Jamal Challenges the Empire

FOX's saucy and cliché "plot twist" filled hit, Empire, just piles on the non-normatives in a melodrama about a young, black, gay man trying to become a successful hip-hop artist. Jamal's fight to prove himself as an artist while refusing to hide his identity isn't just a matter of being accepted by the public; rather, his struggle is breaking into the industry when it's dominated and reigned over by his homophobic father.  

Language is a prominent factor in why this melodrama is such a significant show to consider through the lens of queer studies. The viewers don't just recognize Jamal's struggle because he is openly gay and trying to be a hip-hop artist in a community oozing of hegemonic homophobia, there is a constant misuse of language to systematically oppress and discourage Jamal's sexuality. This language isn't only used in intentionally hurtful ways, but abusive and crude language is intertwined in even the most supportive lines.

Cookie Lyon: "I WANT TO SHOW YOU A FAGGOT CAN REALLY RUN THIS COMPANY.