Gender and the Media

 By Vivi

    Media has always played an important role in shaping personalities, values, and other major human characteristics. For example, how many times have you watched TV commercials or seen a pop-up ad on your phone trying to sell you diet products because they want you to fit the "beauty standards" of today's society? Even though you might not notice it directly, the media does have a powerful influence. The same can be said for shaping gender identity. 

    Let's talk about gender stereotypes. The constant exposure to stereotypical content is incredibly effective towards teaching children what the culture expects of a boy and a girl to be. A poll done by CNN on about 1000 parents found that they believe the media has a significant influence on their kids, from the look and behavior of girls to how boys’ beliefs about themselves is affected through seeing violence. While gender inclusive movies and TV shows are being created, doing their best to defy gender stereotypes, it is close to impossible to control or shut out everything that sends the wrong message. For a child or teen who is struggling with their gender identity, it does not do any good with the pressure of feeling like they do not belong. 

    However, there is progress being made. LGBTQ+ representation in the media spread; whether it be having trans roles be played actual transgender actors/actresses in Hollywood, or trans people no longer having their transness as something to be criticized. By not showing children cookie-cut stereotypes on gender, it will give them time to think on themselves without social views pressuring them. 


References

Knorr, C. (2017, June 29). Gender stereotypes can have lasting effects on kids, report says. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2017/06/29/health/gender-stereotypes-media-children-partner/index.html 

Trans representation in the media. GLSEN. (n.d.). https://www.glsen.org/blog/trans-representation-media 

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