Southland: Gender Roles In North American Society
Angela Beach
English 103
Section 0954
September 28, 2014
Southland
Gender roles are nothing more than the belief that men and women have different behaviors and characteristics based on their sex. The media is partly responsible in creating this social norm through various forms of media which include television shows, films, and different advertisements. According to a Canadian communication theorist Marshall McLuhan, “mass media not only gives people information and entertainment, it also affects people’s lives by shaping their opinions, attitudes and beliefs” (1964). Although the media uses certain tactics to reinforce the dynamics in American society that men are masculine and women are feminine, the hit television series Southland redefine …show more content…
Throughout the episode Lydia exhibits fearlessness as she does her job. She is strong, confident, and experienced. Although she shows the flexibility of being soft and nurturing in the way she communicates with the teen Janila, Lydia has very aggressive traits. She speaks with an assertive tone, she is not passive in the least. She gives the impression of being non-emotional in the way she handles herself with a gun, there was no fear or doubt. For example, “Gender role characteristics reflect the ideological contentions underlying the dominant gender schema in North American society. The schema leads us to believe that female and male behaviors are the result of socially directed hormonal instructions which specify that females find themselves relatively helpless and dependent on males for support and protection” (Devor). Most female characters on screen is dependent on a male lead to save the day, but Lydia is tough and independently save not only her life but the teens …show more content…
From their demeanor to their actions, even their body posture. To quote Aaron Devor, “such appearances of strength and readiness to action serve to create or enhance an aura of aggressiveness and intimidation central to an appearance of masculinity.” Men on television are very strong, aggressive, and hard; their hobbies always include sports, hunting and some are car enthusiast. While John Cooper played by Michael Cudlitz has a very masculine career, senior lead officer, he comes across as a progressive male who also happens to be a homosexual. Cooper displays very masculine traits, he comes off confident, strong, and at times very assertive. During the episode Southland titled “Derailed” the audience see a different side to detective
English 103
Section 0954
September 28, 2014
Southland
Gender roles are nothing more than the belief that men and women have different behaviors and characteristics based on their sex. The media is partly responsible in creating this social norm through various forms of media which include television shows, films, and different advertisements. According to a Canadian communication theorist Marshall McLuhan, “mass media not only gives people information and entertainment, it also affects people’s lives by shaping their opinions, attitudes and beliefs” (1964). Although the media uses certain tactics to reinforce the dynamics in American society that men are masculine and women are feminine, the hit television series Southland redefine …show more content…
Throughout the episode Lydia exhibits fearlessness as she does her job. She is strong, confident, and experienced. Although she shows the flexibility of being soft and nurturing in the way she communicates with the teen Janila, Lydia has very aggressive traits. She speaks with an assertive tone, she is not passive in the least. She gives the impression of being non-emotional in the way she handles herself with a gun, there was no fear or doubt. For example, “Gender role characteristics reflect the ideological contentions underlying the dominant gender schema in North American society. The schema leads us to believe that female and male behaviors are the result of socially directed hormonal instructions which specify that females find themselves relatively helpless and dependent on males for support and protection” (Devor). Most female characters on screen is dependent on a male lead to save the day, but Lydia is tough and independently save not only her life but the teens …show more content…
From their demeanor to their actions, even their body posture. To quote Aaron Devor, “such appearances of strength and readiness to action serve to create or enhance an aura of aggressiveness and intimidation central to an appearance of masculinity.” Men on television are very strong, aggressive, and hard; their hobbies always include sports, hunting and some are car enthusiast. While John Cooper played by Michael Cudlitz has a very masculine career, senior lead officer, he comes across as a progressive male who also happens to be a homosexual. Cooper displays very masculine traits, he comes off confident, strong, and at times very assertive. During the episode Southland titled “Derailed” the audience see a different side to detective