How Are Women Viewed In The Media?

Although it is tough to bring up, this topic must be avoided. Today’s culture has a pervasive misunderstanding that women are expected to stay at home and take care of their families. Additionally, it specifies how they ought to behave and appear while at home. But all of this is untrue. Women must realize that everyone is lovely and that anything they desire is achievable. So, how are women viewed in the media? 

In my perspective as a woman, one of the most challenging aspects is steering clear of the objectification of women. This issue, stemming from the media’s misleading narratives, is a constant presence in our lives as women. This article delves into the portrayal of women in media and offers insights on how to address these portrayals.

How Women Are Depicted in the Media

Media encompasses various platforms such as radio, print, the internet, social media, and television. Chances are, you’ve encountered stereotypes about women and their unfair treatment in the media you engage with. However, why should this concern anyone, and why is it significant? The answer is straightforward: It’s unjust and ethically unacceptable.

Regarding women’s media portrayal, they are often overly sexualized and depicted as extremely thin. However, it’s essential to understand that this does not reflect reality. Furthermore, women are often perceived as having a lower social status in society. For example, women do not speak as much as men do, have few opinions, and do not always play important roles, such as being strong and independent.

Numerous studies have explored this topic, yielding intriguing findings. According to multiple research studies, a mere 5% of women can be considered genuinely equal, leaving a substantial 95% who do not hold positions of influence. Men, in comparison, outnumber women in positions of power by a staggering 83%. The fact that men have more authority is truly perplexing. They are frequently offered higher-paying roles, are more likely to secure employment, and receive greater compensation than women. Despite there being a larger number of women in the world, men continue to dominate positions of authority. However, the underlying question remains: Is this due to women’s genuine incapability in comparison to men, or is it simply a result of women being objectified as mere sexual objects?

Media and Technological Advancements

Thanks to technological advancements, accessing media has become more convenient than ever before. However, this convenience has also made it easier for individuals to engage in harassment and stalking, particularly targeting women, and these incidents occur regularly. For instance, when a woman shares something online, she often encounters highly sexualized comments or receives numerous direct messages with opportunistic intentions. This is a distressing situation that reflects more on the individuals engaging in such behavior than on the women involved.

In contrast, the media sometimes shifts blame onto the woman, asserting that her content, whether an image or video, is explicit and that she is at fault. It is crucial to emphasize that the responsibility lies squarely with those who choose to objectify individuals, whether women or men. Blaming the victim is never justified. The key lies in how one chooses to respond. Therefore, for anyone reading this who may be engaging in objectification, whether directed at women or men, it is imperative to cease such behavior.

Technology is a wonderful gift that has been bestowed upon us. Nonetheless, technology has had a significant impact on society. It all depends on how you use it to your advantage. Work, communication with others, entertainment, and so on. It becomes destructive when technology and media are used to destroy because of rage or jealousy. When someone utilizes technology to harm others, they are essentially conveying that they disregard the value of those individuals and expose their true character to others. This behavior can lead to the deterioration of relationships and have profoundly detrimental consequences on one’s life. Instead of depending on technology for such purposes, why not opt for a simpler, more fulfilling life?

Stereotypes Have An Impact on Women.

The media’s attitude toward women is heartbreaking. In fact, as women, listening to negative stereotypes hurts both our physical and mental health. However, most of the time we are unaware that a negative effect is occurring. It is most likely affecting our subconscious mind. And whatever is in our subconscious mind is what we get out of life.

During my research, I discovered how stereotypes in life and the media affect women’s self-esteem. When women experience diminished self-esteem, it adversely affects their perception of their value and capabilities. Consequently, they become hesitant to undertake various responsibilities, fearing they might be judged as inadequate if they don’t meet societal and media expectations. However, the truth is far more distressing.

Now, we arrive at the most difficult aspect of how women are depicted in the media. It’s the notion that to be embraced in this world, we must conform to a particular appearance. Despite being untrue, many women tend to internalize this belief. When we engage with media, whether through watching or listening, we often find ourselves comparing ourselves to the images we encounter in the media. This constant comparison can have a substantial impact on our self-esteem. Consequently, we may begin to modify our behavior, believing it will help us feel more comfortable and gain acceptance from others to fit in.

“No matter what we look like as women, we are beautiful.”

Adapting, such as altering our personalities or appearances, is a common response. When we feel profoundly undesirable, we might resort to extreme measures such as restricting our food intake, changing our hair color, getting hair extensions, altering our clothing style, or isolating ourselves from others. In the process, we become increasingly disconnected from our true selves. This, in turn, intensifies our frustration, particularly among women. In such circumstances, it can seem like there is no feasible way to improve our well-being.

Desiring acceptance is a universal human aspiration, but as women, we tend to constantly measure ourselves against others. We carry the notion that our worth is contingent on our physical attractiveness or professional success. This mindset, however, yields a spectrum of negative consequences ranging from mild to severe, posing a significant threat to our well-being. Examples include eating disorders, anxiety, depression, other mental health issues, heightened aggression, and regrettably, the gravest consequence of all, suicide.

It is imperative that we, as a society, collaborate to ensure that harmful stereotypes do not affect our loved ones. Continuously imposing specific expectations on women will result in their disconnection. Therefore, let us extend our support to those we hold dear, regardless of the circumstances.

“How Can We Address Stereotyping of Women in the Media?”

Various research studies have reached a consensus that a significant shift is required in the way women are portrayed in the media compared to the past. Instead of perpetuating stereotypes, this entails portraying women as prominent figures and sources of inspiration. Strategies could involve promoting female leadership and education, implementing regulations to combat gender discrimination, and even monitoring the media to ensure equitable treatment of women. Rather than dictating what women should be, it is essential to encourage and acknowledge women’s contributions to the media as a positive force. This can have a profound and positive impact.

Women possess the same liberty to pursue their actions and ambitions as anyone else, whether it involves leading a large corporation or seeking public office. Emphasizing the critical importance of equitable treatment for all cannot be overstated. This involves eradicating biases and recognizing individuals as human beings rather than objects.

“As women, we all have the right to be and do whatever we want.”

Stereotypes are a constant presence in our everyday lives, and it’s up to us whether we engage with them or not. To truly enjoy life, we must cultivate self-acceptance and disregard the media’s portrayal of women. Yet, achieving this can be challenging without proper support. So, why not step outside and embrace life, rather than spending all our time on social media, phones, laptops, and watching movies? When you can live your life without caring what others think, you will find more happiness in your life.

I understand how difficult it is to have self-respect and self-love, especially in light of what we see in the media. Nevertheless, it’s essential to recognize that neither of these assertions holds. Authentic women, as seen on social media, in the media, or movies and publications, are a rarity. In reality, they do not exist as portrayed. Filters and editing software are solely responsible for creating such appearances. I urge you not to measure yourself against an unrealistic standard.

Last, but Not Least.

Ultimately, regardless of what anyone, especially the media, may assert, it is crucial to recognize that every individual possesses inherent attractiveness. The moment you grasp that the media’s biased viewpoints are merely subjective opinions, not factual truths, your life can begin to transform. You cease comparing yourself to others and instead savor your own life, which is why it starts to thrive. Consequently, you begin to prioritize self-care and realize that your beauty is defined by your perspective, which is the only one that truly matters.

Feel free to drop any questions you may have regarding the portrayal of women in the media in the comment section below. I possess a wealth of experience in this area and would be delighted to offer my assistance.

Related: Independence in Women- The Myths There Mind-Blowing

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Learning How to Love Yourself

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us

Save

Kiersti

Website | + posts

Kiersti writes on self-love and personal development professionally. Over the past ten or so years, she has studied self-love and personal growth. Visit https://womansdailyneeds.com/ to learn more about what she does, and like her on Facebook at https://facebook.com/womansdailyneeds to keep up with her.

• Building Confidence And Self-Care Habits To Thrive Personally And Professionally
• 10 Things High-Quality Women Do Differently In Relationships
• Understanding Your Own Value And Worth: Self-Realization
• The Power Of Now Book Review: A Guide To Spiritual Enlightenment