This was written following the groundbreaking Channel 4 television show 'Queer as Folk' that aired in 1999 and spawned a popular and long running American version. It showed gay people not as victims but as well rounded characters living life - with a mixture of joy and sorrow similar to their straight contempories that hadn't been seen before - not to mention sexual scenes shot with a similar explicitness as hetrosexual sex was normally shown. Consequently it was a trailblazing and controversial programme which warranted deeper analysis in this paper.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Background
- Literature Review
- Content and Textual Analysis
- Survey and Sampling Methodology
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This research explores the controversy surrounding the television series "Queer as Folk" and attempts to analyze its communication techniques while also gauging societal attitudes towards homosexuality. It aims to investigate whether the show's construction and content were radically different from other television programs during a time when television was increasingly criticized for being banal and "dumbed down." Additionally, the research aims to determine whether society has indeed become more liberal in its views on homosexuality and the subsequent impact of such media texts.
- The role of controversy in television programming and media industry
- Communication techniques employed in "Queer as Folk" and its potential impact
- Societal attitudes towards homosexuality and the influence of media texts
- The relationship between television content and social change
- The representation of gay characters in television
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the research topic by highlighting the controversial nature of "Queer as Folk" and its potential to reflect societal attitudes towards homosexuality. It draws parallels between the show and other controversial programs that have addressed social taboos in the past.
- Background: This chapter outlines the research aims, which include understanding the show's communication techniques, challenging assumptions about the gay population, and examining the relationship between television and societal change. It also introduces the methodology, which involves surveys, sampling, and textual analysis.
- Literature Review: This chapter examines academic texts on communication studies and existing literature on "Queer as Folk" and its themes. It discusses the challenges of analyzing visual media and the limited academic research available on the show's impact.
Keywords
The main keywords and topics explored in this research include: television controversy, "Queer as Folk," communication techniques, social attitudes, homosexuality, representation, media impact, social change, and communication studies.
- Quote paper
- Ryan Edwards (Author), 2001, The controversy surrounding 'Queer as Folk', Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/280268
