In America today there are two sets of people the ones who comply and are considered "normal" and then on the other side are the people who are considered "different" for the way they choose to live their lives. The people considered different are often pushed aside in our society and relegated to live and interact with people who share a similar way of life. These people may be considered different for many reasons, ranging from their sexual orientation to their skin color or the religion they practice. America has set standards on what males and females should look and act like.
The normalized images of males and females in America today are what many look to in order to determine if they conform. The normalized image of men in our society is one of strength, heterosexual, white and wealthy. Men who don't conform to this image are often looked down upon and considered as less. Whether they are gay, minority or poor men with these characteristics are not as
TV show: Sex in the City
well respected especially by men who fit the normalized image. This normalized image comes from pop culture, the actors in movies, musicians, athletes and people who have had much success in life. This image is often unattainable to most but still sought after by millions of Americans.
The normalized image of women is our society is much like the mens except women are "suppose" to look weak, not strong like their male counterparts. Women who fit these categories are "suppose" to have husbands who fit the normalized male categories and that couple are suppose to have kids who will conform with these societal standards. The normalized image of women often features women shopping or talking on their cell phones. This normalized image of women comes from popular television shows like "Sex in the City" where women are portrayed as successful business women in New York City. While the women may be successful the image they hold is still what is unreachable by most, the slim manicured look with expensive clothes and purses, is what every girl wants but few can have.The normalized images of males and females has always existed, its just that today the image is far less reachable for most of society.
Representation of Difference
In America today there are two sets of people the ones who comply and are considered "normal" and then on the other side are the people who are considered "different" for the way they choose to live their lives. The people considered different are often pushed aside in our society and relegated to live and interact with people who share a similar way of life. These people may be considered different for many reasons, ranging from their sexual orientation to their skin color or the religion they practice. America has set standards on what males and females should look and act like.
The normalized images of males and females in America today are what many look to in order to determine if they conform. The normalized image of men in our society is one of strength, heterosexual, white and wealthy. Men who don't conform to this image are often looked down upon and considered as less. Whether they are gay, minority or poor men with these characteristics are not as
The normalized image of women is our society is much like the mens except women are "suppose" to look weak, not strong like their male counterparts. Women who fit these categories are "suppose" to have husbands who fit the normalized male categories and that couple are suppose to have kids who will conform with these societal standards. The normalized image of women often features women shopping or talking on their cell phones. This normalized image of women comes from popular television shows like "Sex in the City" where women are portrayed as successful business women in New York City. While the women may be successful the image they hold is still what is unreachable by most, the slim manicured look with expensive clothes and purses, is what every girl wants but few can have.The normalized images of males and females has always existed, its just that today the image is far less reachable for most of society.
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