Posted on behalf of Alexandra Cavuto:
There is no question that the media plays an extremely influential role in the way men and women perceive themselves today. It has become even more difficult for an individual to remain completely satisfied with a unique identity they have created for themselves with the persistence of the stereotypes being portrayed in the media. As stated in McQuail, “An acknowledgment of the historical specificity of current dominant beliefs about women and men opens up new ways of thinking about gender as constructed. In such approaches, distortion would be an empty concept, since there is no reference point as to what the true human, male or female identity consists of, and hence there is no criterion as to what exactly the media should represent.” (Reader, pg. 49).
It is easy to say that any self-respecting person will not let the media influence them in a negative way, but the media is everywhere and is very difficult to ignore. The individuals that are primarily responsible for formulating such stereotypes are celebrities, models and athletes. I feel celebrities play the most influential role in creating this stereotypical image of what a “perfect” person should look like. Female celebrities especially are constantly being praised and desired for their thin body image, tan complexion and large chests.
This article I found discusses the media and gender stereotypes and the affects it has on the average person. It touches upon the fact that only a small amount of the population has the genetic capabilities to match the attractive stereotype that the media portrays. This article uses an example from the famous Subway commercial to enhance the fact that there are standards set to be considered “attractive.” “Jared's "before" pictures show him considerably larger than his current size, but they also show him alone, with no friends or family. In stark contrast, however, his "after" action shots consistently show him not only thinner, but also constantly in the presence of a beautiful woman, presumably his significant other.” (Media & Gender Stereotyping).
The article also discusses how the images being represented by men and women in the media are linked to the marketing of “self-improvement” products and services. At some point in life, everyone has tried to make adjustments to his or her appearance; at least I know I have. This article argues that people alter their appearances in order to measure up to the marketed standard of “good-looking.” “Television, magazines, and newspapers are filled with advertisements promoting self-loathing, while offering "miracle," body-altering "cures." The body that does not conform to a sexy, sleek stereotype becomes a thing to be hated, improved upon, and generally tortured into submission.” (Media & Gender Stereotyping).
I feel that the majority of the population is affected by the way men and women are portrayed in the media and play a large role in self-esteem and emotional damage. I feel the media is focusing too much on the physical aspects of public figures as opposed to the accomplishments or uniqueness of the individual. We are losing sight of what people really are. Do you feel the media focus is too intense on the physical aspects of men and women? Do you feel things will ever change? Do you feel that if these stereotypes were not being portrayed in the media, people would still feel the need to look a certain way?
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/local/scisoc/sports03/papers/mmcconnell.html article link.
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3 comments:
I think Alex came up with a very interesting point or concept that really hit the nail on the head- people in American society are way more obsessed with how they look and are perceived by others in a physical sense than how they are measured by their goals, achievements and accomplishments. Maybe it goes back to that idea that the pretty girl/guy always seemed to be given the advantage even if they were less qualified because America really does put a significant emphasis on looks and first impressions/appearances. Beauty has been a revered idea in almost every culture, but it's the definition of that concept that holds the biggest variable. Gender stereotyping affects everyone, and I’ve always wondered if it was a chicken-and-the-egg phenomenon. Are we reacting to the images pushed upon us, or are we formulating our own ideas about these celebrities, athletes and models just for doing their jobs? I’ve heard rebuffs in so many talk shows and magazines that you can’t blame these celebrities for “bouncing back” into shape 2.7 hours have having their 3rd kid because this is what they are paid to do- look good to get the parts. Athletes train and keep themselves healthy because their body is the tool they work with in order to do and keep their jobs. To play a dime store psychologist, many it’s more of the everyday, average American who is bringing this stereotyping, self-loathing ideal upon themselves because they’re insecure. Who knows. But what we do know is what Alex has presented here- it is a major problem that more people are concerned with the outside than the inside. Kind of a Mr. Roger’s moment right there, I know, but that really is the message here. Last semester I did a research study on the number and type of men’s and women’s fitness and health ads in mainstream and specialty magazines, like a “Fitness” or “Men’s Health” and I was looking to see whether they promoted a healthy lifestyle, or the idea of a man with Hulk like physique and a women who worked out or took pills to be teeny tiny. The end result was an overwhelming nod to the latter. All the ads pushed the idea of the men building bulk and strength, and the women becoming smaller; something that definitely brings up the idea of the dominant and submissive ideals of where men and women stand in society too. Ultimately, I do believe the media focuses too much on the physical attributes of men and women- from the celebrity standpoint and the consumer standpoint. The everyday consumer uses celebrities, athletes and models as their guidelines for what is acceptable in society. And I really do think can be a bad and dangerous concept. I think some celebrities are making an effort to change that idea, but they need more than just a handful of these kinds of people to really counteract the majority. I think if these stereotypes were not being touted in society, that people would want to be as healthy and fit as they could, but this obsession with being the thinnest, prettiest, tannest, muscle suffocating beef cake would not be so prevalent in our specific culture.
I forgot to add my quote from the book that backs up my ideas for my respose. It was on page 49 of the Handbook, and it states the following "An acknowledgement of the historical specificity of current dominant beliefs about women and men opens up new ways of thinking about gender as constructed. In such approaches ‘distortion’ would be an empty concept, since there is no reference point as to what the true human, male or female identity consists of, and hence there is no criterion as to what exactly the media should represent. Human identity and gender are thought to be socially constructed, in other words products of circumstances, opportunities and limitations." I thought it played well to this idea of the reference point of how these stereotypes and opinions are first generated, and that they aren't really based out of any easily pinpointed cause.
So, last night I was watching the season premiere of "The Hills" (I know its fake leave me alone) and they were interviewing Mariah Carey. Most of the questions were about her diet and personal trainer, not her music. I was kind of taken aback by how much MTV was focusing on the weight she lost, instead of her new single or album.
I don’t know if things will change. You have to kind of hope that someday people will begin to look past physical aspects. I think the standard is different for men though. I mean, you have shows like King of Queens or According to Jim where a seemingly unattractive overweight man is married to a thin beautiful woman. I have yet to see the sitcom where a fat unattractive woman is married to a hot guy.
I think that the media defiantely helps to enhance the pressure to look a certain way. I mean I grew up with images constantly of women with straight hair, and I have really curly hair so for years I always straightened my hair.
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