Posted by
Playful Walrus on Thursday, October 01, 2009 12:55:59 PM
It's that time again - when GLAAD counts up the number of characters on primetime network television who are attracted to people of the same sex or both sexes or who dress in such a way as to pretend to be the opposite sex, or who go so far as to get hormones and surgeries in an effort to pretend to be the opposite sex. GLAAD, of course, wants to make sure that all of this is shoved into our faces as much as possible, and they want to make sure the networks are giving overall positive portrayals that advance the advocacy of homosexuality and self-mutilation.
Jill Serjeant has the Reuters story:
Some 44 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) characters make regular appearances in scripted shows on network and mainstream cable TV in the new 2009-10 television season, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), said in its annual "Where We Are on TV" report.
Not sure how this differs from their “Network Responsibility Index”, which I wrote about here.
The 18 LGBT characters on major U.S. networks account for 3 percent of all scripted series in the prime-time TV schedule, up from 2.6 percent a year ago, the report said.
According to their tally, the number is up slightly this season to 18 out of 600 roles, which would be in line with reality as far as percentages. However, this is only primetime network television, focusing on dramas and comedies. It doesn’t take into account daytime programming, movies, "reality" shows (many of which make a point of having openly homosexual contestants or have openly homosexual judges/hosts), news magazines, etc.
From the Associated Press article:
Using information provided by ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and CW, the group reviewed 79 scripted series announced to air this season.
So, no Bravo? MTV? Logo? So it is a little misleading. As my prior blog entry noted, "LGBT" characters/people are overrepresented on television. And while the GLAAD folks bemoan (mostly past) limits on what such characters do on-screen (for example - shows that will show a both-sexes couples in bed together, starting activity under the sheets that makes it clear they are about to fornicate would only show two men hugging, not even kissing) – how many of those same shows will air the serious prayer of a character who is a sincere, level-headed, educated Christian, or show him serving others in the name of Christ? Most television tries to appeal to the widest audience, most of whom do not belong to the same religious denomination, and most of whom do not want to see two men making out. Television will push that, though, if the artists/producers are trying to push an agenda with the viewers.
The steady increase in gay characters is promising, as are story lines that are becoming "more reflective of current issues affecting our lives," GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios said in a statement.
Fair, accurate images of gay couples marrying, raising families and contributing to their communities help fellow Americans "come to accept and better understand" their gay family members and neighbors, he said.
What, no same-sex pairings struggling with infertility or an unplanned pregnancy?
How about programming that shows the higher rates of mental and physical illnesses, substance abuse, and domestic violence? But I suppose that is entirely the fault of families, churches, and politicians who aren't enthusiastic supporters of homosexual behavior, especially among minors living at home?
(This post is most certainly to get a link from a certain website that sounds like a brand of cotton swab.)