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.