Media is a powerful
tool that influences the experiences, actions and behavior of people. Through
its ability to share information, media remains to influence gender roles and
how people should respond to specific situations and environment. In seeking to
understand the relevance of media in shaping gender development, the aim of
this paper is to explore features that influence the perception of gender as
well as highlight how these are particularly shown.
Looking closely,
media such as radio, magazines, TV and film, all have influences in my ability
to perceive gender. One important contribution of media is that it gives
specific definitions of what roles men and women play in society. For example,
TV gives people a perspective that men are supposed to act in a particular way.
The same applies for women. Arguably, this is one way that shapes people’s
ability to interact with one another and develop relationships. It influences
my ability to perceive and categorize specific actions or behavior.
Another impact of
media is that it gives a good perspective of what is happening in other
societies. This means that through media, it helps open my mind to the
realities that are present. For my part, my exposure to different films in
Hollywood and in other regions gives the impression that the culture of people
or groups vary from one place to another. The ability of mass media to depict
various realities enables people to learn and appreciate their similarities and
differences with one another (Wood, 2008). Likewise, it also shows how we can
possibly relate with people from another culture. In a way, I believe that
media is a good way to induce learning experiences as I get a glimpse of
culture and development of gender roles.
In addition, media
provides the opportunity to give out a message to others. In my opinion, all
forms of media serve to complement society in helping shape norms and behavior.
As far as gender is concerned, the development of new roles, for example among
homosexuals, is one indication that the context of gender is evolving. It gives
people a deeper appreciation of how relationships develop and grow. For my
part, I am able to recognize connections through media. Even if I do not always
agree with the way it provides information to viewers, it still remains to be
an important tool especially in helping advance how gender roles are perceived.
Based from these
influences, I do believe that my gender roles and attitudes are represented by
media. In my opinion, there are different ways that these are manifested. For
example, the radio provides information about my type of music. Even if songs
vary in specific genres, there will always be specific preferences for people.
In a way, media provides opportunities for people to choose. The same goes for
print media. Newspapers and magazines can also influence roles and attitudes by
representing how men and women should act. Here, specific columns, write-ups
and photographs can illustrate the ‘acceptable’ or ‘unacceptable’ behavior.
These depictions can show how media can be influential in shaping gender norms.
Also, the
development of new media tools such as the Internet and video sites such as
YouTube are also powerful instrument on how our gender roles are represented.
The expansion of this new medium opens the possibility of establishing new
norms through fads or trends (Wood, 2008). I believe that this is an important
part to consider because many are becoming more engaged in new media
technologies such as social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Each of
the information shared here remains to be critical because it shapes our
attitudes particularly in responding to the realities happening today.
Based from the
arguments provided, the responsibility of media includes the ability to show
and reflect the realities happening in our environment today. Since they remain
to be powerful tools to influence people, media must also remain to be
democratic. This means that the information ideally must be unbiased and fair.
Lastly, media must remain to be a tool in helping spread information.
Reference
Wood, J.T. (2008). Gendered Lives: Communication, Gender, and Culture. Ohio: Cengage
Learning.
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