Lexa Pledge

Definition

The Lexa Pledge is a commitment made by fans of the television show 'The 100' to advocate for more inclusive and responsible representation of LGBTQ+ characters, particularly lesbian and bisexual women. Named after the character Lexa, whose death sparked outrage among fans, the pledge emphasizes the importance of honoring LGBTQ+ narratives in media and holding creators accountable for their storytelling choices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Lexa Pledge was created in response to the backlash against the show's portrayal of Lexa, a character who was a strong representation of a lesbian leader but was killed off without a proper narrative resolution.
2. Fans took to social media to promote the pledge, emphasizing the need for better representation and more thoughtful writing around LGBTQ+ characters.
3. The pledge not only focuses on acknowledging existing LGBTQ+ narratives but also encourages creators to actively include diverse voices in their writing rooms.
4. Through the Lexa Pledge, fans have mobilized to raise awareness about harmful tropes and advocate for more respectful storytelling in mainstream media.
5. The movement surrounding the Lexa Pledge has inspired other fan communities to reflect on their own representations and create similar pledges for accountability.

Review Questions

• How did the character Lexa's death influence fan reactions and lead to the creation of the Lexa Pledge?
  • Lexa's death was particularly controversial because it followed the 'Bury Your Gays' trope, where LGBTQ+ characters are often killed off. This sparked widespread outrage among fans who felt that her death undermined the positive representation that Lexa offered as a strong lesbian character. In response, fans united to create the Lexa Pledge as a commitment to advocate for more responsible portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters in media.
• Discuss how the Lexa Pledge reflects broader issues of representation within media and its impact on fandom communities.
  • The Lexa Pledge highlights significant concerns about how LGBTQ+ characters are treated in television narratives. It serves as a call to action for creators to be more mindful of their storytelling choices and to engage with LGBTQ+ voices in their writing processes. This movement has resonated with many fandoms, leading to discussions about representation and accountability across various shows, thereby transforming how fans interact with media and demand better inclusivity.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of movements like the Lexa Pledge in influencing media production practices and representations of marginalized communities.
  • Movements like the Lexa Pledge can significantly impact media production by raising awareness about representation issues and encouraging creators to be more considerate of their narratives. By uniting fans around a common cause, these movements not only pressure networks and writers but also foster discussions within fandoms about the importance of authenticity and diversity. As fans continue to advocate for change, there is potential for lasting influence on industry standards, ultimately leading to richer and more diverse storytelling that includes marginalized communities.

Related terms

Bury Your Gays: A trope in media where LGBTQ+ characters are killed off, often leading to frustration among viewers who seek positive representation.

Representation:

The inclusion of diverse characters and storylines in media that authentically reflect the experiences of marginalized groups.

Fandom: A community of fans who share a common interest in a particular show, film, or book, often engaging in discussions, fan fiction, and activism.