Class Discussion – 11/16/17
Open TV home page:
http://www.weareopen.tv/about/
1.In the Eric Freedman’s article, he states that, “generic grammar of television prevents certain programs from acting out, and acting queerly”. This plays into the concept of agency/structure, and who determines what is popular and promoted on television and in the media? Dr. Aymar Jean Christian has defied this social dictation by creating Open TV. He uses this channel as an outlet for “diverse identities”, specifically homosexual individuals, to spread their messages. How does this non-mainstream outlet allow for these people to share their “intersectional art”? Does it allow for this community to take control of how they’re being portrayed in the media, even if their channel and audience are not mainstrean?
Dr. Aymar Jean Christian’s blog:
2.Freedman also states: “many gay and lesbian public access programs pitch themselves to a gay and lesbian community; a group of individuals with a shared value system…” Open TV’s Dr. Aymar Jean Christian claims in his blog, “We are not focused on “scale” and “big data” but rather on showcasing artists who have earned a few minutes of your time.” Why wouldn’t they want to reach for larger audiences, to spread and share their messages to change the dominant stereotypes?
3. To an extent, the audience controls what kind of content is broadcasted in television. Gamson writes about people’s interest in the dramatic rather than the “ordinary” experience of daily life. Because networks rely on views, they need to broadcast the drama that the audience seeks. How does this contribute to the stereotypes of the LGBTQ community?
4. In Open TV’s, Queens in the Kitchen, they transform a traditionally heterosexual stage into one that expresses and discusses the lifestyles of homosexual people. It also brings up ideas surrounding public and private space – as they utilize private space to discuss both public and private issues. How or why might this be important? What is the significance of programs like Queens in the Kitchen, Brown Girls, and Brujos? How are they changing the way we see homosexuality portrayed on television?
- California has become the first state to require LGBTQ history curriculum at public schools. As we have learned, the education system is a major part of the ISA. How can teaching LGBTQ topics at an early age influence or change mindsets and perspectives that have become integrated into society? How is it being taught? Who decides this? How does certain claims made in this video relate to counterpublicity?