Messages of gender roles are pasted on every corner of society. Advertisements flood inboxes and flash on TV screens that depict men as muscular bodybuilders and women as supermodels. TV shows create a false reality of relationship norms and conflicts within families. Movies communicate a happy ending and a perfect love story. All these messages leave people questioning their roles. Are they measuring up? Are they normal? Will society reject them for being different? Teens struggle with eating disorders and fall into a state of depression if they aren’t in a romantic relationship by 14. Society sends these messages in the name of “selling” or “entertainment,” but what if the consequences are so much larger?
Society is captivated by media. This obsession creates a unique platform for messages to be communicated through various forms. Although technology simplifies communication, the messages sent from media outlets promote impractical and unattainable standards for society. They leave individuals with a false sense of reality and feeling of unworth.
This feeling is most notable with messages sent about gender roles in relationships. There are two distinct harmful messages communicated through advertisements, movies, and TV shows: the first is that there is a perfect relationship that will have no conflict or hardship. The second harmful message comes in the form of justifying a wrong behavior in order to attain a desirable relationship. Unfortunately, reality television has attached itself closely to the idea of the end justifying the means.
One example of this in a TV series is The Bachelorette on ABC. In this show, one woman dates anywhere from 20-25 men at one time in order to find the perfect relationship. Although not all of the relationships are very serious, as the show progresses the woman typically develops strong feelings and engages in romantic behaviors such as kissing, touching, etc. with more than one man. All of these behaviors are conducted in the name of “finding love.” The highlights from the most recent season of The Bachelorette depict the bachelorette making out with several different men, often over the course of the same night.
Despite the fact that the seriousness of reality television is often taken with a grain of salt, the message that society receives should be considered. A teenage girl might watch this show and walk away thinking that it is acceptable to explore multiple relationships at one time in order to find the right one. In addition, the television element of the show always depicts the bachelorette looking her best. Even when at the beach or on a more casual date, she is always dressed nicely with a full face of makeup and styled hair. A bachelorette from a previous season, JoJo Fletcher, shared that the hair, makeup and wardrobe routine for each film day was extensive.
While the woman is the star of this particular show, there are also over 20 men living in the same house whose behaviors are shared on television. There is always a significant amount of conflict between the men in the house and it usually ends with them fighting or competing with each other. This sends gender stereotype messages that men have to be strong and “win” the girl that they are dating. Men who are softer and more in tune with their emotions are often made fun of and called weak. Despite those characteristics being very attractive in a potential relationship, this media outlet sends messages to discourage that kind of behavior.
Another very interesting element of this show is the difference between The Bachelorette and The Bachelor. The Bachelor is a television show with the same dating situation but in the reverse where a single bachelor dates several women over the course of several weeks. It is intriguing to note the gender stereotypes that are communicated through this type of media. While the men in the Bachelorette are strong and competitive, The Bachelor depicts women as being emotional and jealous. The women in the house are always fighting with each other over insignificant issues. When they are sent home, their individual interviews often depict them crying and speaking about how they will “never find love.” This communicates the idea that women are dependent on a man and need a relationship to find true happiness.
It is worth considering other gender stereotypes that lie in the conversations of the dating individuals on the show. Many times conflicts arise in the televised relationships regarding where the couple would live if they end up together. In almost every instance, the man expects the woman to move to where he lives. This sends messages to society that men are in control of relationships and have the final say in what happens. Ironically enough, many of these relationships end due to not agreeing on where to live.
Some individuals are able to watch reality television strictly for entertainment purposes. Perhaps they think it comical to watch all these men competing over one woman on television. Others might watch due to the element of drama and continue watching throughout the season just to see what happens in the end. The problem is that everyone thinks they are immune to negative messages sent through media outlets. Very few individuals actually believe that watching a show will influence their personal lives. But it is important to note the impact that gender roles in media platforms have on individuals.
Even if an individual doesn’t intend for it to, these types of television shows influence very personal behaviors. After watching a season of The Bachelorette a woman might be left feeling that she isn’t pretty enough or talented enough. She might find discontent if she is in a relationship but perhaps her significant other doesn’t take her on exotic dates or constantly fight for her. A man might watch this show and question the softer and more emotional side of his personality. All these messages are woven through interactions and scenes depicted through the show and communicated to society.
The point is, entertainment influences society. Whether or not individuals choose to accept it, gender messages are woven into most media outlets. It is important to be aware of these messages in order to properly combat feelings of comparison. In the name of entertainment, media channels set standards for society that are completely unattainable.
Media Analysis clip here.