Gender Based Stereotype in the Media

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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 believe the media is a mirror of the society. It is not directly responsible for any stereotypes but rather highlight the stereotypes existing in the society (Tozer, Gallegos, Henry, & Greiner 444). While this to some extend is true, it is the opinion of this paper that due to its influence on shaping perception and the fact that the media has opted to focus on negative gender messages, it is promoting negative gender based stereotype that is harmful to both men and women.

Gender Based Stereotype in the Media

Tozer at el, (444) appears to suggest that the media should not be fully blamed for Gender based stereotypes because in most cases it only represents the stereotypes existing in the society. While this to some extent is true, the media should be blamed for failing to disrupt negative stereotypes through using its power of influence. Communicating positive messages and images can greatly redefine the gender stereotype affecting negatively its audience. Unfortunately more often than not, the media...

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Works Cited

Aubrey, Jennifer, S., Hopper Megan, and Wanjiru Mbure. “Check that Body! The Effects of Sexually Objectifying Music Videos on College Men’s Sexual Beliefs.” Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 5.3 (2011): 360-379.
Children Now. Media Messages About Masculinity. Boys to Men Conference Report. 1999. Web. December 4 2013.
Feminish. Chapter 7: Gender Stereotypes: Masculinity and Femininity. 2 April 2006. Web. 4 December 2013.
Gilbreth, Amy., Annette Gavigan, Katie Gardner, and Ercole Lauren. “Perception of Feminism: Measuring Feminist Attitudes”. Serial Research Methods, 111 (n.d.):1-32.
Tozer, Steven, Benerado, Gallegos., B., Henry, A., Greiner, M., & Price, P. Handbook of Research in The Social Foundation of Education. NY: Routledge, 2011. Print.
Wood, Julia. “The Influence of Media on Views of Gender.”Gendered Media, 7 (1994): 31-41.

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