Negative Images of Women in Television

This is the problem analysis essay. We revealed or presented a problem we with which we had direct experience.

 

A young girl turns on the television to watch her favorite show. She is really excited until she starts seeing the interactions between the women and the portrayal of women. She turns off the television upset and not at all excited, the way she was beforehand. Why do you think this is? How many times have you watched a television show that disturbed your inner self or disbelieved how women are portrayed? Unfortunately, it is too many times. In so many American television programs, there are an abundance of women portrayed negatively.

            One night I was watching MTV which was airing America’s Next Top Model. Each week, a group of women compete against each other in photo shoots. At the end of each week, Tyra Banks, the first black supermodel, and her group of judges decide who stays in the running for America’s Next Top Model based on attitude, looks, skin, and the photos from the shoot. Through each session, the women are constantly told they are not good enough or they do not look or resemble a “top model”. On one particular episode, Tyra had a special private meeting with one of the models because the skin on her face was breaking with red splotches, which are a problem for photographers. Tyra told her that she needed to see a doctor and to try again the following season, when she had her skin issues under control.

            Another program which promotes compromising behavior is Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team 2. One particular episode was about half-way through the audition process, when the cheerleaders start being fitted for their uniforms. All the girls had to dress in a skimpy bikini. They had to step into a white egg-shaped pod and sit down on a wooden plank. The pod then measures the weight and percentage of fat on each girl’s body. After stepping out, a beautiful brunette was told by the trainer taking the readings that she was the heaviest of the group. She walked away with tears in her eyes saying htat she knew she was too heavy. Mind you, she weighted only 135 pounds and had no more than 18% body fat. In a later episode, the head coaches overseeing the audition said that she “…would not look good in our uniform.” Because of her weight, she was cut and could not continue the audition process. I remember staring at the television screen in complete disbelief because of what I had just witnessed. It was not only shocking, but also appalling and degrading. This girl was beautiful, skinny, talented, and could have beaten any of the other girls auditioning. But because of her weight, she was unable to continue participating. Many other appalling events happen on this show as well. For example, the head coaches constantly yell and screams at the contestants during practices, put the contestants down, call them names, etc. All the ladies respond with is, “Yes, ma’am” or something similar. It is very degrading and demeaning to be told that you are horrible. Unfortunately, this is all too common among many of our television programs.

            Not only do adults watch these programs but also adolescents. Everywhere these girls turn there are negative images being instilled in their minds. The programs show that to be “in,” you have to be skinny, beautiful, blonde and smart (or dumb depending on the situation), as well as a million other negative and sexual images. These images and programs might not affect the adult woman, but they are a great threat to maturing girls. Many adolescent girls already have issues with their self-image and watching a show like either of these I have mentioned is not helping them raise their self-concept. These shows cause many girls to negatively view themselves. I know from personal experience what kind of doubt and negativity the media causes in the maturing mind. There have been many times when I have cried or felt depressed because I do not look like Britney Spears or the cheerleaders auditioning on the show. By having this negative view of myself, it has caused me to not want to do anything but stay home, no date, not hang out with friends, not participate in any sports, etc. I think we, as parent, friends, and teachers should somehow contact the writers of these shows and tell them how much harm they are causing our young females in this country. If we can somehow achieve this, then maybe one day, adolescent girls will not have to turn on the television and end up with a negative image of themselves.

Reviews

[Sixth Moon]

Oh your so on point with the way tv is ruining the minds of the young and innocent. I am grateful for the mind that you have. I write on similar topics about how sucessful musicians such as rapperspeople aren't really all that sucessful. They're words are horrible and it influences a lot of young teens. We must put a stop to this mess. I agree with you 1000 percent. You can contact me if you'd like. I just written about similar thoughts on a facebook blog. Great observation

[Monroe]

Hate to take away from an incredibly important piece and relevant issues your essay tackles, but the fashionista in me can't help but point out that Tyra is far from the first black supermodel! Naomi, Iman, Beverly Johnson, and many more came before her. Donyale Luna is often regarded as the 'first black supermodel' and I do think there is some celebration in that she was recognized for beauty in a time where black women may not have felt as if the public generally seen them as desirable.