In order to assess the question above one needs to understand the functions of media. Sociologist Charles Wright states that the first function of media is that it gathers and disseminates information. Media is “the watchdog of a free society” as it provides receivers with news that is instrumental for their survival. The media’s second function is that it analyzes and evaluates information for the receiver. Media commentators are in a position to offer their opinions on societal problems and this can influence the receiver’s perception of certain issues. The third function of media is that it educates or socializes its audience. Receivers observe the behavior of characters in the media and then internalize these behaviors as norms. The final function of media is that it entertains. It allows an avenue for p

With respect to how women are portrayed in the media, I concur that women are not accurately represented in the mass media. One must firmly agree that women are not only under represented in the media but the media reinforces prejudiced sex roles. This is so as it helps to perpetuate the myth that women are fickle, fearful, should be subservient to their male counterparts, and not as intelligent as men. Women are hardly seen in roles that put them on the same playing field as their male counterparts; it is a very rare to find a woman who is portrayed as strong, independent and equal to her male partner.

The media reinforces the warped ideas that women provoke rape by their appearance and behavior and that sex is justifiable if a woman asks a man out on a date. The media infantilizes women and thus men view women as innocent, vulnerable children who need to be taken care of. The thought of being vulnerable opens up thoughts of being potential victims to some men. In today’s society images of women in the media implant the thought in a man’s mind that if a woman says “no” she really means “yes” and she is just playing hard to get. This in itself is a very dangerous implication of the misrepresentation of women in the media as it justifies sexual assault and rape.

Growing up as a child I often wondered why there were hardly any female super heroes that I could emulate. Now that I am older I still ask myself that question, in fact I also ask why is it that the few female superheroes are portrayed in the manner that promote their sexuality. Some might argue that Wonder Woman is a great feminist icon as she is strong, independent and her life does not revolve around the dictates of a man. I do not agree with this representation as it portrays women in an unrealistic manner.

In music videos women are seen as a prize catch; a passive thing that can be consumed or used and explored in anyway that pleases a man. There are many music videos that serve to objectify women and in most cases women submit to the whim and fancy of the men in the video. They are often scantily clad; well- endowed and are in a constant phase of arousal. In game shows, women frequently have a minimal role. Case in point is the game show “Wheel of Fortune” in which Vanna White serves absolutely no purpose other than to turn over the letters and to stand and look beautiful. She never speaks unless she is asked some trivial question by her male co-worker. This perpetuates the notion that women are just prizes, and legitimate pieces of art. This helps to transmit the notion that women are only useful to look at and not to be heard.

Some topics in this essay:
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