When consuming media, it is important to look at the differences between how men and women are portrayed. Across all types and platforms of media, there are discrepancies with topics, assumptions, and the importance of women in a variety of contexts. Oftentimes, these assumptions are based on harmful stereotypes of women. These stereotypes are frequently found and used in media coverage of women in politics.
In the article linked below, Virginia García Beaudoux highlights 5 ways the media hurt women in politics. The first thing Beaudoux points out is the fact that many women are questioned about their personal or "domestic" lives, which seldom has anything to do with their professional lives. Next, women are often linked to powerful men, making it seem like they wouldn't have reached their level of success without the help of men. The third point is when the media fall back on the narrative that women are emotional. Women in politics constantly have to reassure others that they are mentally stable, something their male counterparts rarely have to do. Next, the media, time and again, make stories about what women politicians are wearing and how their body looks. Lastly, the media tear women in politics apart about their voice and how they shouldn't be public speakers.
These five points share a common theme, they have nothing to do with the woman's capabilities in her field. These five points also clearly show the gender bias of the media. It's a rare occasion to see male politicians questioned or discussed using one of Beaudoux's points. I hope one day the media shift from this type of coverage of women in politics to one that showcases their strengths and skills as a politician.
For Virginia García Beaudoux's Article:
Hello! I really enjoyed reading your post. There are many barriers that women face in regards to representation in media. It seems like people can't fathom the idea that women have can separation between their personal and professional lives in the same way that men do. I think that the overarching problem is actually patriarchy. People can't conceptualize women existing without connection to men. Their success or failures somehow always related to their relationship with men and when they are passionate about their work, men claim they are too emotional.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate this article and all it is attempting to explain. For one of my other classes, I am doing research on why women do or don't run for and attain political office and one of the reasons stems from the clear gender bias in media coverage. The patriarchy in America is still alive and well and it is baffling to me that few prominent people are actively trying to combat it or are even continuing to contribute to it - either intentionally or unintentionally.
ReplyDeleteHi! This is such an interesting and important aspect to highlight in the way our nation and our media works. Sometimes I forget how things that we are able to think of as rights now were fought for not too long ago. The suffrage movement, and other protests in support of women seem like they were so long ago when we learn about them in history classes growing up, but we are still fighting for equality and respect today. It is hard as a woman to think of how we might change that narrative, but it is definitely a work in progress.
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