The End of an Era
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Of course, we can't underestimate the power of the Christian Fundamentalists. The anti-gay sentiment continues to swell as the Far Right attacks anything and everything gay. They're banning books, outlawing gay/straight alliances, boycotting companies that direct advertising to the LGBT community, and even attacking Wal-Mart for daring to sell Brokeback Mountain. As I mentioned earlier, when the Far Right gangs up on advertisers for supporting a particular show, like Book of Daniel, the advertisers may pull their ad dollars. At the very least, it might make them less likely to support similar shows in the future. With networks often spending millions of dollars to develop and launch new shows, they can't afford to take that risk. It doesn't help that, as successful as Will & Grace was, there hasn't been another breakout LGBT show since.

By now, maybe you're asking: "If network TV can't seem to get it right, and cable is clearly doing a much better job, why does it matter?"

Let's face it, as the finale of American Idol proves, television is still an important part of American culture. Jon and I went to a fast food restaurant for lunch today. While I was waiting for my order, I overheard a large group of well-dressed adults discussing Simon Cowell's comments to Katherine McPhee. I commented on this as Jon and I walked out to our car, and Jon said, "Oh yeah, that's all everyone was talking about at the office this morning." TV influences us, and the simple fact is most people don't have cable. The networks are still the best way to gain access to millions of homes.

I ended my last column with two questions: "Can a TV show change hearts and minds?" and "If a soap opera can bring a sensitive, honest portrayal of a gay character to life, why can't primetime TV?" Studies have proven that positive portrayals of LGBT people on TV do influence viewer's perceptions, so that leaves the question of why aren't the networks offering more gay characters? Brokeback Mountain proved that a gay love story could have mass appeal and be financially successful. That's no longer an excuse. It's up to us to let the suits at the networks know what we want. Support GLAAD as it works to ensure fair portrayals of the LGBT community, but don't leave all the work to them. Write letters, send emails, make phone calls -- let the networks know what you want and expect from your TV. One era might be ending, but that doesn't mean a new era can't begin.

© Josh Aterovis, All Rights Reserved. Josh Aterovis is the author of the Killian Kendall Mystery Series as well as numerous columns and articles. Article provided by GayLinkContent.com