Assignment: Expository Essay

Glee represents a breakthrough in gay representation

As we have seen, the representation of gays and lesbians on TV has evolved greatly over the decades. In fact, what was at first unmentionable and invisible is now commonly portrayed and explored. But more representation doesn't always equate better representation. It has taken time for TV to develop complex gay characters that do not simply fall back on old stereotypes. Thus, today's television landscape includes everything from gay parents to vampires to teens. In a concise essay, create a "snapshot" of gay representation on television today. In your analysis, consider the complexities of today's homosexual characters. What has been their impact on viewers? How have viewers embraced or resisted them? Finally, how might gay characters' increased presence on TV influence society as a whole? Cite specific evidence from at least three of the articles below to support your thesis (you may also draw from any current television show or character):

• “'Will & Grace’ Leaving TV Comedy Out of Closet” (TV.com)
• “Fox’s ‘Glee’ Represents Counterfeit Joy” (Everyday Christian)
• “I Want My Gay TV” (Paley Center for the Media)
• "Most Say Homosexuality Should be Accepted by Society" (Pew Research Center)
• "Where We Are on TV" Report: 2011 - 2012 Season (GLAAD), 
• "Squeaky Clean or Naughty by Nature: 'Glee's' Gay Teen Sexuality Complex" (Huffington Post)

All articles are available in the eReader.

In-class clips:

• “Judging Books by Covers” from All in the Family (1971)
• “And Mother Makes Four” from Three’s Company (1977)
• “Sisters of the Bride” from The Golden Girls (1991)
• “The Third Wheel Gets the Grace” from Will & Grace (2002)
• “Gay Witch Hunt” from The Office (2006)
• “The First Time” from Glee (2011)

Requirements:

• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
• 3-page minimum
• Include a works cited page

The best papers will:

• Stay within the parameters of the prompt, examining gay representation from the current TV landscape
• Have a concise thesis that both addresses the subject matter and contains a viable argument
• Clearly support their thesis utilizing solid evidence presented in a logical structure
• Properly cite evidence from articles using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Conclude with a summation of the main points
• Be formatted according to MLA Style

Due: Th 2.16 (Sec. 05) / Fr 2.17 (Sec. 49)