Role of the Media in Making Homosexuality Acceptable In the Society - Essay Example

Role of the Media in making Homosexuality acceptable in the Society Affiliation The introduction provides an explanation ofwhat will drive the proposed researched study; the rationale of the proposed research. It further illustrates the context or angle from which the research will be conducted. The literature review discusses the opinion of other authors based on their studies as well as give a literature background of some of the theories in mass media communication that make the study plausible. The significance of the study as well as its aims and objectives are well stated. Research questions have been shown; these will guide the objectives as well as the thesis presented in the proposed study. The gaps in literature section, looks at the places of concern where the previous literature have not focused that then makes the study significant. The methodology section discusses the proposed research design, explaining the reason why it was chosen. This section also evaluates the data collection methods that will be used in the proposed research; advantages and disadvantages of the chosen method are given. Additionally, it also covers the data analysis method that will be used to analyze the data collected. Key words: Fairy tales, homosexuality, society Introduction The society in general has been debating about the course that the institution of marriage is taking. Conservative groups hold the opinion that such a move affects the future generations and the society. Same-sex marriage has been of debate in most parliaments and media platforms. To be specific, gay marriage has taken the center stage when it comes to the debates. There has been a tussle between those for homosexuality and those against it. However, the recent Disney fairytales reflect too much of gay characters that has raised concerns for both the public, that comprises the parents mostly, and the Christian conservative groups. The recent announcement by Disney brought in mixed reactions. The company best known for its fairytales announced that the film will involve two overt gay characters who will fall in love and at the end of the story find happiness through same sex marriage. The film: Princes, that is bound to be released in 2015 raises concerns especially in the cultural dimension of the society. This is not the first film of the kind since the entertainment monster has been supporting all initiatives related to Lesbians, Gay, and Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) programs, through its productions. Research conducted has shown that previous productions of Disney have had a place for gay acts, though in a subtle manner ("Disney Announces, ‘Princes’, First Film with Openly Gay Characters. | Amplifying Glass," 2014). However, this is a challenging move being that the main targets are children. The media has an important role to play in helping solve the issue that has taken the public with confusion. Most of the gay right activists have used media both directly and indirectly to champion for their rights. This research study seeks to investigate the role of the media in making homosexuality more acceptable especially by laying focus on fairytales that have gay couples being their character. The study is more inclined to the Disney fairytale and the theories of mass communication. Additionally, the study will also analyze the extent to which the media is conforming to the mass communication theories. The systematic approach of the proposal shall outline all the steps to be included in the proposed research study. Significance of the Study The proposed study is very significant to the media channels and stakeholders, parents and lawmakers (legislators) as well as activists. First off, the study shall inform the parents as to whether or not, the content of the fairytales that produced by Disney, have homosexuality as their arsenal theme. Additionally, it will also help parents in guiding their children who are the main consumers of the fairy tales. The study will do this look at how the media has considered the necessary theories that guide mass communication. Secondly, the proposed study will help defuse the confusion that is on the public and scholarly domain, concerning the gay marriages and the face it is painting on the society. Thirdly, the study will also aid the youths in making informed decision concerning the content they are watching. The choice of what a youth views is at their discretion, but the study will explain to the youth the impact that has in their social and cultural life. Lastly, the study will help the lawmakers and activists make informed decisions when they are making laws that affect how the media handles the issue of homosexuality. It will also act as an alarm to lure more researchers to look into the topic of discussion and lead to a conclusive answer to the questions that are lingering in relation to the same. Assumptions There are several assumptions to make when conducting the proposed study. 1) The whole society is concerned with the homosexuality issue. 2) Fairy tales aired in the television channels are of reach to everyone. 3) Adults, youth and children are consumers of fairy tales. 4) The answers given during the interview are honest as far as the respondents are concerned. 5) The media has a pivotal role to play in shaping the society. Aim and Objectives The main objective of the study is to look into the role the media plays in making homosexuality acceptable in the society. However, there are also objectives that will drive the study in realizing the aim. These include: 1) To investigate, whether children are the only consumers of fairytales. 2) To explore the societal challenges presented by fairy tales with gay characters. 3) To explore the effects of Disney fairytales involving gay characters on the youth. 4) To investigate additional themes, presented in Disney fairytales. Research Questions There are certain questions that will drive the research study. These are: 1) Are fairy tales only for children? 2) What challenge do the media present to the society when airing fairy tales that are including gay characters? 3) How does the media’s portrayal of gay character in fairytales affect the youth? 4) What other themes are present in the Disney fairytales? Literature Review The cultivation theory in its basic form suggests that the rate of television viewing shapes their conception of social reality. Meaning that the more people are exposed to homosexual related content they get aligned to that as the truth on the ground. The theory proposes the link between the mass media and the values as well as attitudes of the viewers on culture (Morgan, Shanahan, & Signorielli, 2012). Heteronormativity theory provides a basis where social theorists can discuss the manner in which gender and sexuality is hierarchically separates into categories (Agrawal, 2007). Agrawal (2007) explains that the theory provides a foundation upon which man and woman as well as heterosexuals and homosexuals can be discussed in families, media and the society. It also provides grounds for classification of bisexual and transgender individuals. Porter & Sweetman (2005), define mainstreaming as the process where the implications for men and women of any planned action, programs, in every level is assessed. They suggest that it is a strategy aimed at making men’s as well as women’s issues an essential part of design, evaluation, application, and monitoring of policies that are of political, social, and economical concerns to men and women. This happens so that men can benefit equally (Porter & Sweetman, 2005). Critical cultural theory postulates the idea that, the media operate mainly to justify and offer support to the status quo at the discretion of ordinary individuals. In the social learning theory individuals are perceived to acquire new traits or behaviors through what they consume from the media (Morgan, Shanahan, & Signorielli, 2012). All these theories are of help in understanding the role the media is playing in making homosexuality acceptable in the society, when evaluated in the angle of fairytales. Salmon (2011), acknowledges that there are only a handful of studies that have focused on mass media sex and the trend of sexual behavior among the youth. He states that most studies only focus on issues such as agenda setting, aggression and political behaviors among others. In this study it is evident that most youth behave sexually as they see from televisions. Mary-Lou (2006) on the other hand, conducted a study whose outcome suggested a relationship between mass media and the romantic morals as well as the prospects of men and women. The study found out that the adolescents and the youths in their early adulthood draw their attitudes and characters from the TV programs they are fond of. Additionally, the study found out that the fairy tale characters also influence how the youth and children think in that women are portrayed as passive and ignorant, but later in the end as people who conquer all (Mary-Lou, 2006). Gaps in Literature These theories and findings from the authors make the proposed study plausible in that most of them have not delved into the field with an angle of fairytales. Most also have the opinion that fairytales are only meant for children. Most authors have also been on the high end of criticizing the media based on the content it provides to the society. Only few if any have acknowledged the significance of the themes that are aired on media platforms. The proposed study will find out whether this is true and address the gaps that exist in the previous research. Methodology Research Design This study will be based on a qualitative research design in order to meet the intended objectives. This means that a survey design will be applied. Qualitative design is feasible in terms of time and resources compared to quantitative design. An exploratory design will also be instituted in the process of research. The latter is effective in areas where there is little research and knowledge about the opportunity. The type of research is usually easy to conduct and lacks the testing of hypothesis (Silverman, 2009) Data collection The research design stated above shall be facilitated by interviews and secondary sources as the major data collection methods. Interview method of data collection has a number of advantages. First, the researcher can gauge the validity of the response. Secondly, the respondent can seek clarifications on the questions. Thirdly, it results into in-depth information that other methods such as questionnaires, had not covered. However, the main disadvantage of using the methods is that the researcher may be biased. Secondly, some of the respondents may be hostile. Thirdly, the data is usually difficult t analyze. To capitalize on the demerits necessary measures shall be put in place to ensure that all suitable conditions for the interview are set (Silverman, 2009. The interviews will be audio-taped, but only with the consent of the respondents. The questions shall be pen ended in nature to allow the respondent give more of their opinions. Data Analysis Wilson (2010) discusses the main aim of data analysis and comes to a conclusion that; it helps to structure, elicit and organize the meaning from the data collected on a research. During the interview process the researcher is able to collect as well as analyze the data given. The analysis of data takes place in three major phases that is description, analysis, and interpretation phases. Redundancy of information often impacts the analysis process. To avoid this, the researcher will classify the responses based on the themes they seem to address. This will hasten the process of data analysis as well as ensure that the data is authentic to the study. Objectivity must be employed in this process to avoid biasness. Additionally, to ensure trustworthiness the researcher will look at credibility, transferability, dependability, and conformability of the data collected from the interviews (Wilson, 2010). Protection of Human Rights Every research that is conducted must have ethical considerations and moral dilemmas. These two if not addressed carefully the whole research might breach the protection of human rights. The research study will only roll out after it gets ethical approval from the heads of institutions where data shall be collected. As for the parents they shall be asked prior of their wish to participate through letters. The proposed study does not seek to endanger the society but instead inform its cultural stand. Therefore privacy and confidentiality of the response given shall be to the highest degree possible. Anonymity will reign as the arsenal theme of the interview as well as the audio transcriptions. The transcribed data from the audio tapes shall be stored in password protected computers. The researcher shall to the letter respect human rights of freedom of choice and confirm that informed consent is completed before the interview. For kids below the age of signing consent forms the parents’ assistance shall be sought. The respondents shall then be assured that the opinion to withdraw from the interview process is open only before it begins failure to which repercussions shall ensue. The main aim of ethical issues and human right concerns is to address the possible issues and not to provide answers (Dickenson, 2013). Conclusion The study once successfully done shall address all the questions revolving around the role of the media in making homosexuality acceptable in the society; taking the angle of how fairy tales with gay characters will affect the society, the youth and children. The results of the study shall not only inform the public but also develop good and fair grounds for debating over the issue of homosexuality and the media. The study as can be seen will ensure that ethical considerations and human right protection issues are looked into prior to the research. This not only makes it plausible in the manner in which it will revolutionize the society but also in the manner in which the public and scholarly domains shall receive it. Additionally, parents who are the major beneficiaries of the study results will be able to use them as a guide in controlling what their children view as well as coaching them where parental guidance is essential. Being that the study is coming up in an opportune moment when there is expected release of a controversial fairytale with gay characters; the research is very feasible and has the best timing. The results after data analysis can then pave way for future researchers to delve even deeper into the same when they are conducting their research. Lastly, the research shall also be a guide for future researchers who are intending to research on media and mass communication. References Agrawal, N. (2007). Theories of communication and mass media. Jaipur, India: Book Enclave. Dickenson, D. (2013). The Cambbridge Medical Ethics Workbook. Cambridge University Press. Disney Announces, ‘Princes’, First Film With Openly Gay Characters. | Amplifying Glass. (2014, November 10). Retrieved from http://www.amplifyingglass.com/disneys-first-openly-gay-animation/ Mary-Lou, G. (2006). Critical Thinking About Sex, Love, And Romance In The Mass Media. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc. Morgan, M., Shanahan, J., & Signorielli, N. (2012). Living with television now: Advances in cultivation theory & research. New York: Peter Lang. Porter, F., & Sweetman, C. (2005). Mainstreaming gender in development: A critical review. Oxford: Oxfam GB. Salmon, C. T. (2011). Communication yearbook: 35. London: Routledge. Silverman, D. (2009). Doing Qualitative Researsch: A practical guide handbook. London: Sage Publishers. Wilson, J. (2010). Essentials of Business Research: A Guide to Doing Your Research Project. London: Sage Publications. Appendix 1 Interview Guide 1. How often do you watch fairy tales? 2. What are the main themes of the fairytales that you watch? 3. At what age did you quit or begin watching fairytales? 4. How many fairytales have you watched that involve gay characters? 5. What is your take on the fairytale; Princess that was announced for release in 2015 by Disney and would involve gay characters? Read More