Images of Women in the Media

As I was reading the chapters and the information on the images of women in the media I wanted to find in my own mind images that seem to reflect a more current female model. One specific program that I though of is "My Boys" on TBS. I don't know if any of you watch it but its one of those summer shows that run for a short period of time. I think what I find so interesting about the program is that its about a female sports reporter. And not only that ,her best friends are male.

I find their interactions really interesting because its not what I typically see in male/female interactions. When PJ is with the boys she's just one of them. She plays poker, drinks beer, hangs out at the bar and their conversations are global. The pilot episode was really interesting because PJ started going out with a guy who would become her friend and while they were making out he felt that she was being too aggressive. He commented that she made him feel weak..almost feminine.

Now mind you that there are issues of romance for her, and she does have a female friend. But I feel that this program shows an example of male/female relationships that is rarely seen on TV. Every now and then there are some really interesting attempts at moving away form the culturally accepted norms.

A view of the evolving female role

One of the things thats clear to me based on the reading thus far is that the female role has traditionally been passive and somewhat submissive, and in general that was true. I'm of the generation that started to see the role of women change slowly. My first true strong female role model was Mary Tyler Moore. I loved her show and the independence that she portrayed. Yet, when she communicated she still demonstrated the female traits that were assigned to her. She still relied on the men in her life for some form of validation. She was a first step in reshaping the role of females.

Things have evolved since the 70's and for me its been interesting to see that evolution. We went from Mary Tyler Moore to Hilary Clinton. Thats a major leap!

I think what we're seeing is a clear reshaping of how females are percieved and the new roles that they are acquiring in society. I myself work with a woman who is as strong as any male in the workforce. She has a strong presence, speaks forcefully, and is focused on her advancement. She has a clear career path in mind and I can see that she is well on her way to acheving it. What is truly notable about this womans focus is that she also is a mother and plans to have more children. Her husband is her support and he has no problem with being the main caregiver allowing her to seek her objective. This couple is a new generation and a new view on male/female roles.

Are there any such similar examples in anyone elses life?

Testing...testing..

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I hope this works. I'm not the most technologically advanced individual.