Media and the Impact on Hetero Normative Narratives of Children

Abstract

Media has a profound influence on the narratives children construct about the world around them and their lived experience. Children develop a perception of the world and its working as well as their future lives and roles in society based on media exposure. One major effect of media on children has been in quite evident and obvious heteronormative narratives. Heteronormativity has been discussed in the west in relation to gender roles and stereotyping. However, in the Indian context, heteronormativity extends itself into the over exaggerated narratives children develop imagining excessive machismo, violence and aggression as accepted ways of life. The other angle of hetero normativity relevant in India is fantasy and stories targeting children of all ages leading to the development of unrealistic expectations, flawed body image and instant gratification. This article describes various instances and examples of the impact of media on children’s lives and development of personality.