تمثيل المثلية في عروض نتفليكس: تحليل نقدي للخطاب

The Representation of Homosexuality in Netflix Shows: A Critical Discourse Analysis

Abstract

The current study is a critical discourse analysis (CDA) of the representation of homosexuality in Netflix shows. The objective of this research is to probe the archetypes, or prototypical characters, that are typically employed by the producers of Netflix. Likewise, it seeks to investigate the construction of the “self” and the “other” in Netflix shows to unveil the hidden ideology of the producers.
The study endeavors to answer the following questions: (a) What are the archetypal patterns associated with homosexuals in Netflix shows? (b) What are the microstructures that are utilized in Netflix discourse to construct the “self” and the “other”? (c) How are the mesostructures, in terms of intertextuality and speech acts, utilized to emphasize the “self” and the “other”? And (d) what is the ideology behind the representation of homosexuality in Netflix shows?
The researcher uses an eclectic model for the analysis, consisting of Hymes’ (1971) S.P.E.A.K.I.N.G. model, Faber and Mayer’s (2009) archetype theory, Fairclough’s (2001) three-dimensional model of analysis, Searle’s (1979) speech acts, modality according to Quirk et al. (1985), Halliday and Matthiessen’s (2014) transitivity, and Van Dijk’s (1998) ideological square. Additionally, a qualitative approach is used in data analysis.
Based on the findings, the study concludes that the producers of Netflix utilize a variety of archetypal patterns, such as shadows, caregivers, outlaws, everyman, innocents, etc., to show that homosexuals are parallel to heterosexuals. Moreover, Netflix employs micro and meso structures, such as transitivity, modality, over-wording, categorization, metaphor, explicit and constitutive intertextualities, and speech acts to construct the “self” and the “other”. Ideologically speaking, the producers showcase the conflicting polarization between homosexuality “other” and societal and religious beliefs and values “self” through the former’s inner conflict. Further, Netflix prompts lucid liberal agenda—that is, it disseminates a persuasive discourse that publicizes a willingness to respect and accept behaviors, opinions, and identities of homosexuals. Finally, in order to socially legitimize the propaganda of homosexuals, Netflix TV appears to agree with the essentialists who believe that homosexuality is natural and immutable.