I was surprised to learn this Wednesday afternoon that homosexuality and cross-dressing has been portrayed in films since the very beginning. Considering American history and the "Roaring 20s", it is no wonder that the film industry embraced homosexuality instead of sweeping it under the rug. From Charlie Chaplin films to movies such as As You Like It and Glen or Glenda, cross-dressing has been featured in films from the very beginning. Viewed as comical and ironic, cross-dressing today is still viewed very similarly . Movie trailers for movies such as Sherlock Holmes: 2 continue to put an emphasis on cross-dressing as comic relief.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHBHMtl9YWw
The fact that homosexuality and cross-dressing continues to be portrayed as a way of comedy says much about a larger issues today: acceptance. After roughly 90 years of film, cross-dressing is still viewed as comical, reflecting upon implied gender roles. Why are men not supposed to wear make-up? Why is it more accepted and even considered sexy when females try to appeal to both sexes? What does this say about the hierarchical gender structure? Will there be improvements for the future?
These are all questions that one must wrestle with on a daily basis in order to change society's perception on gender and sex. One can be what one desires to be.
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