I think the media, which is somewhat reflective of society, has become a powerful tool in shaping our culture. Advertisements are the foundation for mass media; they sell images, values, success, normalcy, and romance. Daily, we are exposed to advertisements whether they are written or commercial. Advertisements have social consequences that give them the ability to reinforce objectification of women’s bodies, and display images that may cause male violence against women, sexualize young girls, infantile grown women. After watching television and flipping though ads and articles in several magazines, the stereotyping of men and women is so apparent but at the same time society is so blind to it. In society parents teach their children gender role at a very early age. Gender role refers to the attitudes, behavior, and activities that are socially defined as appropriate for each sex learned through the socialization process. Males are traditionally expected to show aggressiveness and toughness, and females are expected to be passive and nurturing. For example, little girls play with baby dolls and play “house” and little boys play with toy guns and play “cops and robbers.” I believe the Mass media are powerful factors that influence society’s beliefs, attitudes, and the values they have of themselves and others as well as the world. If a women who are seen doing “masculine” things such as car repair and management positions she is seen as callous and cruel. Even though media still pretends that men and women in society are equal, it isn’t the case.
Blog 9
Advertisement
