Portrayal of Gender Roles and Sexuality in Media
Portrayal of Gender Roles and Sexuality in Media
Ariel Norbutas
Walden University
HMNT3001, Section 1, Modern Popular Culture
June 13, 2014
Portrayal of Gender Roles and Sexuality in Media
The media plays a substantial role in much of societies definition of normalcy involving gender roles and sexual orientation. Popular culture attempts to paint an image of what normalcy is by using “sheer repetition on a daily basis, which plays an important role in shaping broad social definitions” (Croteau and Hoynes, 1997, pp. 166). What is equally important and interesting is not only what the media chooses to broadcast to the public, but also what they fail or neglect to portray. In the book Media/Society: Industries, Images, and Audiences, authors William Hoynes and David Croteau (1997) state, “Media images suggests what is ‘normal' and what is ‘deviant.' Popular media has a tendency to display a remarkably narrow range of behavior and lifestyles, marginalizing or neglecting people who are different from the mass mediated norm" (pp. 166).
The Subliminal Messages Being Send
Cosmopolitan Magazine is a popular publication directed mainly toward young women. While this magazine does offer helpful beauty tips, relationship advice, and the newest information on health and fitness, it is important to point out that the majority of this publication is centered on sex tips, how to improve your appearance, understanding how a man thinks and figuring out what he wants out of a relationship and how to please him in the bedroom. Throughout this magazine there are images of women, where the vast majority are thin and beautiful and have a striking resemblance to Barbie. The articles that are published in this magazine are based on the typical stereotypes of women and a women’s ‘role’ such as keeping your man happy, looking pretty, dealing without emotional selves and what we should and shouldn’t wear. In a May 2008 edition of Cosmopolitan Magazine,
Ariel Norbutas
Walden University
HMNT3001, Section 1, Modern Popular Culture
June 13, 2014
Portrayal of Gender Roles and Sexuality in Media
The media plays a substantial role in much of societies definition of normalcy involving gender roles and sexual orientation. Popular culture attempts to paint an image of what normalcy is by using “sheer repetition on a daily basis, which plays an important role in shaping broad social definitions” (Croteau and Hoynes, 1997, pp. 166). What is equally important and interesting is not only what the media chooses to broadcast to the public, but also what they fail or neglect to portray. In the book Media/Society: Industries, Images, and Audiences, authors William Hoynes and David Croteau (1997) state, “Media images suggests what is ‘normal' and what is ‘deviant.' Popular media has a tendency to display a remarkably narrow range of behavior and lifestyles, marginalizing or neglecting people who are different from the mass mediated norm" (pp. 166).
The Subliminal Messages Being Send
Cosmopolitan Magazine is a popular publication directed mainly toward young women. While this magazine does offer helpful beauty tips, relationship advice, and the newest information on health and fitness, it is important to point out that the majority of this publication is centered on sex tips, how to improve your appearance, understanding how a man thinks and figuring out what he wants out of a relationship and how to please him in the bedroom. Throughout this magazine there are images of women, where the vast majority are thin and beautiful and have a striking resemblance to Barbie. The articles that are published in this magazine are based on the typical stereotypes of women and a women’s ‘role’ such as keeping your man happy, looking pretty, dealing without emotional selves and what we should and shouldn’t wear. In a May 2008 edition of Cosmopolitan Magazine,