The media plays a major role in modern society being the main source through which we receive information. The media is highly influential and shapes our lives through its messages. Women, in particular, are largely impacted by the media because they are exposed to extremely degrading messages. Women in America are still forced to endure misrepresentation and public abuse as a result of the medias horrifying portrayal of women. Despite making massive strides towards equality in a seemingly one-sided society, women are still pressured to conform to men's ideals and this perfect standard that they're incapable of reaching. The media puts women in boxes where they feel limited in terms of intellectual integrity, ambition, and overall worth. As a result, women feel less inclined to follow their dreams or to stand up for what they believe in. As the next generation, it is our responsibility to change the messages that the media lays out to society, and to guarantee a fair and honest representation of women. This is what I was able to take from MissRepresentation, an inspiring documentary about just what I have mentioned thus far; the negative impact that the media has on women.
Gender is a social construct just like race and ethnicity. It defines and restricts the roles, rights, responsibilities, and obligations of men and women. It just so happens that in today's society which evidently caters to men, women are given no reason to pursue their aspirations. Media is the basis of gender inequality. In order to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women requires transformation in the distribution of power, opportunities, and outcomes for both men and women. But apart from fundamental change, it also requires the support and encouragement of women to achieve their goals despite the hindrance of media. I think more than anything, the reason that women are so discouraged from ensuing ambitious positions is because there are not too many women they can look up to or aspire to be; and the women that do obtain clout positions are constantly scrutinized or judged on their appearance. In order to change this, it is up to us to support these women rather than to judge them, only then will the future generations have hope.
The media relies on us, like any other business, to generate profit; not the other way around. The real problem lies within the way people, especially women, are treated by the media as objects rather than human beings. As long as the we allow the media to objectify, dehumanize, and discriminate against women, we will never achieve gender equality. Today, we allow the media to define us, and it is our job to change this reality.
The media relies on us, like any other business, to generate profit; not the other way around. The real problem lies within the way people, especially women, are treated by the media as objects rather than human beings. As long as the we allow the media to objectify, dehumanize, and discriminate against women, we will never achieve gender equality. Today, we allow the media to define us, and it is our job to change this reality.
In my blog post, I also talked about how the media plays a huge role in putting women and men in particular gender roles. Because the media is seemingly everywhere, it is very easy to be susceptible to the messages it sends to us. The media is just so influential in molding our society's perception on certain things. But like you have said, I hope we can take some sort of action and not let the media shape who we are. Well done Will! Keep up the good work!
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