Mass media presents something called gender images. A gender image is the way a certain gender is portrayed. From this portrayal we as the viewers receive ideas of how that particular gender is “expected” to behave. We then perceive ourselves as either gender appropriate or abnormal. These gender images are shown in all forms of media. Sometimes gender images will be presented subtly or often blatantly. For example, in “Pretty Woman.” When I saw this movie I thought it was a love story about a prostitute who changed her ways. In fact, there is an underlying suddilty that she is “saved from her evil ways by a rigidly stereotypical man.” This leads way to the idea that women need men. When I initially saw this movie that’s not what I was thinking. I was unknowingly learning about gender images.

The media, only reinforced, does not create these gender images. The media simply mirrors what is currently of importance to the general population. Looking at particular atti

The presence of only male figures teaches young boys that they should make their primary bonds with other males. They also learn to mimic the violent play. Boys learn at a very young age that they are expected to be tough. The very name, “Street Fighter,” shows this to be true. They are also shown that men are expected to be strong and attractive. The action figures are all very muscular. None of them are unattractive or overweight. Unfortunately these young boys do not know that they are receiving a lesson in gender stereotyping. They perceive the messages and role definitions they’re getting in the commercial as reality.

In the 1950’s westerns were very popular. These books, television shows and movies showed traits the typical man was expected to have. Men were supposed to be strong courageous and not emotional. Young boys would find these examples of masculinity in their fathers as well as the roles they received from media. For example, Mac Dillon was a very popular western figure. Many boys (even men) admired his Manly qualities.

Over the years gender images have changed but not ceased to exist. The media of today still reflects gender images in an extremely influential way. One example if this is children’s commercials. There are subtle messages within these commercials that give young children an idea of how to act, and what types of activities are appropriate for their gender.

In commercials made for boys there is typically a male announcer. Music is sung by a male vocalist and is typically loud and demonstrative. The boys are always shown playing with other boys. Their play is typically rough, even violent. There are many examples (shown in video lecture #6) of commercials that support these statements.

Another example of the media’s reflection of the ideas, concerns, and beliefs of the general public is in the 1940’s. Because many of the men in our country were away at war, women started taking on new roles. They began to work in jobs that were typically for men. F

Some topics in this essay:
Ozzie Harriet, Gender Media, Newborn NancyShe, Mac Dillon, Grapes Wrath”, Doctor Barbie, Harriet Show”, Camping Barbie, gender images, Newborn Nancy, action figures, images media, gender images media, media example, video lecture, video lecture #6, images changed, supposed strong, media’s reflection, example media’s reflection, example media’s, ozzie harriet, male announcer music, lecture #6 commercials,