Representations Of Gender

Representations of Gender

Both men and women are presented stereotypically across the media, I will be exploring how both genders are represented and how this can effect the audiences view on a product.

The Big Bang Theory

The TV show 'The Big Bang Theory' explores the gender stereotype which is the nerd. The group of four; Leonard, Sheldon, Howard an Rajesh follow almost every
hollywood stereotype about geeks and nerds there are, all being unconventionally handsome, athletic or confident. They all have different personality quirks and anxieties that effect their day-to-day life. The four main characters are written to be likeable but at the same time, are all incredibly misogynistic.
Howard is a very clear pervert, but his heart of gold covers this up, making it seem more funny, rather than offensive. In the first few seasons he very obviously stalks, harasses, objectifies and attempts to trick countless women so that they will sleep with him, as well as talking about them the same way a zookeeper would talk about animals. Although, once he enters a long term relationship, he stops being a manipulative womaniser, but still insists that he is taken care of, refusing to share any domestic responsibilities.
Rajesh, on the other hand, is an incredibly sensitive and socially anxious guy, although is also an inappropriate drunk. He is the only geek of colour and is constantly mocked for being the most feminine of the group. Raj is also incredibly socially awkward around women, and in the first few seasons, cannot even speak to women without being drunk or on drugs; and it is in these moments when we see some borderline misogyny.
Leonard, is the token nice guy, and an enabler who is the most down to earth and normal of the group. Yet he still participates in much of the same behaviour as the others, but to a lesser degree. He is to some extent the pathetic nice guy, who's persistent begging results in him getting the girl. His primary role is the show is to enable characters like Howard to be sexist and misogynistic, he may roll his eyes at their behaviour, but ultimately never challenges and attempts to prevent the actions of his peers. His mild protests also act as a springboard, which results in even more sexist jokes.
Sheldon, is the innocent bigot who doesn't really have the time for the "icky girl stuff" that the other three do. Yet he still shows clear signs of misogyny, which is blurred by his pure intellect, and being too intelligent to even bother being more social and realising what is, and isn't, socially acceptable; because of this, he is dismissive of everyone and their feelings.
Irony is the primary way that this misogynistic behaviour is viewed as acceptable. For example, all four of them don't exactly fit into the macho male stereotype, so it can be seen as funny to watch them engage in that sort of behaviour. Overall, in The Big Bang Theory, sexism is portrayed as being mostly harmless, and even comic when coming from geeky guys.

Lincoln MKC (Matthew McConaughey

In this advert, Matthhew McConaughey is portrayed as the Alpha Male. In the advert, we see Matthew staring down a bull, clearly meaning to be asserting his dominance. The Alpha Male stereotype we see here is shown to be dominant, successful and traditional. The use of a wedding ring on his finger is supposed to show how although he is being assertive against a bull, that he is also a family man, which shows two sides to a character that is visibly supposed to be a lone wolf, which is shown because of the barrenness of the area, and the lack of other cars or life whatsoever.