TV Theory:9th March 2017

What do we mean by 'sexuality'?
-Distinct from 'gender' or biology.
-The expression of sexual identity through internal feelings and external behavior.
-Can also refer to sexual activity (in particular visual representation.

Sexuality in the media:
- Visual presentations of sexual expression (eroticism, pornography)
-Identity representations of sexual expression (LGBT, asexualism, pansexualism)

Visual representation:
-Eroticism (erotica)- aesthetic depiction of sexuality; may not involve nudity.
-Pornography- explicit depiction of sexuality; using via nudity and graphic sexual activity.

Media Censorship:
-Depictions of sex and sexuality in media traditionally mediated by external censors.
-UK- Broadcasting legislation, watchdogs (ofcom)
-US- FFC (Federal Communications Commission)
-Broadcast networks also have individual editorial guidelines.
-'Moral majority' also act as external watchdogs (Mary Whitehouse, national press)

Sexual representation:
-Sexual representation in TV and film historically tightly controlled until 70 s liberalisation.
-First portrayals of nudity and gay characters.
-Stereotypes.

Sexual stereotypes:
-Libertine
-Camp
-'Butch'
-Asexual

Queer Theory:
-Theorists such as Judith Butler argue gender and sexuality are social constructs informed by media and representation.
-Alternative to gay and lesbian critical theory which places sexuality in historical, social and political contexts.

Freud and sexual theory:
-'The unconscious'- repressed or sublimated sexual desire expressed through 'subtext'.
-Polymorphism- existing in different forms (sexual deviancy outside hetero-normative)
-Scopophilia/ Voyeurism.
-Oedipal and Electra Complex.