Media Portrayals & Stereotypes

The Mass Media often paints portraits of individuals based on stereotypes in many of the movies, articles, interviews, and television shows.  As an average media consumer, many rely on those images presented as actual depictions of certain classes of people, races, and social groups.  The media has several stereotypes given for both females and males.  We will list the different stereotypes that are media portrayals for woman and men and give a short description of each stereotype.

 MEN

• The Joker is a very popular character with boys, perhaps because laughter is part of their own "mask of masculinity." A potential negative consequence of this stereotype is the assumption that boys and men should not be serious or emotional. However, researchers have also argued that humorous roles can be used to expand definitions of masculinity.

• The is always willing to "compromise his own long-term health; he must fight other men when necessary; he must avoid being soft; and he must be aggressive." By demonstrating his power and strength, the jock wins the approval of other men and the adoration of women.Jock

• The Strong Silent Type focuses on "being in charge, acting decisively, containing emotion, and succeeding with women." This stereotype reinforces the assumption that men and boys should always be in control, and that talking about one’s feelings is a sign of weakness.

• The Big Shot is defined by his professional status. He is the "epitome of success, embodying the characteristics and acquiring the possessions that society deems valuable." This stereotype suggests that a real man must be economically powerful and socially successful.

• The Action Hero is "strong, but not necessarily silent. He is often angry. Above all, he is aggressive in the extreme and, increasingly over the past several decades, he engages in violent behavior."

• The Buffoon commonly appears as a bungling father figure in TV ads and sitcoms. Usually well-intentioned and light-hearted, these characters range from slightly inept to completely hopeless when it comes to parenting their children or dealing with domestic (or workplace) issues.

Women

·        Bad Girl/Rebel is often an antagonist, the female counterpart of the Bad Boy. The Bad Girl/Rebel is usually a troubled and rebellious adolescent or young adult, often the black sheep of the family and a sort of outcast in school. Her preferences in music, fashion, or lifestyle are unconventional or non-mainstream. The Bad Girl/Rebel is loud or obnoxious, and is not afraid to stand out in a crowd, an individual who does not care much about what anyone else thinks.

 

·        Dumb Blonde may be simply unintelligent but attractive, or a very popular girl in school. Could also be just plain silly/comic relief-such as: Paris Hilton

 

·        Hooker with a Heart of Gold or Tart with a heart is a young, attractive sex worker who, despite her lowly status in life, is a world-wise and compassionate person.

 

·        Nurse is typically a woman who finds the hero or villain injured, and nurses him back to health. She falls in love with him, but will never have her love returned because of his love for another or his plans for conquest.

 

·        Tomboy is a female character who is “one of the guys”, the Tomboy is generally "independent" and displays superior physical or athletic prowess and/or is able to relate more with males in terms of interests. Because of her attitude, interests or activities, the Tomboy is sometimes, though not always, a Pretty Ugly Girl.

 

·        Widow An often sexually rapacious figure, the widow appears in culture as desperate to re-marry on personal/social grounds.