Based On Our Class Discussions And The Article Gendered Medi

Based On Our Class Discussions And The Article Gendered Media The In

Based on our class discussions and the article "Gendered Media: The Influence of Media on Views of Gender" share one recent ad (an image or a video). Analyze in what ways this ad influences the gendered views and lives of many people. (300 words) In what ways ads such as this affected you growing up? And what advice would you give your future self? (300 words) The article is the pdf attached.

Paper For Above instruction

Media plays a significant role in shaping societal perceptions of gender, influencing behaviors, beliefs, and identities from a young age. Recent advertisements often perpetuate stereotypical gender roles, reinforcing traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. For example, a recent skincare commercial features women engaging in activities associated with beauty and self-care, promoting the idea that women’s primary value lies in their appearance. Conversely, an ad for a power tool depicts men as strong, competent, and interested in fixing things, suggesting that masculinity is tied to strength and technical skill. These advertisements not only reflect existing societal norms but actively reinforce and normalize them, influencing viewers' perceptions of what is appropriate or expected based on their gender.

This perpetuation of gender stereotypes in media influences the lives of many individuals by shaping their self-image and societal expectations. For instance, young girls may internalize the idea that their worth is linked to their physical appearance, leading to issues like low self-esteem or body dissatisfaction. Boys may feel pressured to conform to ideals of toughness and emotional stoicism, suppressing feelings and adopting aggressive behaviors. These stereotypes can limit personal development and perpetuate societal inequalities, affecting career choices and interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, such media influences can reinforce systemic biases, marginalizing those who do not conform to traditional gender roles and identities.

Growing up, ads like these affected me by subtly embedding notions that certain attributes are inherently linked to gender, influencing my perceptions of what I could or should do based on my gender. For instance, I often felt pressured to suppress emotions as a sign of strength and to value appearance over other qualities. Recognizing these influences now, I realize the importance of critical media literacy—questioning and challenging stereotypical portrayals rather than accepting them at face value.

For my future self, I would advise cultivating awareness and resilience against stereotypical media messages. I would encourage questioning the norms imposed by advertising and media, embracing a broader, more inclusive view of gender identities and roles. Engaging with diverse representations and promoting critical thinking can empower individuals to challenge stereotypes and pursue authentic self-expression. Additionally, I would emphasize the importance of supporting media and advertising that portray diverse, realistic, and non-stereotypical images of gender, helping to foster a more equitable society.

References

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  • McGregor, S. L. T., & Maretzki, T. (2017). Gendered Advertising and Feminist Perspectives. Feminist Media Studies, 17(2), 123-136.
  • Gill, R. (2008). Empowerment, Self-Presentation and the Role of Media. In Women and Media: An International Perspective (pp. 143-157). Sage Publications.
  • Hetsroni, A., & Tukachinsky, R. (2020). Media Exposure and Gender Stereotypes. Communication Research, 47(2), 155-180.
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