FINAL TASK
Instruction for Discussion Points and Reflection
Dear Students,
As part of your engagement with "Gender and Sexuality in Popular Culture," please address the
discussion points and complete the reflection questions highlighted in yellow within this handout.
1. Answer Format:
o Use a Word document to write your answers.
o Ensure your responses are clear, thoughtful, and concise.
2. Submission Guidelines:
o Include your full name and section at the top of the document.
o Save your file with the format: Lastname_Firstname_Gender and Sexuality.docx
3. Content:
o Address all highlighted discussion points and provide well-thought-out answers.
o Write a reflective paragraph connecting the themes discussed to your insights or
experiences.
4. Deadline:
o Submit your printed Word document on the day of your examination in PPC .
Final Lesson in PPC
Topic: Gender and Sexuality in Popular Culture
Overview
Gender and sexuality are integral aspects of human identity and are often shaped and reflected by the
media we consume. In Filipino popular culture, media has played a significant role in reinforcing,
challenging, and redefining societal norms about gender and sexuality.
Representation of Gender in Media
Filipino media, from television shows to movies and advertisements, has historically mirrored traditional
societal norms, often portraying distinct roles for men and women. Over time, however, some media have
begun to challenge these norms.
Examples:
• Traditional Roles:
o Men as breadwinners or action heroes (e.g., Fernando Poe Jr. movies).
o Women as caregivers or submissive wives (e.g., "Be Careful With My Heart").
• Modern Shifts:
o Characters who break traditional roles, such as independent women or sensitive men in
dramas.
Discussion Points:
• How has media shaped your understanding of gender roles?
• Can you identify examples of media challenging traditional gender norms?
Gender Roles and Stereotypes
Media often perpetuates stereotypes, which can influence societal expectations of how men and women
should behave.
Common Stereotypes:
• Women: Emotional, nurturing, and suited for domestic tasks.
• Men: Strong, dominant, and unemotional.
Examples in Filipino Media:
• Advertisements: Women shown as housewives using cleaning products.
• Comedy: Exaggerated portrayals of "macho" men or "dainty" women for humor.
Reflection Questions:
• Are these portrayals realistic or exaggerated?
• How can these stereotypes impact individuals?
LGBTQ+ Visibility and Issues in Philippine Media
The LGBTQ+ community has gained visibility in Filipino media, but challenges such as tokenism,
stereotyping, and lack of depth in representation persist.
Positive Representation:
• Vice Ganda: A celebrated LGBTQ+ figure who uses humor to address serious issues.
• Indie films: Works like "Die Beautiful" and "Baka Bukas" explore LGBTQ+ experiences.
Problematic Representation:
• LGBTQ+ characters often relegated to comedic roles or as "gay best friends."
• Lack of nuanced storytelling for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Discussion Points:
• How does media portrayal affect societal attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community?
• What steps can be taken to improve LGBTQ+ representation?
Key Takeaways
1. Media influences societal norms about gender and sexuality.
2. Traditional roles and stereotypes are often perpetuated, though some modern portrayals
challenge these norms.
3. LGBTQ+ visibility in Philippine media has improved, but deeper and more diverse stories are
needed.
Activity: Media Analysis
Instructions: Choose a Filipino media example (e.g., TV show, movie, or advertisement) and analyze its
portrayal of gender and sexuality. Consider the following questions:
• Does the media reinforce or challenge stereotypes?
• Are LGBTQ+ characters included? If so, how are they portrayed?
References:
• Garcia, J. N. (2008). Philippine Gay Culture: Binabae to Bakla, Silahis to MSM. University of the
Philippines Press.
• Tolentino, R. B. (2000). Fashionable Stereotypes: Gender, Sexuality, and the Filipino Public Sphere.
Anvil Publishing.
End of Handout
