2008 Woodie Awards
Viewpoint - Media's portrait of women sets back movement, creates stereotypes
By Joyce Flores
Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: Opinion
Originally published: 10/4/07 at 5:57 PM CSTLast update: 10/4/07 at 5:56 PM CST
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In the same dimension, a poor woman sits at the mercy of her stepsisters, waiting for her man to take her from rags to riches.
Another woman, a fan of the written word, is teased because she has no interest in marriage.
The Disney princesses all emphasize the idealistic ways of a male hero, a helpless female and a "happily ever after."
From the time that girls are born, they are taught to be domestic and weak, with dresses, flowers and dolls.
When I was growing up, I idolized Jackie Kennedy.
I wanted to be like her, the beautiful socialite who was married to a president.
I would envision what my life would be like as first lady. I didn't have dreams about being the president of the United States, just marrying him.
The first women's rights movement began gaining speed during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The women fought for rights that only men were allowed to have.
Eventually, they gained support from different groups and President Woodrow Wilson.
The 19th Amendment was ratified Aug. 18, 1920.
It states, "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex."
Those women made a difference.
It seems that lately people have forgotten about the women's rights movement and what it was all about.
At the Beer'n'All, 823 San Pedro Ave., I spotted two women working in bikinis, waving customers in.
It's not the first time I've spotted them.
The women can usually be found standing outside in tube tops, swimsuits, short skirts and barely there tops.
What kind of world are we living in when women are separated into different categories - the Jackie O's or the Marilyns.
It's no surprise that the Brothers Grimm stories told to young girls are chauvinistic.
The stories are derived from the thoughts of two men living in the 1800s.
But what can explain the magazines sold to teens today, with articles like, "Why he didn't call," "What guys want," and "Signs he's over you" next to articles about "dream jobs" like a wedding planner, a model or a makeup artist?
CosmoGIRL! seems to be following suit in the backward mentality.
Susan B. Anthony must be rolling in her grave.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
J.R.E.
posted 5/31/08 @ 12:37 AM CST
Is there an assumption that the woman who took these jobs are unable to decide for themselves? Were they coerced? Is being a housewife sexist?
These questions are directed at the main thrust of liberty. (Continued…)
Marriage Family Counseling
posted 10/20/08 @ 12:41 PM CST
What's new about stereotypes? They have been for ages all around, but of course, recently they have suffered some drastic changes... but mainly... the woman is a woman and a man is still a man. (Continued…)
Sabrina
posted 10/20/08 @ 4:02 PM CST
Actually, many of the Brothers Grimm stories have strong heroines. We can look to Disney for the infantalizing of female characters.
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