost inferior and of a different category from all other men, including gay men who act "manly". This stereotype of the sissy gay boy does affect the lives of homosexuals and keeps us from seeing them as the individuals they are.