Gender stereo-types have been around for thousands of years. One only has to watch television or see a movie for just a few moments to clearly understand how men are "supposed" to behave and how women are "supposed" to act. Gender roles have indeed changed a bit over the last fifty years. No longer do American families depend only on the "man" of the household working outside of the home. Women occupy almost fifty percent of the jobs in American society. In addition, colleges and graduate schools have about fifty percent of their seats filled by women. Having said that, many of the sexist stereo-types are still alive and well in America. For example, although many commercials on television acknowledge that many women are professionals, they nevertheless, attempt to convince women that they are primarily responsible for cleaning their home or putting nutritious meals on the table. In the media, women who do not continuously attempt to be the perfect mother, daughter, employee, wife and volunteer are depicted as being fundamentally flawed. It is interesting to draw contrast to the way men are depicted in the media. Men are only expected to be their children's playmates from time to time and to spend most of their quality time building their careers.
Growing up female in the 1990's in American Society was simple. I was never faced with significant gender issues, nor did I ever feel I was below the status of my male classmates. It was evident to me, however that girls who were successful socially had to dress with in certain designer outfits and be thin and pretty. Looking back at this time I realize that the advertisements and media campaigns were totally sexist and catered to the insecurities of young girls. In one advertisement promoting whiskey, a “sexy” young women in a bikini is used in an attempt to prompt men into buying the product. A subtle message to young girls is that they are inferior to men and are just sex objects. Despite how far women might have thought that they have come from the sexist advertising campaign of the 1950's, it is evident that things have not really changed all that much. For example, one advertisement of the 1950's was that their job was to stay at home and take care of the household chores as well as their husbands.
Advertisement from 1950's
Women are not taught to pursue a healthy lifestyle by the media. In the media today women are depicted as almost emaciated and corpse-like. If we take a look at these pictures of models, it is evident that these are the images women are taught to yearn for in our society today. It is absolutely disgraceful that young girls and teenagers have to look at these pictures and feel as though they are not good enough, because their bodies don't look frail-thin.
For hundred of years, despite it’s flaws, people from all over the globe have come to America in the hope of being part of what has been known as the “American Dream”. As an immigrant just getting to America, they have big hopes and dreams. They are most excited about making a new life themselves and their families. Often times life in the countries that they are leaving behind has not been easy and freedom is not a concept that many such people have had the good fortune to previously experience. Sadly, on coming to American shores, many immigrants find their fortune in America will most certainly not be reached overnight. Many of these people find themselves struggling in menial jobs with absolutely no hope of reaching the levels of success that they had dreamed about before coming to America. When this happens the hopes and dreams of these people are stripped away and they are left with little to no hope. Whatever struggles immigrants are experiencing, they are made even worse when our nation suffers an economic downturn. At this time, immigrants who hold onto low-paying jobs begin to be resented by other people in the nation who have lost their jobs.
This image depicts the hopes and dreams of almost every American citizen. However the cruel reality which many immigrants face when they come to this country is depicted in the following photograph. The white picket fence and their happy smiling faces say it all. Obviously this family must have worked hard and has got what they wanted throughout life.
The truth behind this whole "American Dream" is not always true, people don't always get the "perfect family" with the white picket fence. To the right appears a picture of a homeless women. In the world today there are roughly 100 million homeless men, women, and children, about 3.5 million of them being American citizens.
Despite economic realities that negatively affect so many people, countless Americans continue to hold onto the American dream of becoming wealthy and famous. The Fox television series, American Idol, epitomizes the American dream for millions of people who have become almost addicted to the show.
On this show, thousands of people from all over the country compete for an opportunity to receive a recording contract which will virtually make them overnight successes. Television viewers root for their favorite new "star" and dream about what it would be like for they themselves to go from rags to riches. Since the inception of the highly successful American Idol show, multiple other television shows have been developed to provide still other unknown Americans with the opportunity to be successful in dance, modeling, cooking and many more. All of these shows appeal to one simple human emotion----hope. Isn't that what this nation was founded upon? From those people who escaped religious persecution in Europe in the earliest days of this nation to those who today continue to dream and hope for a better life for themselves and their families, Americans continue to keep the American dream alive. Everyday hundreds of people attempt to illegally gain entry into the borders of the United States, some of whom, die trying. Although most people realize that the United States is not perfect, it is still seen as a safe haven and a place where dreams can be reached by people from all over the world.
For more information on this topic please press on the following link: American Dream Goes On. Representation of Difference
The heart of America is made up of its people. People residing in our nation come from every part of the world, are different in so many ways, yet share great similarities as well. Unfortunately, many of us learn about our “fellow” Americans by believing that the images that are portrayed in the mass media are accurate depictions of the cultural differences of others who share our country. Sadly, however, the images that we are shown each day on television and in movies provide us with negative racial and religious stereotypes.
Stereotyping by the media is so commonplace that the following partial list represents just how small-minded we can be if we blindly believe in the images which we are forced to see on a daily basis. For example, oftentimes, people from the middle east are depicted as being sinister; Jews are depicted as being cheap; blond women are portrayed as being empty-headed and stupid; African Americans are depicted as being lazy and stupid; disabled persons are portrayed as being dependent upon others; Gay women are depicted as being masculine; Gay men are depicted as being effeminate; Italians are depicted as being linked with the Mafia; etc….
Of course there are exceptions to negative stereotyping by the mass media. In the newest popular television show entitled “Glee” despite the fact that the students who are musically inclined are seen as social outcasts in their high school community, their inner-talents and worth is plain for all to see. In the television show, a young wheel chair bound student can be seen to rise above his disability when he joins his fellow classmates in singing and dancing. Another student who is gay and noticeably effeminate, also gains a sense of belonging when he joins his fellow students on stage. Instead of mocking his differences based on sexual orientation, the audience gains a sense of real affection for this young man. Finally, two other male students who are jocks, nevertheless, find a sense of belonging not only on the football field but in the glee club as well.
Given the popularity of new television shows such as Glee, it may be evidence that popular culture may be changing in a positive direction--away from cruel stereo-types to acceptance of the differences that all people possess.
Below is a clip of Glee-the very popular television show
Popular shows like Glee which champion differences amongst the people of our nation can be compared and contrasted with attitudes towards people who were different during the last turn of the century. At that time in American society, foreigners were told that they should immediately lose their accents and cultural differences and "melt" into the American pot. This resulted in pitting sons and daughters who were first generation Americans against their foreign born parents. Rather than embracing and cherishing the differences that all people from different nations possessed, Americans were taught to look upon such people with disdain and disgust. In more recent times, being different has been looked upon more favorably. People have begun to view others who are different as individuals from whom they have something to learn. This is certainly a step in a positive direction.
For more information on this topic, please click the following link: Embracing Diversity
The Political Landscape
President Obama’s nomination of Elena Kagan, to fill the seat of retiring Justice Stevens on the United States Supreme Court, has invoked strong feelings from both liberal and conservative factions of the nation. An examination for the websites for both the Democratic National Committee and that of the Republican National Committee, makes quite clear the differences between both parties on this particular issue.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has an article on its website entitled, “Introducing Elena Kagan” in which the present Solicitor General is described as “one of the nation’s top legal minds.” She is described as a person of great “intellect, integrity, judgment and work ethic.” The Democrats further describe Ms. Kagan as a person who “ has stood up for the rights of ordinary citizens and shareholders against corporations in her work as Solicitor General.” In addition the liberal website indicates that “even though she knew the odds were against her, Kagan chose Citizens United V. Federal Election Commission as herfirst case to argue before the Supreme Court, defending campaign finance reform against special interest groups spending unlimited money in an attempt to influence elections.”
By contrast the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) website contains a great amount of information urging that Elena Kagan not be confirmed as the next United States Supreme Court Justice. In an article contained on the RNC website entitled “ Would Elena Kagan Go Beyond The Law to Make Decisions?” The author states “Americans would be concerned that a Justice like Kagan would be partial to whomever she felt “empathy” for. But President Obama made it very clear yesterday how Kagan would vote in future cases, something that The Washington Post’s editorial board said was inappropriate.” Finally this article goes onto state that “though Ms. Kagan has not written extensively on the role of the judge, the little she has written is troubling.” In a law review article, she expressed agreement in the idea that the court primarily exists to look out for the “despised and disadvantaged. The problem with this view-which sounds remarkably similar to President Obama’s frequent appeals to judges ruling on grounds other than law-is that it allows judges to favor whichever particular client they view as “despised and disadvantaged.” The Judiciary is not to favor anyone particular group, but to secure justice equally for all through impartial application of the Constitution and laws. It's clear that her scant legal writings raise serious questions about her potential Judicial temperament."
In reading the information on the nomination of Elena Kagan which is contained on both websites it is as if they discussing different women as opposed to the same person. It is very clear that both liberals and conservatives want a new Justice who will follow their particular parties political agenda. Since Justice Paul Stevens, who is retiring, is a liberal, most people believe that in the end President Obama will be granted the ability to appoint a new Justice who is also a liberal. It is clear however, that the RNC will provide the President with a great fight.
For more information this topic, please refer to the following link: Elena Kagan
Adena's Wiki
Growing Up Female In America In 2010
Gender stereo-types have been around for thousands of years. One only has to watch television or see a movie for just a few moments to clearly understand how men are "supposed" to behave and how women are "supposed" to act. Gender roles have indeed changed a bit over the last fifty years. No longer do American families depend only on the "man" of the household working outside of the home. Women occupy almost fifty percent of the jobs in American society. In addition, colleges and graduate schools have about fifty percent of their seats filled by women. Having said that, many of the sexist stereo-types are still alive and well in America. For example, although many commercials on television acknowledge that many women are professionals, they nevertheless, attempt to convince women that they are primarily responsible for cleaning their home or putting nutritious meals on the table. In the media, women who do not continuously attempt to be the perfect mother, daughter, employee, wife and volunteer are depicted as being fundamentally flawed. It is interesting to draw contrast to the way men are depicted in the media. Men are only expected to be their children's playmates from time to time and to spend most of their quality time building their careers.
Growing up female in the 1990's in American Society was simple. I was never faced with significant gender issues, nor did I ever feel I was below the status of my male classmates. It was evident to me, however that girls who were successful socially had to dress with in certain designer outfits and be thin and pretty. Looking back at this time I realize that the advertisements and media campaigns were totally sexist and catered to the insecurities of young girls. In one advertisement promoting whiskey, a “sexy” young women in a bikini is used in an attempt to prompt men into buying the product. A subtle message to young girls is that they are inferior to men and are just sex objects. Despite how far women might have thought that they have come from the sexist advertising campaign of the 1950's, it is evident that things have not really changed all that much. For example, one advertisement of the 1950's was that their job was to stay at home and take care of the household chores as well as their husbands.
Advertisement from 1950's
Women are not taught to pursue a healthy lifestyle by the media. In the media today women are depicted as almost emaciated and corpse-like. If we take a look at these pictures of models, it is evident that these are the images women are taught to yearn for in our society today. It is absolutely disgraceful that young girls and teenagers have to look at these pictures and feel as though they are not good enough, because their bodies don't look frail-thin.
Models are too thin argurment and video
Times Online
The “American Dream” Today
For hundred of years, despite it’s flaws, people from all over the globe have come to America in the hope of being part of what has been known as the “American Dream”. As an immigrant just getting to America, they have big hopes and dreams. They are most excited about making a new life themselves and their families. Often times life in the countries that they are leaving behind has not been easy and freedom is not a concept that many such people have had the good fortune to previously experience. Sadly, on coming to American shores, many immigrants find their fortune in America will most certainly not be reached overnight. Many of these people find themselves struggling in menial jobs with absolutely no hope of reaching the levels of success that they had dreamed about before coming to America. When this happens the hopes and dreams of these people are stripped away and they are left with little to no hope. Whatever struggles immigrants are experiencing, they are made even worse when our nation suffers an economic downturn. At this time, immigrants who hold onto low-paying jobs begin to be resented by other people in the nation who have lost their jobs.
This image depicts the hopes and dreams of almost every American citizen. However the cruel reality which many immigrants face when they come to this country is depicted in the following photograph. The white picket fence and their happy smiling faces say it all. Obviously this family must have worked hard and has got what they wanted throughout life.
The truth behind this whole "American Dream" is not always true, people don't always get the "perfect family" with the white picket fence. To the right appears a picture of a homeless women. In the world today there are roughly 100 million homeless men, women, and children, about 3.5 million of them being American citizens.
On this show, thousands of people from all over the country compete for an opportunity to receive a recording contract which will virtually make them overnight successes. Television viewers root for their favorite new "star" and dream about what it would be like for they themselves to go from rags to riches. Since the inception of the highly successful American Idol show, multiple other television shows have been developed to provide still other unknown Americans with the opportunity to be successful in dance, modeling, cooking and many more. All of these shows appeal to one simple human emotion----hope. Isn't that what this nation was founded upon? From those people who escaped religious persecution in Europe in the earliest days of this nation to those who today continue to dream and hope for a better life for themselves and their families, Americans continue to keep the American dream alive. Everyday hundreds of people attempt to illegally gain entry into the borders of the United States, some of whom, die trying. Although most people realize that the United States is not perfect, it is still seen as a safe haven and a place where dreams can be reached by people from all over the world.
For more information on this topic please press on the following link:
American Dream Goes On.
Representation of Difference
The heart of America is made up of its people. People residing in our nation come from every part of the world, are different in so many ways, yet share great similarities as well. Unfortunately, many of us learn about our “fellow” Americans by believing that the images that are portrayed in the mass media are accurate depictions of the cultural differences of others who share our country. Sadly, however, the images that we are shown each day on television and in movies provide us with negative racial and religious stereotypes.
Stereotyping by the media is so commonplace that the following partial list represents just how small-minded we can be if we blindly believe in the images which we are forced to see on a daily basis. For example, oftentimes, people from the middle east are depicted as being sinister; Jews are depicted as being cheap; blond women are portrayed as being empty-headed and stupid; African Americans are depicted as being lazy and stupid; disabled persons are portrayed as being dependent upon others; Gay women are depicted as being masculine; Gay men are depicted as being effeminate; Italians are depicted as being linked with the Mafia; etc….
Of course there are exceptions to negative stereotyping by the mass media. In the newest popular television show entitled “Glee” despite the fact that the students who are musically inclined are seen as social outcasts in their high school community, their inner-talents and worth is plain for all to see. In the television show, a young wheel chair bound student can be seen to rise above his disability when he joins his fellow classmates in singing and dancing. Another student who is gay and noticeably effeminate, also gains a sense of belonging when he joins his fellow students on stage. Instead of mocking his differences based on sexual orientation, the audience gains a sense of real affection for this young man. Finally, two other male students who are jocks, nevertheless, find a sense of belonging not only on the football field but in the glee club as well.
Given the popularity of new television shows such as Glee, it may be evidence that popular culture may be changing in a positive direction--away from cruel stereo-types to acceptance of the differences that all people possess.
Below is a clip of Glee-the very popular television show
Glee!!
Popular shows like Glee which champion differences amongst the people of our nation can be compared and contrasted with attitudes towards people who were different during the last turn of the century. At that time in American society, foreigners were told that they should immediately lose their accents and cultural differences and "melt" into the American pot. This resulted in pitting sons and daughters who were first generation Americans against their foreign born parents. Rather than embracing and cherishing the differences that all people from different nations possessed, Americans were taught to look upon such people with disdain and disgust. In more recent times, being different has been looked upon more favorably. People have begun to view others who are different as individuals from whom they have something to learn. This is certainly a step in a positive direction.
For more information on this topic, please click the following link:
Embracing Diversity
The Political Landscape
President Obama’s nomination of Elena Kagan, to fill the seat of retiring Justice Stevens on the United States Supreme Court, has invoked strong feelings from both liberal and conservative factions of the nation. An examination for the websites for both the Democratic National Committee and that of the Republican National Committee, makes quite clear the differences between both parties on this particular issue.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has an article on its website entitled, “Introducing Elena Kagan” in which the present Solicitor General is described as “one of the nation’s top legal minds.” She is described as a person of great “intellect, integrity, judgment and work ethic.” The Democrats further describe Ms. Kagan as a person who “ has stood up for the rights of ordinary citizens and shareholders against corporations in her work as Solicitor General.” In addition the liberal website indicates that “even though she knew the odds were against her, Kagan chose Citizens United V. Federal Election Commission as herfirst case to argue before the Supreme Court, defending cam
http://www.democrats.org/
By contrast the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) website contains a great amount of information urging that Elena Kagan not be confirmed as the next United States Supreme Court Justice. In an article contained on the RNC website entitled “ Would Elena Kagan Go Beyond The Law to Make Decisions?” The author states “Americans would be concerned that a Justice like Kagan would be partial to whomever she felt “empathy” for. But President Obama made it very clear yesterday
http://www.nrcc.org/
In reading the information on the nomination of Elena Kagan which is contained on both websites it is as if they discussing different women as opposed to the same person. It is very clear that both liberals and conservatives want a new Justice who will follow their particular parties political agenda. Since Justice Paul Stevens, who is retiring, is a liberal, most people believe that in the end President Obama will be granted the ability to appoint a new Justice who is also a liberal. It is clear however, that the RNC will provide the President with a great fight.
For more information this topic, please refer to the following link:
Elena Kagan