Essay about Gender Based Stereotype in the Media - 1723 Words

Introduction The media plays an extremely important and arguably the most powerful role in shaping the perception individuals and members of the public holds towards themselves and their surroundings. This therefore makes it extremely difficult for one to maintain his/her unique self identity or perception of others without the influence of the media. People will define themselves and others based on the messages insinuated by the media. The problem hence emerges when the media insinuate the wrong and negative messages, consequently leading to unwarranted stereotypes. Particularly, the media can lead to gender based stereotypes when to communicate the wrong type of messages (Wood 31). On the contrary, there are certain scholars who†¦show more content†¦Doing so is a great disservice to member of the society since it is highly likely to create an environment that is conducive to one gender and deeming to the other; in most cases, men as oppose to women are usually favored by gender based stereotypes in the media (Tozer at al., 420). Feminism Stereotypes The reason why gender based media stereotype appears to favor one gender is because the media tend to be biased against the group that society considers to be the minority. Of course it might be representing what is happening in the society, whereby the majority group is viewed positively as opposed to the minority one. However, as earlier hinted, this is irresponsible of the media since it should be using its powers to promote positive behavior in society. All in all, it doesn’t do so. When it portrays the ‘minority’, in this case women, in a negative stereotypical manner, both men and women begin to consider this distortion as the truth. Men will judge women based on this representation and will expect them to act precisely as per the expectation. On the other hand, women will hold the same expectation on themselves and will act as expected thus normalizing the stereotype. Any woman who tries to act outside the stereotype will be considered to breaking norm and/ or society’s value and therefore is likely to face resistance and criticism from both men and women (Feminish 177). For instance, Feminists have been victims of gender stereotype in the media precisely becauseShow MoreRelatedMedia And Its Effects On Society976 Words   |  4 Pagesaddicted to media. Used as a powerful source of knowledge and entertainment, media plays an enormous role in the development of human life and gender distinction. Through the use of media, guidelines consisting of generated ideas and ways of living, affect both men and women. This then creates an altered thinking process that leads to an environment susceptible of stereotyping and ridicule. For both sexes, this negative portrayal of media causes a constant downfall of self-image and media persuadedRead MoreGender Stereotypes Should Not Be Taught Essay1525 Words   |  7 Pageschildren. That is, using gender stereotypes whether through teaching or through playing with them. Not only parents do so, but teachers and certain television channels as well. Based on A Dictionary of Sociology, gender stereotypes are â€Å"one- sided and exaggerated images of men and women which are deployed repeatedly in everyday life† (Scott Marshall, 2009). 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