My View

My View

The view of women and girls in the media is a substantial factor in determining women’s overall being and in viewing women in general. The portrayals and stereotyping of females in the media have vast effects on their behavior, attitudes and way of living. This essay discusses in my opinion major issues that are related to portrayals of women in the media. 

“Every 10 minutes, somewhere in the world, an adolescent girl dies as a result of violence.  Nearly one in five girls is sexually abused at least once in her life. In the United States, 18 percent of girls report that by age 17 they have been victims of a sexual assault or abuse at the hands of another adolescent” (Gould & Swift, 2021). I believe that these statistics talk for themselves. The sexualization of women in magazines, TV, music videos, or advertisements inevitably contributes to violence against women, portraying them as sexual objects implying sexual readiness and that way media trivialize violence and harassment against girls. Further, other consequences include anxiety about appearance, feelings of shame, eating disorders, or lower self-esteem. Nevertheless, the issue is also tied with men and boys because they are portrayed in relation to girls in a way that success and attractiveness are connected with dominance, power, and aggression (Gould & Swift, 2021). 

Other issue that is very powerful among younger girls in particular, is the display of ideal body image. Female bodies are being used to sell almost every kind of thing we can think of today, most of the times these are based on an “ideal type” - super thin, white, young girl. These unrealistic portrayals not only they do not represent female population in general at all, but also display a dangerous ideal that does not represent reality. Because of that, women then may feel “not enough”, not pretty, not attractive. I believe that media companies should already involve all bodies, all sizes and all skin colors when portraying women because that is the actual reality that needs to be pursued and empowered. It is high time people realize that ideal beauty does not exist. 

Last problem that I would like mention is gender stereotyping of occupations. Despite the fact that over decades we can see some progress, women still tend to be restricted to a more limited range of occupations than men. Most of the portrayals that we can see in the media are either related to cleaning, motherhood, or teaching, putting their professional, business, intellectual skills completely aside. From the age of 3, a child can already differ which occupations are for women, and which for men. They are also being taught these stereotypes from books, movies and toys, which even reinforce their perception of occupations. This exposure to a very limited range of occupations then influences their opinions, study and career choices. Further, women in general tend to be less paid than men, regardless of their level of education (Government of Quebec, 2022). 

The view and portrayals of women and girls in the media inevitably shape and cultivate women’s and men’s worldview from a young age. Sexualization and objectification of women in the media affect women’s mental health, but also contribute to sexual violence and abuse towards women, along with increasing dominant and aggressive behavior of men. The portrayals of ideal type of body for women are displayed regularly in a dangerous unrealistic way that may lead girls and women to think their body image is wrong and also, negatively impact their self-confidence and well-being. Gender stereotyping in occupation influences women’s self-perception and choice already in childhood. I strongly believe that contemporary society should pursue education early on related to this issue, it should acquire the norms and steps that will help women feel confident, feel enough, and let them pursue any dream regardless their sex, body, age, or race.

References:

Government of Quebec. (2022). Effects of Stereotypes on Career Choices. Gouvernement Du Québec. https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/childhood/child-development/effects-stereotypes-personal-development/effects-stereotypes-career-choices

Swift, J., & Gould, H. (2021). Not An Object: On Sexualization and Exploitation of Women and Girls. UNICEF USA. https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/not-object-sexualization-and-exploitation-women-and-girls/30366