What do you think of the plus-size models above when you see this picture? I think most of the people will think that the models are not beautiful and sexy as they are not slender. People have set the national stereotypes of beautiful woman when they watch tv, movies, advertisements and read magazine. The models should have slim body, large breasts, skinny legs and fair skin. In order to look as good as the models, fat woman will take quick weight loss diets, diet pills and even undergo surgery to make themselves thinner. The aesthetic point of view of a beautiful woman is not just only to become thin. I think women should just try to be the best version of themselves that they can be, and aim to be the right weight for their height or age. This is one of the impact of media stereotypes have done to people.
I believe everyone have watch Disney's animation movies, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Cinderella. Most everyone is familiar with the fairy tale reputation of stepmothers; they are evil and not caring.
Because of the stepmother stereotypes, children easily believe that stepmothers are bad. They are afraid and resist of having a stepmother. But in real life, most stepmothers are kind and caring, they dedicated to their families and wildly in love with their partner’s children.
There are many media stereotypes which we have get used to them and never notice that our thinking are also influenced by them. For example, people think that the blacks are good in sports, little girls only play dolls while boys only play robot toys, all Sichuan chinese man likes spicy food and all Malaysians like durian. I personally don't really like durian, is that mean I'm not a Malysian?
There are positive and negative stereotypes and they are rarely fair or accurate. People always say they do not judge certain people or stuff based on theirs looks as if they are not influenced by media stereotypes. Actually, our point of view on most of the things are already influenced by media stereotypes. Thus, we should not judge the book by its cover.
Well, that's all from me. :D
I am agree with your last sentence. It is impossible to deny that media stereotypes are accurate. Most of the common trend seems to be for these stereotypes to serve as attempts to further marginalize groups that are already at a disadvantage in the eyes of society. As viewers and consumers of media should firmly understanding of the harsh effects of these stereotypes and not judge by look.
ReplyDeleteI like your example of the step-mom. Though stereotypes shown are usually misrepresented, we subconsciously accept them well without realising it is a biased content, which in long run perpetuate social prejudice and inequality.
ReplyDeleteChew