Dating across difference: A rhetorical analysis of interracial same-sex relationships in targeted media outlets
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine how interracial same-sex relationships are constructed and communicated within gay themed media outlets, specifically magazine publications, and the possible effects such construction may have on various consumer populations through the frame of cultivation theory. I studied three major gay publications and surveyed 90 articles for both textual content and visual representation. Categories were then created and articles were grouped by relevance to each category. Through iterative processes, the number of useable articles fell to 68. Articles were mainly captured using online sources. Through this medium of online reading, other access points were created that would not have been seen through typical paper copies. Gateways to other media (YouTube videos, online slideshows, etc.) were created and were able to provide broader insight into specific topics and types of media consumption. Results indicated a severe lack of visual representation of both people of color, and interracial couples. Further examination found an absence of coverage on the topic of interracial relationships. This lack of representation has the opportunity for negative impact for consumers of all races/ethnicities since media has been shown to have a significant influence on consumers.
Subject Area
Communication|GLBT Studies|Mass communications
Recommended Citation
Santana-Melgoza, Victor, "Dating across difference: A rhetorical analysis of interracial same-sex relationships in targeted media outlets" (2015). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI1591993.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI1591993