Representation Flashcards
LGBTQ + Representayion
Attitude’s primary target audience is the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay men. The website features numerous stories about LGBTQ+ issues and events, with a strong emphasis on gay men.
The website’s representation of gay men in a positive, powerful, and normalized way fills a niche gap in the market, where gay men are often underrepresented or misrepresented in other media.
The majority of Attitude’s staff are members of the LGBTQ+ community, potentially explaining the website’s sympathetic and diverse representation of sexuality. The predominantly male staff might contribute to the greater focus on gay men compared to other members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Attitude’s representation of non-western cultures
While the website includes individuals of various ethnicities, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of modern Britain, stories about other cultures and countries often portray them negatively, particularly African countries, as homophobic and discriminatory. This reinforces the perspective of the primarily British audience and reflects the cultural and political contexts of gay rights in those countries.
How does Attitude represent men?
Attitude, targeting a male audience, presents men in a stereotypical manner, portraying them as powerful, successful, and wealthy, often through celebrity or political figures.
The website features numerous images of men with strong, muscular physiques, reinforcing the hypermasculine representation often seen in media.
Articles tend to focus on factual information rather than emotional exploration, aligning with the stereotype of men being unemotional. However, some articles, like those featuring Gok Wan or Ranj Singh, delve into the emotional impact of coming out and its effects on relationships.
How does Attitude represent men in a non-stereotypical manner
These articles may also represent men as victims of homophobia, challenging dominant gender ideologies and resonating with gay men who have experienced homophobic abuse.
While men are typically represented in a masculine way, Attitude features articles about men who exhibit more effeminate traits, such as men who wear makeup, speak softly, or engage in drag. This suggests a broader representation of men beyond traditional masculinity.
The website sexualizes men, which is unusual in media where women are more often sexualized. This encourages the audience to view men in a sexual way.
