Defying Stereotypes

 Week Two - Defying Stereotypes

Over the past few hours, I have compiled research on lesbian women in the media. One thing Hannah and I do not want is to be stereotypical. We spoke with our friend, who is a teenager and is also a lesbian. She chose to stay anonymous for privacy reasons, but she explained that lesbian love is very similar to heterosexual love, except it is more delicate. There isn't necessarily a more substantial "presence" or someone who is "over-dominating," making the dynamic more light and fragile. Obviously, there are no absolutes when it comes to love, but we felt her viewpoint was quite encompassing of the teenage demographic. 

One particular psychological study, "The Frequency of Stereotypical Media Portrayals and Their Effects on the Lesbian Community," stood out to me. "There is a gap in the literature regarding the portrayal of lesbian relationships in media, specifically in the eyes of the lesbian population. Limited research has shown that lesbians portrayed in the media are sexualized and stereotyped, falling into one of the six following categories: the hot lesbian, the out lesbian, the closeted lesbian, the butch lesbian, the feminine lesbian, and the bisexual lesbian." Why is it so stereotypical? Why the need to categorize? Why can't the media extend farther than those boxes? I understand it is a two-minute film opening but the last thing I want is to dress one character in a more masculine costume design and the other character in a more feminine costume design with more makeup. That is simply so heteronormative.

So, the plan:
1. Ask our friend for clarification on topics we are not familiar with. 
2. Break the boxes that the media places LBTQIA+ relationships in.  
3. Make the friendship and relationship passionate, yet delicate.
4. Showcase the struggles of living in a heteronormative society.
5. Showcase what it is like to be closeted and the pressure a teenage girl faces.

"The main issue with all this is that romance and sexuality — whether queer or straight — is not a black-and-white Etch A Sketch. It’s a messy, multi-colored Picasso painting; you can try to make logical sense of it but it’s best to appreciate it for its disjointed, avant-garde beauty."
- From Top to Bottom: Heteronormativity and Queer Relationships

I hadn't really touched on this but Hannah's been out of school because she is sick. It is not THAT limiting since we are in the beginning stages, but my research extended longer because I wanted to wait to work on the storyboard in person. Hannah and I both agreed that the storyboard/planning process will be a lot of trial and error, including rough drafts and such. Next week will be really fun and hectic, as Hannah will be back. As always, stay snazzy! 

Citations and Links:
If you want to read the full study PDF
Annati, Arienne. (2020). The Frequency of Stereotypical Media Portrayals and Their Effects on the Lesbian Community. In BSU Honors Program Theses and Projects. Item 318. Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/honors_proj/318
Copyright © 2020 Arienne Annati 

If you want to read the heteronormativity article

R. M., By, -, Raymond MatthewsRaymond Matthews is a fourth-year student from Rocklin, Matthews, R., & Raymond Matthews is a fourth-year student from Rocklin. (2020, May 25). Raymond Matthews. The Bottom Line UCSB. Retrieved February 21, 2022, from https://thebottomline.as.ucsb.edu/2020/05/from-top-to-bottom-heteronormativity-queer-relationships