In The Celluloid Closet, Harvey Fierstein raises the thought-provoking and complex notion that "visibility at any cost" can exist as an operable form of cultural progress. He surmises that even the stereotypical "sissies" of classic cinema create a political presence relevant to progressing the image of the GLBT movement. This stance becomes problematic however, when one considers the negatives effects "sissy" characters may have on both the representation and perception of GLBT characters or individuals in the media. Because The Celluloid Closet was made nearly two decades ago, one may argue that since then, queer representation has shifted and gained momentum within the media. However, I would argue that although there has been progress in this area, the conventions and stereotypes of the 20th century in regards to queer representation in culture, regrettably, remain staunchly in tact.
For the sake of discussion, I'd like to point out two notable and contemporary examples of queer representation in the media. Often when a gay or lesbian character is portrayed in cinema they are killed off in the end. Whether or not their death is intentional does not detract from the fact that historically, these characters rarely make it to the end of the film. A prime example of this is the film Milk. Although this film offers a historical perspective on Harvey Milk's life, his tragic death is employed as a tactic (for better or for worse) by the filmmakers. You don't have to look far in contemporary film to find a GLBT or queer character that falls in the third Act. With this film in mind, one must question why these characters are forced to become sacrificial or martyred.
While the death of queer characters continues in contemporary film, the stock character of the "sissy" also remains prevalent. For example, one of the most prominent gay characters in the past 2 years is found on the television show Glee. Not only is Kurt a key member of the glee club, he also provides the audience with a charicature of what it means to be a young gay male. The problem with this character (and I believe this pertains to the "visibility at any cost" mindset) is that he panders to what the American society believes to be a young gay male. Unfortunately, Kurt's character is accoladed in the media for providing visibility to gay youth. Yet this character has not gained any ground from the "sissy" stock character of the 20th century. In this instance, I would challenge that this kind of visibility does nothing but pander to hegemonic practices in contemporary society.
Visibility at Any Cost
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I think you make a really good point about Kurt in the TV show "Glee", but I also think it is important to note the progress in today's media as well. They may not be giant leaps for queer-kind, but they are steps in the right direction in my opinion, like the fact that Kurt finds love instead of getting killed off mid-season. Or, going back to Glee here, the fact that the guy Kurt dates doesn't really fit the "sissy" stereotype, and also the internalized homophobia of Kurt's high school bully. We also have very visible queer folks in other media realms, like Rachel Maddow from CNN, and Ellen Degeneres. I am not one to say that things are all sunshine and rainbows (no pun intended) BUT thought the progress should be noted. I think it is easy to analyze these things and end up in a state of doom and gloom and feeling bitter and powerless, and remembering to acknowledge the little steps of progress helps overcome that I think.
Though I agree that representation of queer folk is definitely still lacking in this day and age, I feel like the examples you gave of "poor," modern representations are quite the opposite. Harvey Milk's story was one of perseverance and courage, but the fact still remains that he was murdered. In order to share the story of a gay man who rises against adversity, it is only fair to tell the his entire story. And his death, both real and cinematic versions, has inspired proaction rather than pity amongst queers and allies. As for Kurt, yes, in short, he is a "sissy" representation of a gay man. However, the difference between Kurt's character and all of those that came before him is that he is not the typical one dimensional, stock gay male character. Sure, he may enjoy GLEE club and fashion, but he is very strong in his convictions and stands up for what he believes in, which is a very positive representation that overshadows the "sissy" stereotype.
I agree with you in sense that there are still some hard felt stereotypes in the last ten years. There are definitely better examples now than previous. We have far too few movies that have gays as main characters but at least have been prominent in pop culture as side kicks to women. In such examples of Mean Girls, Sweet Home Alabama, and what not and ranging all the way to Glee characters. The sissy is present but the exaggeration is played down. However Blaine for instance is one good challenge to the representation of the sissy.