Media Stereotypes

(32)

Media has a huge impact on our every day lives. We our influenced by it through many shapes and forms. The media molds our values, ideas, and the way we perceive ourselves and others. On average, people send about thirty one hours a week watching television, seventeen hours listening to music, three hours watching movies, and ten or more hours using social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler, and other internet. In total, that is about ten hours and forty five minutes of people being influenced by media. (2).

(12)

The media has perpetuated distinct stereotypes about women that make real women feel insecure and not as worthy when they do not fit the standards of society for how the perfect women should act and behave. They can't be too fat, nor to thin, nor light, nor too dark, be in dependent, but also make sure to fit in. They are bombarded with artificial images telling them who to be and how to act, never allowing themselves a chance just to be themselves. The media tells working mothers who have yet to lose the last of their baby weight that the only way to get their men to love them again is to shed the last pounds, get a bikini wax, a new hair cut, bleach their skin, get a manicure, and remodel themselves to be the perfect Barbie that young girls idolize and play with.

(19)

There is too much emphasis on Kim Kardashian losing ten pounds with the unhealthy lemonade diet or naturally beautiful and curvy stars like Jennifer Hudson and Sara Rue losing tremendous amounts of weight just so they can keep up with the likes of Jessica Alba and Jennifer Aniston. If a celebrity gains even two pounds, the media will scrutinize them and taunt them in magazine for not having the perfect body. Cellulite is discouraged and starvation is emphasized. More and more articles emphasize women losing weight and getting makeovers rather then succeeding in business endeavours and donating to charities. Women are considered products, not people.

(16)