Essay On Gender Stereotypes

Media has shaped and influenced society’s views of gender and gender roles. Humans today, instead of using media to expand positive images to others, they use media to share with the world how men and women should look and be. Due to advertisements, society has a standard for appearances for both male and female. Human emotions are also fixed for each gender, causing people to behave a specific way. Society has set a stereotype in which people today view as normal and good. The way media represents genders may distort how one sees themselves and what they perceive as normal and desirable for men and women, especially since media infuses into one’s everyday life. Sexuality is even used to better sell products. Gender and gender roles are shaped and influenced by media’s presentation of appearance and sexuality, commercials, and emotions. Specific appearances …show more content…
The stereotype for male emotions include: being fearless, “emotionless”, resourceful, stoic, and preserved. Stereotypes for female emotions include: being weak, “overly emotional”, and one to seek comfort from friends and family. These set of distinct emotions are considered ideal because that is what media states nationwide. Media declares that men are “not able to cry”. Over half of the men in the United States hide their emotions when upset, and only six percent of women in the United States hide their emotions when upset. Media also shapes gender roles because men are supposed to be the self-reliant and independent leaders of the house, while women are dependent on the men. The behavior of genders is reinforced by media. Men are stereotyped as heroic and a provider. Women are stereotyped as a loving housewife. Due to the stereotypes media presents to the world as normal, one can see how it influences the emotions and behavior of men and women. When people are set with standards through media, it is hard to be one’s natural