Sexism in the Media

How do most companies get customers? They put up advertisements on television commercials, the radio, in magazines, on the internet, and on billboards. What do most of these ads have in common? Well, sex sells, so most of these ads have sexually suggestive themes with half naked women in them. It is not limited to, but, can be found in perfume ads, shoe ads, clothing ads, computer ads, cigarette ads, and many beer ads. Although is not so frequently noticed as an issue, these advertisements are not only partial to sexy women in bikinis, but sexy, muscular men as well. For example, when we think of Budweiser or Budlight, what do we frequently see? We don't focus mainly on the beer bottle, but on the sexy women holding it. Sometimes we can't even see the bottle in the ad. In fact, the name of the company might be written across their cleavage.

What do many people of young ages learn from these advertisements? One thing that they learn that in order to get the attention they want, they have to look like these models. This has a very negative effect on many females as well as males. Young girls and boys may become more insecure about their own bodies and try to lose weight or dress a certain way and end up losing their self esteem. They may continue to follow this pattern for years, which can cause serious damage to their health and create mental issues. Many women suffer from eating disorders because of this. They can even die if it is not taken care of through counseling and other support. As adults, many women as well as men, waste hundreds or thousands of dollars on cosmetic surgery in order to look like someone else. It is a serious issue that continues to occur because of the images portrayed by the media.

Sexism is not only found in advertisements. It can also be found in shows that both children and adults view on television. Popular shows such as Family Guy, American Dad, The Simpsons, Beavis and Butthead, Married with Children, The Man Show, Two and a Half Men, and several other shows only add to sexism in society. While these shows are quite humorous to many people, they do demonstrate a lot of sexist beliefs and demean women. The wife in most of these shows is quite often seen without a job or with little to no smarts and dressed up in a sexy attire. They are also mainly seen in the kitchen or dominated by their husbands. These shows, similar to the ads, teach males that women are simply sexual objects and that they should be submissive to men. The Man Show, for instance, has a group of girls known as the Juggies, who are all young women who wear bikinis or less and are asked to perform in various talent shows. When performing, they are portrayed as "bimbos" and their talents are ridiculous, such as how quickly a woman can shove a whole banana down her throat, whether or not she can do the split, or how flexible she is on the trampoline.

When celebrities are seen on television and in photos, most times we see airbrushed images. We do not always see them at their worst, without makeup or out of shape. Most times what we see is a fake creation that their agents and producers have created. Such female celebrities that we see in such a manner are people like Fergie, Jessica Simpson, Christina Aguilera, and many others. Are they really the definition of beauty? Do we have to look like them in order to be beautiful? Does society really even focus on their other attributes? Jessica Simpson is a perfect example of a celebrity that is portrayed as beautiful, but with no brain. Yes, many of these celebrities really are intelligent, but of course, their IQ scores aren't what make their agents rich, but rather their sex appeal.

Sexism in the media has been in effect for decades. It is hard to believe that it will ever go away. As previously mentioned, it helps companies to sell their products at a higher rate. However, by creating these sexist ads, shows, games, books, etc, we are continually adding fuel to the fire. Women have been fighting for years to gain respect, but as long as the media continues to portray women in such a manner, nothing is getting accomplished. Although, many women want respect, they continue to allow themselves to be a part of sexist portrayal, in order to make some money to support themselves. It is sad that many women have to lower themselves in such a manner to make money, instead of trying to get another job. Finding another job in which sexism is not present, though, can be extremely difficult.