Unrealistic Expectations
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According to our society’s conceptions, an ‘ideal man’ refers to a man whose qualities include a daring sense of confidence, a potent will for power, unfailing courage and a sound mind. Social requisites also include physical strength, a ruthless demeanor, and a tall, muscular physique. It is obvious that, because personalities and physical features cannot be predetermined, they cannot conform to these social norms unless acted upon with force or conditioning. Therefore, a man may not always live up to the expectations set by the media.
A ‘real woman’ is expected to keep the house, raise children, cook dinner, and obey the will of her husband. She trades physical strength and stature for beauty, devoting her life to appeasing and seducing men. Again, people cannot be born to live up to these expectations unless they are forced to, so a person who is anything less than a ‘real man’ or a ‘real woman’ will experience social rejection and will be called out for being ‘below average’. Photos credit of
http://digitalpostercollection.com/propaganda/1950-1953-korean-war/usa/wanted-more-men-like-mike-u-s-army/ http://www.silverfox-whispers.com/?p=1032 http://www.lornepike.com/pikespeak/advertising-hall-of-horrors-part-2 |
Male and Female Images
As one dramatic example, the image and representation of women and girls in the media has long been a subject of concern. Research shows that there are many fewer females than males in almost all forms of mainstream media and those who do appear are often portrayed in very stereotypical ways.
Constantly polarized gender messages in media have fundamentally anti-social effects.
In everything from advertising, television programming, newspaper and magazines, to comic books, popular music, film and video games, women and girls are more likely to be shown: in the home, performing domestic chores such as laundry or cooking; as sex objects who exist primarily to service men; as victims who can't protect themselves and are the natural recipients of beatings, harassment, sexual assault and murder.
Men and boys are also stereotyped by the media. From GI Joe to Rambo, masculinity is often associated with verility, independence, competition, emotional detachment, aggression and violence. Despite the fact that men have considerably more economic and political power in society than women, these trends - although different from those which affect women and girls - are very damaging to boys.
Research tells us that the more television children watch, the more likely they are to hold sexist notions about traditional male and female roles and the more likely the boys are to demonstrate aggressive behaviour.
In fact, images aimed at children are particularly polarized in the way they portray girls and boys. In advertising, for instance, girls are shown as being endlessly preoccupied by their appearance, and fascinated primarily by dolls and jewellery, while boys are encouraged to play sports and become engrossed by war play and technology.
Furthermore, children are increasingly being exposed to messages about gender that are really intended for adult eyes only. These images also help shape the notions little girls and boys have about who they should be and what they can achieve.
As one dramatic example, the image and representation of women and girls in the media has long been a subject of concern. Research shows that there are many fewer females than males in almost all forms of mainstream media and those who do appear are often portrayed in very stereotypical ways.
Constantly polarized gender messages in media have fundamentally anti-social effects.
In everything from advertising, television programming, newspaper and magazines, to comic books, popular music, film and video games, women and girls are more likely to be shown: in the home, performing domestic chores such as laundry or cooking; as sex objects who exist primarily to service men; as victims who can't protect themselves and are the natural recipients of beatings, harassment, sexual assault and murder.
Men and boys are also stereotyped by the media. From GI Joe to Rambo, masculinity is often associated with verility, independence, competition, emotional detachment, aggression and violence. Despite the fact that men have considerably more economic and political power in society than women, these trends - although different from those which affect women and girls - are very damaging to boys.
Research tells us that the more television children watch, the more likely they are to hold sexist notions about traditional male and female roles and the more likely the boys are to demonstrate aggressive behaviour.
In fact, images aimed at children are particularly polarized in the way they portray girls and boys. In advertising, for instance, girls are shown as being endlessly preoccupied by their appearance, and fascinated primarily by dolls and jewellery, while boys are encouraged to play sports and become engrossed by war play and technology.
Furthermore, children are increasingly being exposed to messages about gender that are really intended for adult eyes only. These images also help shape the notions little girls and boys have about who they should be and what they can achieve.