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Why Do Gender Roles Occur In The Media?

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n the American media, gender roles are still prevalent. The adaptation of gender roles has occurred because they are socially constructed. Gender roles are distinct and defined in the media. With great ferocity, gender roles are perceptible in our exposure everyday to the media, such as in advertising. The media demonstrates clearly the imposed and inevitable gender roles. For example, advertising for cleaning supplies consists of a woman stating the difficulty of removing stains. Advertising for motor oil consists of a man and his luxury car, often with a beautiful woman by his side. The function of gender roles are impediments of dreams, hopes and the future. Limitations, among both sexes, are set when gender roles are present in the media. Certain expectations and criteria are involved with gender roles, crippling the individual to act against the status quo because of the …show more content…
Most of the actors and models can be labeled as “white”. The top-earning actors, actresses, and models listed are Caucasians. Rarely famous person of colored skin and if it is the color is light-skinned and has Caucasian features. Nevertheless, the movement towards equality is shown in Shonda Rhimes. The director displays nonconformity to the strict regulations on gender, class, and race. She has directed popular shows such as Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, and How to Get Away With Murder. The shows resists these trends because the protagonist is a female women, often of color. Rhymes broadcasts a women’s adversities in a male dominated field. Rhonda breaks away from the bonds of the white, male protagonist. Her female protagonist despite the adversity is successful without the help of a man, but rather through their own efforts. This is shown in Viola Davis’ scene in How to Get Away With Murder where she deals with sexism, racism, and class in the court room

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