News programs rarely present women as authorities. Men make up 75% of sources on major
news shows. Even on issues that are considered women’s issues, like birth control and
abortion, men are the primary sources. Women make up less than one-third of the sources for
stories on women’s rights.
Race compounds this issue. In the 500 top-grossing films between 2007 and 2012, 76.3% of
speaking characters were white. Hispanic women were most likely to be shown with little or
no clothing and black men were those least likely to be portrayed as fathers or in a committed
relationship. Media depict Asians and Asian Americans as silent and exotic (women) or as
asexual and subordinate (men).
Top-grossing films from 2007 until 2014 featured only 19 characters who were gay, lesbian,
or bisexual; none were trans.
REF: pp. 221–222
29.
The author of your textbook argues that television programs and movies such as House of
Cards, Grace and Frankie, The Fosters, Divergent, and Frozen have begun to depart from the
traditional portrayals of women. In what ways does the text argue they break with tradition? Do
you agree or disagree? You may reference specific examples from the programs/movies in
support of your answer.
30.
How do media motivate us to consume, and why is this significant in terms of gender? Use
examples to make your point.