Gays in the Media - Will and Grace is Only the First Step

Gays in the Media - Will and Grace is Only the First Step

Bisexual. Gay. Lesbian. These are all words that in today’s society are becoming more and more common to hear. Although just a few years ago hearing these words might have shocked some and angered many, they are becoming a part of today’s norm. People are broadening their views on sexuality and the possibilities open to them. Being bisexual, gay, or lesbian is slowly becoming accepted. On television a few years ago, a comedic sitcom Ellen attempted to make gays even more accepted by casting the main character as a gay woman. Sadly, Ellen failed because viewers weren’t ready for gays to be seen in a comfortable TV setting. The idea was too new and the show was before its time. However, three seasons ago, another sitcom called Will and Grace succeeded in Ellen’s footsteps and is still on the air.

Will and Grace is a comedic sitcom about a group of friends who live and/or work together. Will Truman and Grace Adler live together. They are best friends who may seem perfect for each other, but will never find romance because Will is gay and Grace is straight. The two face everyday problems together along with their friends, Jack McFarland and Karen Walker. Jack is also a gay character; he has a son and is a lot more stereotypical of what many view as gay. Karen Walker is a rich, snobby socialite with an interesting sense of humor.

Although the sitcom Ellen attempted to make gays a part of society’s norm, Will and Grace successfully accomplished it. But with a catch. Depending on the viewer and his or her perception of the show’s message, one might find Will and Grace to be appealing because it challenges the old cultural belie...

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...len failed was because people weren’t ready for the reality that there are gay people out there. Therefore, viewers also weren’t ready to confront a television show in which the gay characters are taken seriously. The reason that Will and Grace has succeeded where Ellen hasn’t is simply this: Will and Grace provides a balance between what gays are really like in everyday settings and stereotypical portrayals of the characters that the viewers and our society need in order to be able to allow this new strong and influential shift in culture. Without such balance, viewers would be more uncomfortable with the change. It is sad that our society needs such poor representations and depictions in order for us to find a common ground in accepting gays. Hopefully our society will someday overcome this, and I believe that Will and Grace is a first step in that direction.