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Why is it that when a gay is exposed in the military, the country halts and pays full attention to the fact that a “queer” might be fighting for this great nation? And why is it that an entire state can be shocked by the community who’s football team’s star quarterback is a “fag?” Will it matter then if the soldier leads this country into battle as an integral part of the army? And will it matter then if that quarterback leads the team to the state championship? Most likely, it won’t. On top of the negativity that exists about gays/lesbians in the media one of the biggest concerns homosexuals have is lack of representation (in the media.) There have been numerous gay rights marches, speakers, and not so pleasant beatings and brutal killings that somehow don’t make it to the news scene. In fact, in 1995, 13% of 7,947 bias-motivated crimes reported to the FBI were committed out of sexual-orientation bias. (Hate Crime Statistics, 5.) While there are some, typically, there are no reports of these happenings in newspapers or television shows. However, there are a tremendous amount of half hour shows on what celebrities wore to the Grammy’s and who can survive on secluded island-eating bugs for six weeks. Where are our countries values? The gay and lesbian community in this country has fought over countless incidents of negative feelings and prejudices in their role in the military and on high school teams. In the past 30 years they have strived to gain political, social, and religious respect, though the fight is still far from over. Some feel gays have made incredible strides, while others feel there has been little to no improvement from the 1960-70’s. (Israel, 21.) Not only should the gay and lesbian community receive coverage in the news, the attention given should be positive. In order to cast the proper view of homosexuals, the ever so important media needs to promote the educational basis to the public that will aid people in becoming more receptive and tolerant. (Israel, 17.) The media has such a large impact and influence on our society, thus the media’s bias plays a large role in what the country sees and how they see it.
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