Homophobia In Film

1. I think one reason why homophobia is more common among male to male relations rather than female to female relations, is reflected on the idea of machismo or being perceived as homosexual. When it comes to machismo, a man’s beliefs are deeply rooted to the idea that men should only like women. It’s an idea that is typically established early in a child’s life. Also being perceived as homosexual could have a lot to do with a man homophobia. It could be, being afraid of what others might think of them if they interact with someone that is transgender. I think this homophobia relates to Gwen’s story, as the men who attacked her, seemed to be afraid of Gwen’s identity. They acted on the idea that someone being transgender was not normal. They could have also acted on the idea of being identified as possibly homosexuals, just by having interacted with her. The defense lawyer Michael Thorman, addressed in the film, that maybe the circumstances would have been different if they weren’t all in a group, but rather just Gwen and someone else.
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The “heat of passion” argument is based on the idea that those who committed the murder acted on impulse and provocation by the victim. I think that the “heat of passion” argument was used by the men who were accused of Gwen’s murder, on the goal of reducing their prison sentence and making their argument and acts justified. I don’t think it’s an appropriate defense. This could benefit them by getting their sentence reduced, but morally it doesn’t justify their actions. I believe that they knew what they were doing. They didn’t think beating Gwen was enough as they went further on with their violent