You will Choose a piece of Media ( Television show, movie, music video, song) to a health inequality issues prevalent in the US. You will write a Three (3) pages double spaced paper that clearly cites ideas, theories, and themes from the textbook and readings, as well as 2 outside scholarly sources (must be from an academic Journal) Make sure to follow the ASA style guidelines for in text citations and works cited/references Please follow the instructions.
Title: Media Representation of Health Inequality Issues in the US: A Critical Analysis
Introduction
Health inequality is a pressing issue in the United States, characterized by disparities in access to healthcare services and health outcomes based on socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and other factors. Media, including television shows, movies, music videos, and songs, play a significant role in shaping public perceptions and discussions on such matters. This paper aims to analyze the portrayal of health inequality issues in the US within a chosen piece of media. By critically examining the chosen media, drawing upon ideas, theories, and themes discussed in the textbook and readings, and incorporating insights from two scholarly sources, an in-depth understanding of the representations and narratives surrounding health inequality in the US will be achieved.
Chosen Piece of Media: Television Show – “Pose”
“Pose,” a groundbreaking television show created by Ryan Murphy, explores the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals, predominantly Black and Latinx, living in New York City during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Through a vibrant and diverse cast of characters, the show delves into various social issues, including health inequality within marginalized communities. Drawing from personal experiences, historical events, and real-life struggles, “Pose” provides an opportunity for critical analysis of health disparities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in relation to HIV/AIDS.
Health Inequality and Social Determinants of Health
To contextualize the discussion, it is crucial to understand health inequality and its underlying social determinants. Health inequality refers to the unequal distribution of health outcomes among different social groups. These disparities are largely influenced by social determinants of health, such as access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, education, employment, discrimination, and systemic barriers. Critical approaches to health inequality emphasize the role of structural factors, acknowledging that health disparities are not solely the result of individual choices, behaviors, or genetics but also rooted in larger societal issues.
In analyzing “Pose,” the chosen piece of media, it is essential to explore how health inequality is portrayed, constructed, and challenged within the storyline. Themes such as access to healthcare, stigma, discrimination, and the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality will be explored.
Access to Healthcare and HIV/AIDS
In the context of “Pose,” access to healthcare becomes a central theme when examining health inequality. During the 1980s and 1990s, the HIV/AIDS epidemic ravaged marginalized communities, primarily affecting LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly gay and bisexual men, transgender women, and people of color. “Pose” meticulously portrays the challenges faced by these communities in accessing HIV testing, treatment, and care due to systemic barriers, stigma, and discrimination.
The show navigates the complex dynamics of the healthcare system and highlights the importance of grassroots organizations and advocacy efforts in providing healthcare services and support to those affected by HIV/AIDS. By depicting characters who become involved in HIV activism, “Pose” showcases the resilience and determination of marginalized communities in demanding equitable access to healthcare services.
Stigma, Discrimination, and Mental Health
“Pose” also tackles the significant issue of stigma and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those living with HIV/AIDS. Stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS is intricately linked with societal biases towards sexuality, gender identity, and HIV status. The portrayal of characters living with HIV/AIDS provides a nuanced exploration of how stigma and discrimination impact mental health.
The show highlights the mental health struggles experienced by individuals, emphasizing the importance of support networks, empowerment, and destigmatization in overcoming these challenges. Drawing upon the social stress theory, which posits that marginalized individuals experience higher levels of stress due to systematic discrimination, “Pose” underscores the intersectionality of health inequality and mental health disparities.
Intersectionality and Health Inequality
Intersectionality, a concept developed by Kimberlé Crenshaw, emphasizes that different forms of oppression intersect to shape unique experiences of marginalization. In “Pose,” health inequality is intimately linked with various axes of oppression, such as race, gender, and sexuality. The show underscores how individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups face compounded health disparities due to intersecting structural inequalities.
By exploring the experiences of characters from diverse backgrounds, “Pose” portrays the complexity of health inequalities and the critical importance of intersectional analyses in understanding and addressing these issues. The show challenges dominant narratives that often overlook the experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color in discussions of health inequality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the television show “Pose” provides a rich and insightful portrayal of health inequality issues prevalent in the US, particularly within LGBTQ+ communities affected by HIV/AIDS. By analyzing the themes of access to healthcare, stigma, discrimination, and intersectionality, this paper has demonstrated how “Pose” engages with and challenges dominant narratives surrounding health inequality. Through critical engagement with the chosen media, drawing upon theoretical frameworks, and incorporating research from scholarly sources, a deeper understanding of the complexities of health inequality in the US is attained. “Pose” serves as an important platform for fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and advocating for equitable access to healthcare for all.