Blog #4

The media's stereotypes of men and women greatly influence how we view each other in professional settings. Advertisments in magazines and on the tv generally show sexy women in skimpy clothing, striking provacative poses. Some advertisments have gone so far as too show only the "good parts" of women- chest, stomach, and butt. This causes some men to become confused in the work place; they are constantly seeing these acceptable images in the media which leads to an increase in sexual harrasement in the office and at school. Also, women portrayed in tv shows and movies are usually sensitive, emotional, and weak-willed. These stereotypes can influenc how people vote. During the last election I heard several people say that they would not want a woman (Clinton) for a president because women would not be able to make difficult decisions or would be too emotional to handle the job.

Men are just as stereotyped as women. The media has defined the masculine image as physicaly strong, independent, intimidating, and stoic. Any male that lies outside of this media constructed image is ridiculed. In school I have heard students label male students gay if those males dress more fashionably than the typical male student. Boys are also labeled "fag" if they are emotional. The stereotypical "jock" has great physical abilities but is not expected to be not very intelligent. I've heard of cases where male athlete/students will purposefully perform poorly in the class room to fit this stereotype and escape ridicule. In the business world males are expected to act formidable and invulnerable; there is no room for mistakes or passivness. Emotional and sensitive males are viewed as impotent political leaders and therefore political leaders are forced to put on a macho front.