Gender in the Media

            In chapter 11, Gendered Media, Julia Wood discusses the influence that the media has on our society. Almost all Americans have a television in their home and are watching it constantly. As a society we are constantly bombarded with different forms of mass media. Wood argues that we rely on social media in order to connect with others and to know what is happening around the world. Media is known for emphasizing and encouraging gender-stereotypes of men and women. Media also tends to reflect the traditional views that are expected from men and women and teaches men and women to act and behave a certain way. Wood explains how media portrays men and women stereotypically. Wood says, “The majority of men on prime-time television are independent, strong, aggressive, and in charge. Television programming for all ages disproportionately depicts men, particularly white, heterosexual men, as serious, confident, competent, and powerful” (Wood 235). These characteristics of men show extreme masculinity and teach males that they need to act this way in order to properly show their maleness. The media normally portrays white males in a position of power, whether it be at home or in the work place. Media’s version of masculinity has dominated society and has created a social norm of masculinity. Wood also talks about how women are portrayed in the media. Wood says, “ Media show female characters shopping, grooming, being emotional, talking about and flirting with men, being sexual, and engaging in domestic activities” (Wood 236). Women in the media are normally portrayed with society’s traditional view of femininity. Media tends to portray women as sex objects for men.

Media definitely negatively effects women of all ages; making women believe that they should look a certain way in order to be considered beautiful. Wood goes on to explain the consequences that the media has on our society. Some consequences include creating an unrealistic image of beauty for men and women, normalizing violence against women, and bullying on different forms of social media. The media has had a major effect on our society and has created certain gendered-stereotypes that convince men and women to behave a certain way in order to portray their masculinity or femininity.

            In the article, The Princess and the Magic Kingdom: Beyond Nostalgia, the Function of the Disney Princess, by Rebecca- Anne C. Do Rozario, Rozario discusses the influence that the Disney princesses have our on society. Princess stories have been told for decades and have a major impact on how younger generations see themselves. Rozario argues that princess stories have created a beauty stereotype that young girls want to follow. Princess characters are constantly being shown on different forms of social media, bombarding young girls and boys with gender stereotypes. Rozario talks about Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Sleeping Beauty (1959), The Little Mermaid (1989), and Aladdin (1992). All of these films portray women participating in domestic activities or show women being saved by a male hero. Rozario says, “…the village storytellers produced princess who had to spin, wash, and mind the animals. These homely chores remained with the princess in the early Disney features” (Rozario 37). The way Disney films represent women has created a stereotype that is constantly shown to young girls and boys that women are suppose to cook and clean. Rozario argues that princesses are normally portrayed in a male dominated world and struggle to have their voices be heard.

            I really liked reading chapter 11, Gendered Media, and the article, The Princess and the Magic Kingdom: Beyond Nostalgia, the Function of the Disney Princess. Both readings explained how media has a strong influence over our society. I definitely believe that media has created a stereotype of males and females. Constantly watching, listening, and reading different forms of social media have normalized certain issues and also established social norms in which men and women are expected to uphold. Growing up reading and watching Disney’s princess movies has undeniably effected how I see women today. Sleeping Beauty (1959) was my favorite movie as a young girl; I wanted to be just like Aurora. I think Aurora created an unrealistic image of beauty that I dreamed of having. As a little girl I also craved a “prince charming” and believed that my prince would come along someday; we would get married and live happily ever after. Obviously I understand that Disney princess stories are unrealistic and unlikely. I think that Disney princess stories affect young girls to believe that girls cannot save themselves and need to be saved by a male hero.

            I think it would be interesting to discuss with the class how Disney princess films affected their childhood. If they ever watched any of the films or if their parents isolated from the gendered stereotypes seen in the films. Seeing as Disney princesses had such a huge influence on my life I wonder if they affected any other girls or boys in class. I also want to ask the class how media has affected their lifestyles and if media has ever made them act or behave in a certain way to prove their masculinity or femininity.

Learning Gendered Identities through our own Parents and Schools

            In chapter 7, Becoming Gendered: The Early Years, in the book Gendered Lives: Communication, Gender and Culture, Julia Wood discusses how parents are the primary influence for young children on developing gender identity.  As children grow up, they also recognize and establish their gender identities. Wood says that young boys mainly identify with their fathers and young girls mainly identify with their mothers. Boys and girls tend to develop their masculine or feminine identities through their mothers and fathers. Boys without a strong, masculine, adult male figure tend to lack certain characteristics to a boy who has strong male figure present. Younger boys tend to search for male role models in their lives in order to develop their masculine identification. Wood goes on to discuss parent’s communication of gender to their children. Wood says, “Typically, girls are rewarded for being cooperative, helpful, nurturing, and deferential…” (Wood 147). These characteristics that are taught to young girls follow the general stereotype of women in today’s society. Wood also says, “For boys, rewards are more likely to come for behaving competitively, independently, and assertively” (Wood 147). One can see how young children start to learn their gender identities and the differences between boys and girls from their parents. Parents teach their children their own view of gender stereotypes, which may differ from their children’s definition. Parents also are likely to communicate gender differences through toys and games. Parents may encourage young girls to play with dolls and kitchen sets; these toys encourage girls to assume a domestic role in society and may discourage girls from participating in aggressive sporting activities. It is the same for boys; parents encourage their boys to play aggressive and active games, leading to boys developing more dominance and independence over girls. Boys are expected to be tough and independent. As boys grow up, they are constantly told, “not to be a girl”; boys are told to “suck it up” and not to show feminine characteristics of weakness. Wood talks about how boys are expected to be successful, aggressive, sexual, and self-reliant. These characteristics teach boys to embody the traditional values of masculinity. On the other hand, girls focus more on their appearance and are expected to be sensitive and caring. Wood explains that today, society is starting to realize that there is not one definitive definition of masculinity or feminine. Some children grow up to challenge the traditional gender roles and today more people are starting to recognize the range of different gender identities.

            In chapter 8, Gendered Education: Communication in Schools, Wood discusses the difficulties of the gendered expectations that all students face in their school system. Wood argues that females are discouraged from studying math and science and men are encouraged and have more support to participate in school athletics.  Wood also examines the difficulties of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students in school. Males and females recognize and develop their gender identities throughout school. Certain schools assume heterosexuality of their students, which makes it challenging for some students to express their gender identities. Most males and females are expected to express their masculinity and femininity a certain way in schools and society. For example males are expected to drink and engage in sexual activity and girls are expected to wear certain popular brands of clothing and focus their attention towards weight. The expectation to participate in these masculine and feminine activities teaches males and females to conform to the social views of gender. Males and females should be able to express their own gender identity, even if it does not follow the traditional values of masculinity and femininity.

            I think both chapter 7 and chapter 8 are really important to understand how people develop their own gender identity. People recognize and develop their gender identities through their families and through school. I grew up in a typical American family, with a father who worked in the city, a mother who stayed are home, and two siblings. I definitely believe that my family structure affected how I constructed my own gender identity. As a child I remember wanting to be like my mom. And in order to be like my mom I helped around the house and participated in domestic activities. My parents also helped develop my gender identity through the toys that I grew up playing with. Although my parents were very accepting of all gender values, traditional and nontraditional, my parents did encourage general male and female stereotypes through my brother’s toys and mine. As a kid, I remember playing with a Barbie dream house and Polly Pockets. My brother received gifts like Risk and toy helicopters which encouraged competition and active play. I think it is really hard for parents to not gender their children. But I do believe that parents should be accepting of all gender identities and should support their children however they please to express their gender.

            I think it would be interesting to discuss with the class what toys they received as kids, to see if their parents followed or challenged the gendered world that we live in. I would also like to ask the class what struggles they faced in high school expressing their gender identity. High school is a tough time for most males and females; there is a lot of pressure from parents, teachers, coaches, and other students to act a certain way.

            

Gendered Nonverbal Communication

            In chapter 6 of Gendered Lives: Communication, Gender and Culture, Julia Wood discusses the importance of gendered nonverbal communication. Wood talks about artifacts and how people use artifacts in order to express their own identity. Wood uses three artifacts that express different definitions of femininity and masculinity. The first one being toys that young boys and girls use everyday. Wood points out that there are major differences between male and female toys, which could potentially lead to young children defining their gender in a certain way because of societal norms. Boys are more likely to receive toys that encourage rough and active play. Boys tend to play with cars, planes, swords, and building sets. While girls are more likely to receive toys that revolve around domestic activities and motherly jobs. Girls normally play with kitchen sets, baby dolls, make up, or dress up outfits. Wood’s research led to some conclusions, “…(1) Toys are sex-segregated—different aisles for girls’ and boys’ toys; (2) the boys’ section features action toys (Spider-Man, NEO-Shifters), whereas girls’ sections features toys that involve fashion (wigs and make up), taking care of homes (toy vacuums), and nurturing (dolls), and (3) toys for boys usually come in darker, bolder colors then do toys for girls” (Wood 126). Wood explains that these differences in boys’ and girls’ toys can effect how a young child grows up. Boys and girls learn to understand the differences between males and females because of toys they play. Young boys and girls learn to act a certain way in order to express their biological gender. It would be abnormal to see a boy playing with a kitchen set because a kitchen set is “suppose” to be for girls and expresses the ideals of femininity. Kids who break these social norms of gender are normally criticized and questioned by their peers.

            Wood goes on to talk about the differences between men and women’s clothing and how clothing is another form of nonverbal communication society uses in order to communicate gender identity. Men’s clothing tends to be more useful and functional. Men’s pants and jackets normally have big pockets so they can carry their wallet, keys, phone etc. Male clothing also tends to have a looser fit allowing for more movement and activity. Furthermore men’s shoes are designed to let men more quickly and efficiently. Overall men’s clothing normally focuses on allowing males to be active. Women’s clothing is very different from men’s clothing. Clothing that women wear normally is tightly fitted and shows off a woman’s body. In our society, there is a major focus on a woman’s appearance and body. Women are constantly being criticized for their looks and clothing. Women’s clothing really encourages women to show off their femininity and sexuality. With little to no pockets women normally need purses in order to carry their wallets, keys, phones, etc. Lastly, women’s shoes are normally uncomfortable and hard to walk in. These differences between men and women’s clothing further separates males and females.

            Wood also discusses another artifact that society uses in order to nonverbally express gender. Advertisements communicate gendered values and norms seen throughout our culture. Wood says, “Advertisements for food, homemaking, and child rearing feature women, reiterating the view of women as homemakers and mothers…” (Wood 128). Women are normally seen as mothers and homemakers; advertisements encourage women to stay at home and take care of their children. Wood also says, “Products associated with heavy work, cars, and outdoor sports feature men, underlining the assumption that men are strong and daring” (Wood 128). Male advertisements promote the typical male dominance ideal that males have power and control over women. Men and women are expected to act a certain way because of cultural norms. Children’s toys, clothing, and advertisements all encourage these social norms and make it difficult for people to challenge the ideals of femininity and masculinity. Wood understands these artifacts to be a nonverbal form of communication to express gender identity.

            I thought this chapter was really interesting and did a good job explaining how men and women express their gender identity differently. I believe that the idea of gender identities is not natural and that it has been created by our own society.  I also think it is really important that our society learns to accept a range of different definitions of gender. There is not only one-way to be masculine or feminine; people should be able to express their definition of gender comfortably. I think that advertisements and media have created a certain norm of gender that some people feel the need follow. For example there are thousands of magazines that portray women who are young, skinny, and beautiful. Magazine photos have led young girls feel a certain pressure to look a certain way and to compete with others. Society and media have created a specific definition of beauty. Young women are participating in unhealthy ways of living in order to be society’s definition of “beautiful”. Some women believe that in order to be pretty they need to be a size 0 with perfect skin and a bikini ready body. I think society and our generation needs to understand that there are many different forms of beauty and that there is not just one way to look beautiful.

            These traditional gender codes are seen throughout our society. I think there are some consequences to our societal social norms of gender. Certain men and women may feel trapped within this tradition and may be afraid to break social norms in order to express their true gender. I think it would be interesting to ask the class if they have ever felt the need to look or act a certain way because of how media and advertisements portray men and women.

Gendered Verbal Communication

            In chapter 5, Gendered Verbal Communication, in the book Gendered Lives Communication, Gender, and Culture by Julia Wood, Wood discusses the differences between masculine and feminine communication. Wood starts with the discussion of male generic language; in which society uses words that are suppose to refer to both men and women but literally only refer to men. Male generic language only contributes to how our society is living in “male’s world”. Meaning that our society is dominated by white, educated, males and women are considered subordinate. Wood goes on to talk about how language can differently define men and women. In today’s society, women are often defined by their appearance and relationships with others. Whereas men are defined by their activities and accomplishments. Wood gives us an example of these gender differences in the sports community. In women’s sports there is more attention towards how a woman athlete looks and not normally recognized for her skills. On the other hand men are known for their athletic skills. Society is very concerned with how women look at all times and also are often criticized for what they are wearing. Wood also points out that women are expected to marry a man and have children while men are expected to work and support their families. This expectation of marriage shows the importance of women’s relationship with others. Women who do not marry a man are often pitied and questioned for their actions. There is a major emphasize on marriage for women but not for men.

            Wood goes on to discuss how language is used to shape meanings within our culture. Society tends to stereotype men and women. For example women are normally seen as emotional and weak, while men are seen as dominant and strong. These stereotypes are assumed for all men and women and can sometimes misrepresent certain men and women. Wood says, “Women who use assertive speech are frequently described as rude or bitchy. Whereas men who employ emotional language may be described to be wimps or weak” (Wood 107). When men and women break the social norms of their gender, they tend to be questioned and criticized. This leads to men not expressing their emotions because they do not want to be seen as weak. This can also lead to women not expressing their opinions because they do not want their opinion to be dismissed by society. Wood argues that our society needs a “range” to express our sex, gender, and sexual orientations. Men and women express their gender in a range of different ways and should not be constricted to binary terms.

            Wood goes on to talk about how language allows us to reflect on ourselves.  Language is used as a tool to express our inner thoughts with an outside world. In our society there are certain expectations that come with being male or female. As a community, we normally compare ourselves to celebrities and desire to look like them. Wood says, “According to Michael Rich (2008) Director of the Center on Media and Child Health, ‘exposure to body ideals of impossibly thin women and unrealistically muscular men can contribute to negative self-images and viewers’ attempts to alter their bodies through restrictive eating, exercise, or drugs or surgery’” (Wood 109). Society expects men and women to look a specific way. Society has created a specific definition of beauty in which all men and women want to achieve. In order to achieve this ideal image of beauty men and women may use unhealthy habits in order to obtain this image of beauty. Wood ends the chapter with specific differences of communication between men and women. Men and women tend to express their genders through language and communication with others. Women tend to have a need to connect and show emotions in order to show their support for others. While men express their control, assertiveness, and independence when they communicate with others. Men and women need to understand the differences between masculine and feminine communication in order to create better communication paths between each other.

            I really enjoyed reading this chapter; I think Wood did a great job explaining the differences of communication between men and women. I also strongly agreed with Wood when she discussed how women who are sexually active are referred to as a slut while men who are sexually active are referred to as a stud. I do not understand why women are criticized for being sexually active while men are celebrated for their sexual activity. Both men and women should not be questioned for their sexual activity. I think this is especially relevant to the St. Lawrence community. Young women who participate in the hook up culture on campus are normally harshly critiqued. I think it is unhealthy for society to judge women who are sexually active. I think that both men and women should be celebrated for expressing their sexual desires.

            In the beginning of the chapter, Wood talks about the emphasize of marriage that is placed on women and how women are expected to marry a man and for that man to support them and their family. Wood also talks about how in our society women tend to take men’s last names when they are married. Why is it that women take male’s last names? Where did this social norm come from and why are women critiqued when they do not take their husband’s last name?