Equality Through Television

Marches, petitions, impassioned commentaries and even hunger strikes have been used as part of the drive for equal rights by oppressed groups through the years. But have the increased number of gay and lesbian characters on television played a role in the growing acceptance of LGBT people in real-life? NPR reports.

Questions...

•Why do TV shows affect the way we see the world?

•How does TV shape our ideas of what is normal or desirable?

•Name some LGBT characters on TV (including ads). How are they portrayed?

•Why has the increasing audience segmentation of TV played to the advantage of LGBT characters?

•Who is next?What group will gain greater acceptance, due in part to characters on television?