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  • Essay / The Issue of Gender Inequality in Media in America

    Gender InequalityWomen have been stereotyped in America for centuries. The woman was, and still is, considered a mere accessory to a man. Throughout history we can see that women are portrayed as housewives and not as successful entrepreneurs belonging to a part of the elite (GSDRC et al., Gender and the Media). In the past, society has created a standard for women that, frankly, is simply unlikely to be met. Society and the media in particular have set unrealistic standards and visions of what a woman should be. Men are seen as too masculine and expected to be callous and tough. Gender in media is a very real problem in today's society and deserves attention because it harms the lives of thousands of young men and women. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay There is a clear and specific connection between the media and the representation of women. There is no doubt that all forms of media today carry gender stereotypes and generalizations about male and female roles. Stereotypes are false assumptions about people based on characteristics such as race, gender and age (UN Women). A common stereotype about women is that a woman is the housewife, the one who takes care of the children, cleans and cooks for the whole family. This stereotype has existed for years and no longer reflects what the modern woman has become. Not only are women seen as simple housewives without great aspirations, but they are also heavily sexualized through the media. The idea of ​​the perfect female body has consumed our society and immensely affected the physical and mental health of thousands of women (UN Women). The pressure to conform to unrealistic expectations not only affects women but also young men. Men are generally stereotyped as being powerful and dominant in society and towards women. Our society's idea of ​​what a man should be has been exaggerated in recent years. Women aren't the only ones who feel the pressure to have the perfect body. While women feel like they need to be thin and perfect, men feel like they need to be athletic and physically built to be desirable. Men and women put a lot of pressure on themselves to conform to these ridiculously unrealistic expectations (McSweeney, Gender Equality in the Media). Men are rejected or looked down upon if they do not fit these masculine ideals. We have created competitions and TV shows that support and reward people who follow stereotypes (Thoman, How to Break the Stereotype). The media tends to demean men who take on caring or domestic roles, or those who oppose violence (GSDRC et al, Gender and the Media). The most upsetting aspect of these stereotypes is that there is no way to escape the influence of the media. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In today's society, media surrounds us everywhere we go. The media broadcasts these expectations through television, magazines, movies, advertisements, social media, and almost all forms of entertainment. These representations can influence perceptions of what people expect from men and women, and what they expect from themselves (GSDRC et al, Gender and the Media). The media promote..