Exploring the Representation of Male Homosexuals in Thai Boy Love Series through Critical Discourse Analysis
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Abstract
This academic article presents the portrayal and impact of the Boy Love (BL) series within the Thai media landscape, and the social influence on the Thai Boy Love genre. The article explains the representation of Thai Boy Love series through referencing theoretical frameworks and concepts of Michel Foucault, Judith Butler, and Norman Fairclough, illustrating how they can be used in interpreting texts and visuals. Additionally, it discusses the role of media portrayal, audience engagement, and broader cultural impacts on the discourse surrounding the Thai Boy Love series. The reproduction of the sexual traits and roles of male homosexuals, which are argued to follow the binary gender norm in Thai Boy Love series, are also explained. Last but not least, the article elaborates power dynamics, ideological positions, and societal norms embedded in this genre, in hope that the genre of Thai Boy Love and the representation of male homosexuals are explained in a broader aspect, which may lead to a more creative adaptation and realistic portrayal of Thai homosexuals in the of the genre. Despite the insights gained, significant gaps are thought to remain in investigating local cultural and linguistic contexts in the Boy Love series, especially those relating to sexual performativity.
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