What's
Hot?!
One of the hottest
pop culture phenomenons of the moment are TV reality shows. Such programs
have millions of people at the edge of their seat. People are also glued to
the television set anticipating what the heck will happen next. So what is
the basis of these new queer reality shows? Do they correlate with the definition
of queer theory in a feminist discourses? Two television shows will be analyzed
to see if they conform to the feminist theories.
The
Reality of Reality Shows
Reality shows that
deal with queer issues do not reflect queer theory in it self. In the media
context, queer theory is defined as any sexual orientation that is outside
the heterosexual realm. Such issues deal with the stigmatization or stereotypes
of homosexuals. However these shows do bring to light certain issues pertaining
to homosexuals that were never brought up in the past. For better or worse,
the views that are reflected by the media tend to mirror those of society.
Queer
Eye for the Straight Guy
click
on photo
One such queer reality
television show that has hit American screens is called "Queer Eye for
the Straight Guy". This reality show revolves around five gay men who
give a heterosexual a complete makeover. go in straight men's homes and transform
them starting from the house decorations to the persons clothing. Scott Seomins,
the head of the association of defense of gays and lesbians against defamation,
states that "this show marks an important step towards the visibility
of gays and lesbians" (Le Soleil, August 7th 2003, pB2). It is questionable
whether or not this television show is a step forward for gays and lesbians,
as it could be seen as merely a ploy for visibility in the media.
The show is loaded
with stereotypical clichés of gay men. To assume that all gay men have
impeccable taste in clothing is contrary to reality. Another such stereotypical
view is that all gay men are Martha Stuarts that can transform a shoddy bungalow
into a postmodern Victorian cathedral (quite unrealistic, no?). Such views
are narrow-minded and give infallible depictions of the homosexual. There
should be more effort put into rectifying that problem so that the representation
can be just and fair. This is the most problematic issue with "Queer
Eye". However this television show is to help the straight man who is
unable to have a successful date, through proper grooming and mannerisms needed
to impress past dates. This reality show should be viewed strictly on an entertainment
level and not be taken seriously.
Find Me a Woman (and by woman, we really mean Transsexual)
Although "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" appeared on television, another show was not as fortunate, as it dealt with another aspect of queer theory. A British reality show called "Find Me a Man" was centered around six men who were vying for the affection of an attractive woman. Although this seems rather normal by reality television standards, the show never was aired. The producers were cited for "conspiracy to commit a sexual assault, defamation, personal injury and breach of contract" (FOXNews.com, 10/31/03, 15:26) by the contestants' laywers. The letter alleges that the producers were not upfront with the fact that the woman the men were falling for was actually a preoperative transsexual.
Reality television might be showing reality but through who's filter? As a viewer, one should always keep in consideration that these television series are based on generalizations and what seems as reality is often based on a false pretence.
Related Pop Culture Worth Seeing:
Crying
Game
All about my mother
Boys Don't Cry
Hedwig and
the Angry Itch
Go Fish