Media Analysis of Gender

First of all, in The Simpsons, the scene where we get into the actual plot of the story opens with Marge and Lisa walking into a department store that sells dolls. The gender stereotype that girls are only interested in playing with dolls is reinforced here as a huge selection of Malibu Stacy dolls is on display with a throng of screeching, bloodthirsty girls tearing the store apart. Lisa says, “I’m warning you mom, I might get a little crazy.” and immediately knocks down a girl and snatches another in a choke-hold to be the first in line for the new Malibu Stacy doll. In the very next scene we have the whole family in the car with Homer driving. He is baking a cupcake with an easy-bake-oven that he bought from the mall. Marge advises him that he should not be doing that. The stereotype here is that men are more impulsive as demonstrated by Homer and his baking while driving without any concern of his or his family’s safety; and that women like to play it safe and think before acting as demonstrated by Marge. Another noteworthy observation is the fact that Homer completes his gender stereotype as the bread-winner of the family. He works at the Nuclear power plant while Marge plays the role of the proud homemaker who is rarely seen outside the home and who has little friends. Homer on the other hand, is not confined to his domestic role and his frequently shown at Moe’s Tavern with his friends, at work, or doing something that is stupid and dangerous. This enforces the stereotype that women have few friends and stay close to domestic life whereas men have lots of friends, are more independent, and bring home the bacon. Moreover, Bart and Lisa are in accordance with their gender stereotypes as well. For instance, in the backseat, Ba...

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...art with the men. Similarly, in The Simpsons, the same basic issue of male dominance was addressed as Lisa’s doll was shot down. Now, there is a duality in this episode because one can look at it and say it was about big business kicking the little guy to the curb. But looking at it a little closer shows another side to it: that our male dominated society has no room for a strong, independent woman as exemplified by Lisa Lionheart, and wants to keep the status quo of women playing the more subservient role.

Works Cited

Stan, B., & Jan, B., 1986. The Berenstain Bears: No Girls Allowed. New York: Random House.

Lynch, B., Oakley, B., & Weinstein, J. (Director/Writer). (1994, February 17). Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy [Television series episode]. Kuwahara, J., Price, M., & Thacker, J. (Executive Producers), The Simpsons. Century City, Los Angeles, CA: 20th Century Fox.