So it seems like 'some' gay people live up to their stereotype intentionally (100% of the vote). I'm talking things like 'oh I'll wear pink because its a gay colour' or 'I hate Madonna but I'll listen to her shit because all the other gay guys do'. Not a surprising result, to be honest, because obviously there will always be 'some' guys who do it. I know many gay men actually like the colour pink and Madonna, and also that many gay men hate those things. But has anyone ever 'liked' them just because its the 'gay' thing to do? I bet a few people have, and of course, there are many other examples such as over acting your effeminateness or taking certain drugs or whatever that are popular on the gay scene.
Of course, stereotypes are a bad thing, and are most often untrue - until that is, someone in the stereotyped group decides to make it true, because he/she believes that it is the way they should be, in order to fit into that group.
So what can we do about it? Discouraging stereotypes is impossible when people try to make them a reality, and when so many people have so many prejudices.
Therefore the answer is, not alot - except realise it is more important to be unique and to be yourself than it is to fit in with any ideal or scene, and passing this message on to others is the only way to change the way gay people are stereotyped and the way some of us live up to it.
The next poll is a little more fun ;)
Esmie xXx
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
It is always easier for people to accept a pre-packaged deal than sort things out for themselves. That is the problem with stereotypes. It is the same in politics also, people decide to associate with one party or another based on one or two strong feelings they agree with but then they have their party association and their bullet point list of things they are for or against. However, most peoples real beliefs don't fit into such nice little packages.
Most people are not gay, and don't really understand homosexuality. It's easier if they have a bullet point list that explains it to them. Ignorance and fear go hand in hand. Only knowledge, education and introspection can enlighten people and destroy their fear and need to stereotype. Sadly, there are too many people that are unwilling to make that effort.
Why would someone try to fit into a stereotype? I think to feel a sense of belonging in a group, especially for someone who is a minority, if we feel connected on a common ground it gives strength in numbers. However, like Es pointed out, that only compounds the problem as it re-enforces the stereotypes as more people play into them.
Mainstream media and culture then latches onto these stereotypes as that is what everyone pays attention to, again further exacerbating the problem. The only thing that makes the news regarding gays is usually pride parades, with butch bears walking down the street in leather chaps or very effeminate queens etc.. You never hear about the average, hard working, 'straight acting' business man who leads a quiet life and doesn't fit any stereotypes. (oh, and not saying that those butch guys in chaps are not harding working business men, most are, but no one pays attention to that)
There is nothing wrong with fitting a stereotype if it is who you really are, but, to do it on purpose is I guess understandable but not the best choice.
Be yourself people.
Well said, Os :) I cant imagine anyone disagreeing with that...
I just tend to act myself, regardless of stereotypes. I'm not really into the "gay package" at all, and on the whole I'm not part of the local scene, or any scene at all for that matter. On the other hand I'm not "straight acting" - I don't make any pretence at pretending to be straight, though I suspect on first impressions people generally assume I am.
PS: you've been tagged
Post a Comment