Representation in Media: Stereotypes

Challengers of Gender Roles 

Otis Milburn is the main character in the coming-of-age teenage drama on Netflix titled Sex Education. In the show he gives his fellow high school students advice about sex and relationships, using the tips that he learned from his mother, who is a licensed Sex therapist. Throughout the show Otis is seen being soft, caring, and vulnerable, he expresses his feelings and love via words and affection. His best friend is a gay black male, whom he doesn’t treat any differently from all his other classmates. Lastly, although the show is about sex and he gives sexual advice Otis is not overtly sexual or inappropriate, in his efforts. In the physical aspect, Otis is quite petite and dresses slightly flamboyantly. In society, males are supposed to be strong figures, both physically and emotionally, who don't express their feelings, accept people's differences, and aren't considerate and caring. Otis displays the opposite of these stereotypes every time he is seen.

     

Audrey Parker is the main character in the Supernatural Drama based on the Stephan King book “The Colorado Kid '' entitled, Haven. In the show, Audrey helps the people of Haven, Maine with their “Troubles”. Typically in media and society, women are portrayed as weak, in need of saving, or just a character to be looked at, but Audrey defies all of these stereotypes. She is a strong female lead and can be seen taking point on most of the cases that come across her desk. Audrey is not a damsel in distress and does not look to be saved by anyone, even her lover and partner Nathan Wurnos. For example, a big storyline in the show was Audrey having to die for the troubles to go away instead of allowing someone else to take the punishment or cower away, she bravely sacrificed herself for the greater good. Although Audrey is conventionally attractive this part of her is not highlighted by putting her in heavy makeup, tight/ revealing clothing, or showing her through the male eyes around her. From the photo, you can see that she is simply wearing a basic blazer and jeans.

         

Ziva David is one of the main characters in the crime-solving tv drama NCIS. She appears in the second season as a Mossad(Israeli agency) officer but later becomes an agent for NCIS. In this show Ziva is a pivotal part of the team, her expertise is needed in each case and she is physically and intellectually stronger than her male counterparts. In the show, Ziva is often seen saving her teammates and is portrayed as masculine. While Ziva is attractive she is not the typical American beauty she has dark hair, eyes, and a rounder face. This challenges every stereotype that society has placed on women. 

Reinforcers of Gender Roles

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Saltzman is a character in the teen drama Legacies. She and her twin are witches who attend a school for supernatural youths where her father is the dean. Lizzie is the textbook, stereotypical teenage girl. She is extremely emotional, always needs to be saved(even from her own destiny), is a bully/mean girl and her entire existence relies on men desiring her i.e. a male character in the show liked her for years but she constantly rejected him, and when she finally came around he was not reciprocation and she was crushed to the point of questioning her own self-worth. She also is conventionally attractive; she's blonde, slim, and extremely feminine.

Dean Winchester is the main character in the hit supernatural drama, Supernatural. He and his brother travel the U.S. killing supernatural beings. Dean Winchester checks off all the typical male boxes. He is physically attractive; he’s tall, visibly muscular, has facial hair, etc. He is the hero in most situations, he’s always saving his friends, especially his brother. He’s emotionally closed off and doesn’t ask for help, he often goes head-first into danger without consulting his brother or friends. He’s aggressive and angry, as a result of his emotional unavailability. Dean Winchester is a “manly man”.

Uncle Clifford from the hit show, P-valley on Starz is portrayed as the typical homosexual man. In the show, he is the owner of a business that allows women to dance on stage for compensation. He’s extremely feminine, he wears makeup, wigs, and nails. His diction, physical gestures, and voice are also very feminine. Unlike every other character here, Unlike Clifford perpetuates two stereotypes, even in all his femininity he still is masculine in that he doesn’t show his emotions or ask for help when he really needs it.