Gender Portrayal In the Media
An Outlook
The Medias Grasp On Humanity
Women: The Stereotype
Thing about this for a moment.... What does this say about or so called"equal" society? Women, in movies for example, are either over sexualized or seen as weak. Some of the movies that I love, intentionally or not, portray women in a negative light more than a positive one. Not only are most women portrayed this way, but then seek to attain themselves based on the media's portrayal.
Men: The Stereotype
What does it say about society when men are often portrayed as " The Man". What does this entail?" From GI Joe, Rambo, to James Bond masculinity is often associated with independence, competition, emotional detachment, aggression and violence. Despite the fact that men have considerably more economic and political power in society than women, these trends - although different from the affects on women and girls - are very damaging to boys."Boys and men are told often to "suck it up, and be a man", or are given the idea that any signs of emotion are signs of weakness. From alcohol commercials, to mens fragrance ads: Men are to be strong at all times, are to be powerful, and shall be the master of women.
As a country we have grown, but the same gender and stereotypical problems from thousands of years ago still remain.(cited from www.etfo.ca/Resources/ForTeachers/Documents/Gender%20Issues%20in%20The%20Media.aspx)
Conclusion: What does this message send to children and future generations? "Research tells us that the more television children watch, the more likely they are to hold sexist notions about traditional male and female roles and the more likely the boys are to demonstrate aggressive behaviour.
In fact, images aimed at children are particularly polarized in the way they portray girls and boys. In advertising, for instance, girls are shown as being endlessly preoccupied by their appearance, and fascinated primarily by dolls and jewellery, while boys are encouraged to play sports and become engrossed by war play and technology.
Furthermore, children are increasingly being exposed to messages about gender that are really intended for adult eyes only. These images also help shape the notions little girls and boys have about who they should be and what they can achieve." (Cited from http://www.etfo.ca/Resources/ForTeachers/Documents/Gender%20Issues%20in%20The%20Media.aspx)