Gender Portrayal and the Idea of the Gaze - Essay Example

Lecturer’s Gender Portrayal and the Idea of the Gaze Introduction Human beings have always developed different perceptions regarding gender issues and this has forced them to live in conflicts despite efforts to promote good relations among people. It is necessary to state that people develop gender based issues depending on their cultural beliefs (Gurley 8). The media has played a significant role in perpetuating gender based beliefs and at the same time creating awareness about the evils associated with this practice.

This has left many people wondering whether the media encourages or discourages gender stereotyping.Definition Gender refers to the characteristics associated with men, women and children. This is usually based on the understanding and belief that men and women behave differently and this is usually caused by their traditions, culture and experiences. People have always associated some behavior with a particular gender and this has led to stereotyping that associated one sex with a certain way of behaving (Gurley 12).

Gender has been portrayed in different ways by the media, literature, society and traditions. Education has also contributed to gender stereotypes that have affected the performance of students. The media plays an important role of educating the public about various issues that affect their lives. In addition, it entertains, persuades and informs the public about past, present and the future events that play significant roles in their affairs. However, films, cartoons and documentaries aired in the media have depicted women as weak and that they cannot do anything without being assisted by men (Gurley 25).

This belief has been developed in youths who think that all women are weak. On the other hand, men have been depicted as heroes and that they can manage all situations that women cannot even dream of solving. In addition, learning institutions have also contributed to gender stereotype by separating boys from girls in various activities. Schools have different games for boys and girls and it is very rare to find them playing together even if it is a similar game (Gurley 33). In addition, most girls are discouraged from taking since subjects since these are perceived to be difficult and only boys can manage them.

The family has also contributed to gender stereotypes by advocating for different shoes, clothes and toys for boys and girls. It is very common to hear a parent telling a young boy to stop crying like a girl and most girls are discouraged from climbing trees since this is associated with boys. The society plays a significant role in educating children about various issues that affect their lives. Children learn communication skills from the society and this becomes part of their behavior (Gurley 56).

The society has failed to bridge the gap between men and women and this has influenced children to follow suit. It is necessary to explain that in a society where most women are housewives children will think that all ladies were created to cook, wash and clean for men and children while men have to take other responsibilities. Modern societies have shocked youths who are seeing more women than men pursuing university degrees and studying subjects that were not offered to them in the past.ConclusionThe society must stop perpetuating gender stereotypes since this affects the development of children.

Schools, churches, society and media should be in front in fighting gender stereotypes by advocating for equality between men and women.Works CitedGurley, Gregory. Art and Gender an Intersexual Reader. California: University of Oregon, 2012. Print.