Queer Eye for the Straight Guy - Essay Example

A DIS ANALYSIS OF QUEER EYE FOR THE STRAIGHT GUY Introduction In today’s time and age, there has been a growing acceptance for homosexuality. What was once viewed as a non-acceptable way of life has found new hope in the growing popularity of various television shows that depict the talent and skill that gays possess. In more ways than one, society has viewed gays as possessing an eye for beauty that normal “straight” people do not usually have. Many assume that reality television shows that depict the gay lifestyle will help break down the stereotypes usually associated with homosexuality. Moreover, many believe that the popularity of such television shows eases the strain that has been placed on gays in society. One of these television shows is Bravo TV’s Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Since its inception in 2003, the show has rapidly gained popularity worldwide. This is clearly evidenced by the many spin-offs of the show that have been produced in various countries around the world. Since the show has been said to break down anti-homosexual stereotypes, it is vital to review and analyze the show based on certain elements. How does the show represent homosexuality? Does it suppress or support homosexuality in today’s modern age? What meaning does the show give to gay lifestyle? In this paper, a discourse analysis of the show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy will be undertaken to provide answers to the aforementioned questions. The discussion will focus on how the show depicts homosexuality in society. Likewise, the methodology involved in collection, coding, and analysis of the data involved will be discussed. Methodology In order to gather the necessary data for the discourse analysis to be undertaken, 5 episodes of the television show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy were viewed. While watching the said shows, certain elements were closely observed to determine how homosexuality was represented. Notable elements that were closely looked at were the manner by which the “straight” guy would interact with the “Fab five.” This included words, actions, and reactions towards the actions and words of the five gay guys. It was also of great significance to focus on what each gay character does in the show. Through the observation and analysis of such details, this study will aim to achieve a synthesis of the show’s representation of homosexuality. In turn, this study will provide a glimpse of how homosexuality is depicted in media particularly in reality television shows. Discussion Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is described as follows: “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is a one-hour guide to "building a better straight man" — a "make better" series designed for guys who want to get the girl, the job or just the look.” (Bravo TV) Basically, the show is a makeover show handled by five gay men who, as a group, are known as the Fab 5. The goal of the show is for the Fab 5 to transform a typical straight man into a man that has the look, style, and way of life that he can only dream himself of having. Each of the five men in the show holds his own area of expertise. The group is composed of an interior designer, a fashion stylist, a chef, a beauty guru and someone who is tagged as the "concierge of cool.” He is the man who holds the responsibility of making known everything that is hip including books, music, and in general, pop culture. One of the most striking and observable elements in the show is the significant differences that exist when one compares the straight man to the gay men. For one, their manner of speaking is entirely different in the sense that the gay men are more upbeat and noticeably higher intonations in their speech. Also, the style of dressing, actions, and gestures are distinct from each other. In this way, the show is able to demonstrate the typical stereotypes that are attached to gays in society today. Gay people are expected to talk like women in that they have high-pitched voices accompanied by hand gestures and facial expressions that one cannot see from men. This stereotype has continued to thrive in society. Another significant representation depicted in the show is that gays have that distinct eye for beauty in style. By putting together a group of five gay men to revamp the ordinary and out-of-style life of a straight men, the show points out that the gays are the people who know beauty the best. The producers of the show could have chosen a group of straight men to makeover a straight man’s life. However, the choice of 5 gay men instead clearly shows that society accepts the fact that gays have that innate eye for what is beautiful and stylish. Other psychologists, sociologists, and scientists have aimed to explain and define the impact that the show has had on society. According to Rogers, “Queer Eye has enjoyed its extreme popularity precisely because it both commodifies gayness and reinscribes the heterosexual imperative, thus reinforcing hegemonic power dynamics while seeming to transgress them”. In as much as the show, just like shows in the past that have had gay men as central characters, has shed more light onto gay culture, it has likewise brought forth certain contradictions that may be seen as deterrent to homosexuality itself. According to Berila and Choudhuri, Queer Eye sets up a racialized and class-based binary that keeps lesbians off stage and invisible, heterosexual men dumbed down, heterosexual women present only in the context of their relationships with men, and people of color buying into a consumerist lifestyle that reifies white middle class normativity just touched up by appropriate color (2005). Moreover, in as much as the show has helped increase acceptance of homosexuality in society, it has done so in a way that it only reinforces the stereotypes that society has formed of gays. The show has represented gays as beauty and style loving people whose sole talent is derived from their passion for what is pretty. Conclusion Homosexuality in television shows has been around for several years now. People in the past have enjoyed various television shows that have gay characters. These characters are loved because they are hip, funny, and smart. This same representation of gays are shown in Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. However, the show merely gives more focus on what may be called the “gay eye for beauty.” Indeed Queer Eye for the Straight Guy has helped increase acceptance of homosexuality in society. However, it has also helped stamp the limits that society has on who gays are. In a way, the show has reinforced the very restrictions that have deterred the progression of homosexuality in society. Bibliography Berila, B & Choudhuri, D, (2005), “Metrosexuality the Middle Class Way: Exploring Race, Class, and Gender in Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”, Genders Online Journal, [online] 1 May 2006, Available at: . Rogers, Steve. Bravo to Air Queer Eye for the Straight Gir? Spin-off Series.? [online], 30 April 2006, Available at: . MALE DOMINANCE IN REALITY TELEVISION SHOWS Introduction Today, media consumers have seen the rise of a particular genre in television. Television shows today are being dominated by reality shows. Reality shows have sprouted in various forms. Many of them have taken away the popularity that the traditional scripted shows used to have. Some of such shows focus on the lives of celebrities, others serve as dating or matchmaking shows, while there are those that attempt to promote unique and one of a kind concepts that aim to arouse the curiosity and interest of viewers. Reality television has created a whole new aspect in media consumerism. In the past, shows rely on the drawing power of celebrities in order to attract more viewers. People used to watch television shows because of the celebrities that star in them. However, today’s media consumers are more attracted to television shows that focus on depicting life in the real world. Gone are the days when viewers are placed in situations where they try to relate to the storyline of the show. Now, people are more drawn to the twists and turns that supposed “real life” offers through reality television shows. Television shows usually attempt to depict real life scenarios. In a way, reality TV fits such objective more than any other type of television show for what can be more real than real life itself. Furthermore, society and culture are best shown through media including television. Thus, reality shows are assumed to portray the society and culture that prevails in the world today. One of the many cultural aspects that continue to encompass today’s society is male domination. Although the female gender has rapidly gained in status in society, many people still see males as superior or dominant over females. This is made more evident in the various television shows today. However, there exist certain shows on television that have helped alter or lessen people’s belief of such notion. This paper will attempt to provide an analysis of current consumer practices particularly with regards to the increasing popularity of reality television shows. The analysis will centre on consumer perceptions of male dominance as it is depicted in certain reality television shows. The basic question that this research aims to answer is as follows: If reality shows truly depict real life scenarios, how do such shows interpret male dominance in society? Aside from answering such question, the methodology involved in this study will likewise be discussed so as to provide a better understanding of how such analysis was undertaken. Methodology The primary method of collecting the necessary data for the analysis to be conducted is through an interview of a media consumer. The chosen interviewee is a 24-year old female working as a banker. It was a personal interview conducted in the interviewer’s residence. The said interview lasted for thirty minutes. Although there was no definite set of questions for the said interview, it was conducted in such a way that the questions asked were centred on exploring male dominance in television shows. The interview was then subscribed and the interviewee’s answers were analyzed so as to determine what her perception of reality TV’s representation of male superiority in society is. From such analysis, generalizations and conclusions were made. Discussion The interview conducted brought out an important notion which was pointed out earlier. Reality shows have indeed become very popular among media consumers. In the case of the interviewee, this was proven by the fact that the shows that she had named as her favourites are all reality shows. Survivor and Amazing Race are among the longest running reality television shows today. These shows appeal to consumers because they bring out the adventurous side in individuals as well as the love for challenging situations that are present in many people. The interviewee in fact cited her reason for liking these shows as loving adventure and thrill which watching these shows provides her with. Aside from such matters, the interview was likewise able to bring out the interviewee’s perceptions of how reality shows, particularly the Amazing Race, depicts certain stereotypes and traditional notions and misconceptions in society. She cited that she remembers two certain pairings that joined the race because these pairings possessed characteristics that made them stand out from the rest. She named a gay married couple and a pair of two women where one was a midget as the participants that stand out the most. She said that she remembers them because they were the types of people that are considered “outcasts” in the traditional society. However, she was quick to point out that the Amazing Race in fact did these people well in terms of society’s perceptions. She said that by showing that these people can compete side by side with the ordinary people, the show was able to erase certain misconceptions that people had about them. The Amazing Race was able to increase society’s regard for gays and other “out of the ordinary” people. In fact, with the gay couple’s win, the Amazing Race was able to show that gays deserve the same place and rights in society as those of straight people. Also, the show was able to prove that everyone has the same capability to perform well in certain situations regardless of sexuality, weight, or height. The interview was also able to shed light on the issue of male domination in society. The interviewee pointed out that the Amazing Race has helped change people’s perceptions regarding male dominance. She said that most people expect a male pairing to win the race. However, she has seen female pairings, mixed pairings, old-aged pairings, and gay pairings progress further than a pair composed of two males. This, in a way, has helped eradicate the perceived superiority of men over women. In a race where it takes physical and mental strength to succeed, it has been shown that males and females have equal and the same chances of winning. Society expects males to become more successful than females. This notion has prevailed for the longest of times. However, with shows such as the Amazing Race, media has helped change such belief. By showing how men and women stand on equal footing, both fully capable of winning the top plum, the Amazing Race has helped change what many people see as an inequality of the two genders. Conclusion Reality television shows aim to display real life. Culture and society are best shown through the various media channels. However, with the growing popularity of reality TV, television shows carry more responsibility in showing the culture and society prevailing today. This analysis has shown that certain reality television shows have served their purpose of depicting society today. Some shows such as the Amazing Race have helped change people’s perceptions regarding the superiority of males. Male domination has long been a significant cultural construct that has needed alteration. The Amazing Race has helped alter such concept by showing that everyone has equal chances of winning and succeeding in real life. Appendix Transcription of interview conducted Date of interview: April 30, 2006 Interviewer (I): How often do you watch TV? Consumer (C): Usually, I get to watch everyday, after work most especially. But since I’m often tired by the time I get home, I only get to watch TV around 2-3 hours a day. On weekends, I watch TV when I do not have any prior plans or when I do not spend it with family or friends. I: Do you watch movies too? C: Yes I do but since it’s quite pricy to watch in theatres, most of the movies I watch are rented videos. I: What shows do you usually watch on TV? C: I have to say I’m a reality TV freak. For some reason, I usually find myself watching reality TV shows, from Big Brother to Survivor and the Amazing Race. Of course I do watch the news but I see it as more of information seeking rather than entertaining myself which I believe is my primary reason for watching television. I: What do you think attracts you to reality television shows? C: Well, I have different reasons for watching different reality shows. For instance, the Amazing Race brings out my love for thrills and adventure. Actually, it’s been my dream to join the Amazing Race for quite some time now. (Laughs) But basically, I guess the main reason I watch those shows is that I try to picture myself in the situations that the participants find themselves in. I imagine how I’d be if I were placed in those situations. I: So why haven’t you joined the Amazing Race? C: (laughs) I just don’t think I have the unique character to be chosen as a participant. I think it’ll just be a waste of my time for me to try out since I don’t think I’d be chosen anyway. I: Among the characters in the reality shows that you watch, can you recall any individual that stands out? I mean people that you can remember from those shows? C: Since the Amazing Race is my favourite, most of the people I remember are from that show. There’s that married gay couple that won the race and the cousins where one was a midget. I: Why do you think they stand out in your memory? C: Because as far as I can remember, those two pairs were the most unique participants in the show. Also, I admire both pairs for participating despite the prevailing notion among people that they are “outcasts” in a way. I: Do you think the show has helped bring more acceptance for people like them? C: Yes, most definitely. Of course people expect a strong and physically fit pair to win the race but if you analyze the winners of the race, not all fit the billing. Most of the time, people expect a male pair to dominate the race but this doesn’t always happen. That’s the beauty of the Amazing Race as I see it. It helps change people’s perceptions regarding male domination in particular. We’ve seen old-aged couples progress more than a male pairing. We’ve seen a female pair last longer than their male counterparts. In a way, the show has helped change people’s expectations as to what it would take to succeed in the world. I: The Amazing Race has been going on for 9 seasons now. Even the Survivor has had multiple seasons. Why do you think these shows have sustained their popularity? C: I guess it because of the unique scenario that these shows depict. In the Amazing Race, different locations around the world are shown each season. People not only enjoy the race itself but they appreciate the learning experience that the show provides as well. Through the show, they meet real personalities and they get to learn about the many cultures in the world. I: For my final question, if you were given a choice to watch a television show, would you pick a scripted show like Sex in the City or a reality show like the Amazing Race and why? C: Gee, that’s quite a difficult question since I enjoy both. But I guess I’d have to pick the Amazing Race. You may think that this is biased judgement but I’d pick the Amazing Race because it’s more exciting in the real sense of the word. It provides more twists and unexpected scenarios that scripted shows will never be able to copy. I: Thank you for your time. You’re responses will be of great help. C: Thank you as well. I’ve enjoyed it! Bibliography Gender as depicted in media has often been studied. However, today’s consumer practices are evolving. Nowadays, more people watch reality television shows than the traditional scripted shows. The popularity of reality shows is best shown by the growing number of reality television shows today. Since a shift in viewing preferences has been detected, a new analysis with regards to the representation of cultural constructs must likewise be undertaken. As such, it is vital to explore how gender issues are depicted or portrayed in reality television shows. The proposed research will focus specifically on the representation of the female gender in various reality shows. Importance will likewise be given to how such representation differs from the representation of females in other media forms or channels. Shown below are the chosen sources to be used for the research on female identity in reality TV. The choice of such sources was made with considerations made to ensure that feminist and objective points of view are both considered. Moreover, it was ensured that some of the authors chosen are males in order to strike a balance between female and male perceptions regarding the topic at hand. Biressi, A, (2005), Reality TV : realism and revelation, London : Wallflower. Brown, L, (2005), "The women of reality TV." In: Featuring females: feminist analyses of media / edited by Ellen Cole and Jessica Henderson Daniel, Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Breyer, R, (Jan 2004), "Reality TV: More Mirror Than Window", World and I, 19.01: 100. Butsch, R, (Mar 2006), “Reality TV: Audiences and popular factual television”, Journal of Communication Volume, 56 Page 226. Douglas, K & McWilliam, K, Editorial: Reality TV and its Realist Angles, [online] Available at: http://reviews.media-culture.org.au/sections.php?op=viewarticle&artid=101. Fotinopoulos, C, (Autumn 2004) "Do reality shows teach us anything?." Australian Screen Education, 36: 58(2). Gauntlett, D, (2002), Media, Gender and Identity: An Introduction, London: Routledge. Moorti, S & Ross, K, (Summer 2004), “Reality Television: Fairy Tale or Feminist Nightmare?" Feminist Media Studies, vol 4, no 2, pp 203-05. “Reality TV tells us who has the power”, New York Times, 28 April 2003. Understanding reality television, (2004), Edited by by Su Holmes and Deborah Jermyn. London ; New York : Routledge. Read More