Gender Roles in Television Essay - 1068 Words

Introduction It is often said that the media and the arts are an accurate reflection of any given community. This is especially true in American pop-culture, where television shows depict the various stereotypes attributed to men and women and the roles they play in society. House, a highly popular medical drama that revolves around Dr. Gregory House and his diagnostic team, is a particularly good example as it represents the true state of the traditional gender roles in American culture today by, both, redefining and reinforcing them over the course of the show. In Big Baby, the thirteenth episode of the current season, the show highlights these gender roles by centering on the effects the recent adoption of Rachel has had on Dr.†¦show more content†¦In Gender Role Behaviors and Attitudes, Aaron Devor sheds light on this stereotype: Feminine characteristics are thought to be intrinsic to the female facility for childbirth and breast-feeding. Hence, it is popularly believed that the social position of females is biologically mandated to be intertwined with the care of children and a natural dependency on men for the maintenance of mother-child units. Dr. Cuddys confusion and fears over raising her adopted daughter indicates a significant shift from this centuries-old stereotype ascribed to women — a radical redefinition of traditional gender roles. Mr. Sensitive However, this redefinition is not limited to women alone. Dr. Wilson is perhaps the most diplomatic, sensible, and level-headed character in the entire show as he constantly strives to broker a truce between the clashing personalities of Dr. Cuddy and Dr. House. In this episode, he reveals his emotional and sensitive side as he attempts to console a tearful Dr. Cuddy who was struggling with maternity. He returns to her house later on in the episode and attempts to cheer her up by bringing Dr. Cuddy an age-enhanced photograph of a teenage Rachel. He tries to get her to understand that the motherly love develops over time. He then admits that the photograph came with the frame and was not Rachel. Dr. Wilsons genuineShow MoreRelatedTelevision Shows Influence On Gender Roles Essay912 Words   |  4 Pagesour gender is up to us (Eckert and McConnell- Ginet). In the case of television shows, how characters perform their genders is up to the script writers. Media, specifically television shows, plays a sizable role in creating and enforcing gender norms because of its wide range of influence. Many popular television shows tend to exaggerate gender roles by making actors either overplay or underplay the gender that goes with their assigned sex. While the actions of the characters play a large role inRead MoreGender Roles Of The American Film And Television Industry3106 Words   |  13 Pages Gender Slaves The America film and television industry’s excessive use of stereotypical gender roles has negatively influenced society. 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