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positive portrayal, or more novelty value?
today, it was announced that one of the contestants in the us tv series, “america’s next top model” is transgender (http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2008/08/americas-next-t.html) and (http://www.cwtv.com/shows/americas-next-top-model). but is this merely a ratings grab? or is it a sincere attempt to give what would otherwise be a marginalised social group a fair shot?
funnily enough, america’s next top model ran second in the second annual GLAAD Network Responsibility Index (http://www.reuters.com/article/industryNews/idUSN1433704320080715?sp=true). i note that GLAAD doesn’t have any “T”, however, transgender portrayal does figure in their judging criteria (so much for gay and lesbian groups ignoring the plight of our lot). and it seems that this index was based on the show before the announcement.
of most concern was the fact that the report also noted that most of the hours that counted for networks were thanks to portraying gay men.
GLAAD president, commented “If television viewers — both gay and straight — understand the LGBT community to be a group comprised almost exclusively of white gay men, we have a serious problem,”.
so, maybe … just maybe, that serious problem is a little less serious with the next “cycle” of america’s top model. at least it’s better than the usual media’s use of transgenderism as a pivot for ridicule … we hope.
tune in!
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1 Reply
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You would certainly not want it to be a ‘novelty’ for the purpose of gaining media coverage for a programme not exactly known as being sincere!
Lets just hope its not the harbinger of a series of media exposes on the “glamour” world of Transgender!
