Marginalization of Women in the Media

When I was younger, my mom didn’t allow me to watch certain shows: Twilight, Bratz, and Barbie movies. Twilight features a female lead who ultimately succumbs to the charm of a man, and in essence, becomes his follower. Bratz shows preteen girls getting praised for being cruel and pretty. Barbie sets unrealistic body image and expectations to possess an array of talents. My mom got it. She understood that if I were to watch these shows when I was younger, I could have grown up with a completely different perception of myself and what it means to be a girl. Media is one of the most significant influences on society today, especially on children.

The marginalization of women in the media is detrimental to the globe and the recognition and perception of females in the public eye. Many different forms of media and mass communication stereotype women and deny them of opportunities. Women in news media are often not given a chance to report on stories, write articles, or host talk radio shows. Athletes aren't exempt from marginalization either, often classified by how they look rather than their performance. Entertainment media, the most prominent media outlet in America, holds women to unattainable standards and hosts stereotyping that has been taking place for decades. The various forms of media projecting these stereotypes and expectations to the public does exactly what my mom tried to prevent it from doing to me—warps the view people hold of women and negatively affects young girls' perception of themselves. This marginalization often occurs because women rarely hold positions of power in the media industry; giving women these jobs and roles is just one of the many ways that the marginalization of females can work to be reversed.

An area of mass communication in which the marginalization of women occurs frequently, news media is just one place where females are limited and overshadowed. Unsurprisingly, numbers of women in news media have declined since 1998, even though many women are more than capable of performing jobs held in the news media (Issitt, 2014). In 2014, DiLascio revealed that the news is composed of nearly 70 percent male reporters. This is an increase in male reporting since 2008 when Issitt (2014) published that half of local news anchors were women. An organization created in 2005 to help progress women in the media, the Women's Media Center, is a nonprofit that reports on women in the media. Within their 2013 report, the Women's Media Center revealed that in the 2012 presidential election, men were reporters in 69.4 percent of print stories, 77 percent of TV stories, and 69.4 percent of NPR stories. Print journalism bylines were dominated by men in 2012 as well, with men receiving 71.48 percent of the headlines and women with 27.02 percent. This left a ratio of nearly 3:1 male-to-female front-page bylines (Klos, 2013). When women aren't given the opportunity to use their voice in the media, it often turns them away from the field, dropping the numbers of women reporting even further. Overall, in 2013, women held less than 30 percent of all media jobs (Issitt, 2014). This percentage is startling, and it is only a glimpse into how women are underrepresented in news media today.

When women get the opportunity to report and write articles in news media, they are often limited in the stories they are given. Klos (2013) detailed in the Women's Media Center report that women are given "pink" topics—typically food, family, furniture, and fashion. These are traits typically associated with women. They are often also called "soft" stories—23 percent of these stories are given to women, while only 16 percent of "hard" stories are given to females to report on (Lowery, & Mills, 2018, pg. 18). Even within the subcategory of "soft" stories women are allowed to report on, they are limited. On issues that are classified as women's issues, men are still more likely to be interviewed and quoted. Take abortion, for instance. In stories about abortion, men were quoted 81 percent of the time, leaving women with 12 percent (Issitt, 2014). To draw reference back to the 2012 presidential election media as reported by Klos (2013), quotes on abortion were topped by men at 72.5 percent, on birth control at 68.46 percent, and on women's rights at 63.59 percent. This is similar to asking Caucasians how they feel about the Black Lives Matter movement—illogical and inconclusive. If women aren't even the prominent contributors to issues dealing directly with females, when are they going to be allowed to use their voices? Turning to television, women composed a mere 25 percent of guests on Sunday talk shows (DiLascio, 2014). Women are one-half of the population and one-half of the workforce, yet they are still consistently overshadowed in news media (Issitt, 2014). At the current pace, women will meet men employment in government/politics, business, entrepreneurship, and nonprofits in 2085 (Klos, 2013).

Limiting women in the media leads to detrimental effects. Media is the middle ground between people and the world and acts with significant control over the general populous of America. Media power is a term classified as the power to tell an audience what to think and feel (Hibbert, 2007, pg. 4). Media dominates today's society and serves as the biggest source of information for the public. People internalize what they hear on the news and often choose news sources that align with their beliefs (such as FOX and CNN). When these news sources fail to represent women in their workforce, they express patriarchal views and press them onto their audience, as well.

Acting is an outlet and mode of entertainment for many. Even in sports, media women are not allowed to express themselves and perform in the same way as their male peers. Female reporters in sports are shockingly rare; talk radio and sports talk radio hosts are overwhelmingly male. When watching game-day coverage of sports, field reporters are seldom women. In fact, Klos (2013) reported that there were no women in the Top 50 sports talk show hosts. The closest was number 62 on the list.

Besides sports reporting, it seems women aren't even allowed to be athletes. In the 2010 Winter Olympics, women were given only 13 hours of screen time. When they do happen upon screen time, it is only when they look graceful and attractive. Especially in the Olympics, women are sexualized instead of athleticized, largely because talking about appearance rather than performance fits the media's classic agenda for women. A writer for the American Prospect, Amanda Marcotte, writes that female Olympians amp up "girliness, even if doing so hurts their performance." Small steps are being taken to change this problem. An issue of Time in 2012 before the summer Olympics emphasized female athleticism. This issue challenged stereotypes and worked to change pace for women in the media by talking about their training, preparation, and performance. This break from harmful media coverage for female athletes was the equivalent of driving beneath an underpass in the pouring rain; a small gap in the growing storm that is the marginalization of women in the media. However, the problem persists. The Women's Media Report writes, "Even today, it seems that women are accepted as athletes only if they continue to look and act as women are expected to look and act," (Klos, 2013).

Entertainment media is one of the most prominent outlets in America, and synonymously, the area of media in which women are marginalized the most. The limiting of women in entertainment media can be broken down into two categories: underrepresentation and stereotyping. First, underrepresentation of women in television shows, movies, and music is growing at staggering rates. In 2011, a mere 33 percent of characters in top-grossing films were women, and within these films, only 11 percent of the female characters were the protagonists (Issitt, 2014 & Klos, 2013). The numbers haven't improved either. In 2014, Higgins (2017) said that women only accounted for 21 leading roles in the top-grossing films of the year (pg. 40). Over both television and movie screens, male characters outrank female characters at a ratio of 3:1. And just because there are female characters cast in a production doesn't mean they are given screen time; in fact, males are given much more significant roles and therefore, much more screen time. In television in particular, women hold 31 percent of screen time in comedy shows, 40 percent in dramas, and 30 percent in children's programs (Issitt, 2014). This is a drastically unrealistic depiction of the human population, in which females account for nearly 51 percent.

The basis of underrepresentation for women in entertainment media leads easily into the lazy stereotypes female characters typically fall into. "Female characters are still sidelined, stereotyped, and sexualized in popular entertainment context... Females are not only missing from popular media, (but) when they are on screen, they seem to be there merely for decoration—not to engage in meaningful or prestigious employment," (Klos, 2013). A 1950s mindset is prevalent in TV and film today, where over 80 percent of working characters depicted on any screen are male. Of STEM scientists on the screen, women make up only 21 percent, and less than 1 percent of engineers and computer scientists in entertainment media are roles played by women. The issue of working female characters is not only depicted in adult shows and movies but on the children's stage as well. From 2006-2009, there were zero female doctors, politicians, or business leaders in rated G films (Issitt, 2014). When the media doesn't accurately portray women's capabilities and roles in society to children, the media indirectly implies that women shouldn't hold these positions in the real world, either. The truth of the matter is that characters do not represent the many roles that women have; females play seven percent of political leaders, eight percent of religious leaders, 17 percent of business leaders, 27 percent of social leaders, and 30 percent of scientific leaders. They are also twice as likely as their male characters to be in sexually explicit scenes, furthering the sexualized and inaccurate image of women people in our society hold today (Klos, 2013).

Aside from television and movies, women are marginalized in video games and the music industry as well. Reported by Klos (2013), all female video game characters were said to fit into one of five roles: damsel in distress, fighting toy, sexy sidekick, sexy villainess, or background decoration. Portraying women in this way to a dominantly male audience of players in video games only furthers the idea that misogynistic attitudes and ideals are okay. Within the music industry, women only accounted for nine percent of the 2016 Billboard Power 100 list (Higgins, 2017, pg. 45). "I think there's still an underlying perception that being classically 'girly' and knowing a lot about music are mutually exclusive. You see it in the way people talk about 'girl-bands' as if they were somehow able to heroically overcome their femininity and play music despite being women" (Higgins, 2017, pg. 44).

Recognizing and understanding the marginalization of women in the media is the first step in comprehending how this ignorance affects the American people, predominantly children. First, it is essential to establish that the media portrays stereotypical and sexualized images of women in nearly every form it manifests; it happens consistently, and it changes the way viewers think. In programs, women are much more likely to be called "attractive" or "sexy," and they're five times more likely than their male co-stars to be shown in revealing attire and with exposed skin (Issitt, 2014). Not only does this happen on adult television shows and films, but females are also stereotyped and sexualized in media popular with youth. Television shows, YouTube videos, and movies show girls in revealing clothing, only playing the role of a love interest, being depicted as "boy crazy," and only being interested in stereotypical "girly" things. The result of this media depiction is devastating; girls as young as 6-years-old are starting to sexualize themselves due to the images they see in the media. Within a study cited in Klos (2013), 60 girls ages 6-9 were shown two dolls—one with "sexy" clothing and one with "normal" clothing. Nearly every young girl said she wished to look like the sexy doll.

Along with the effects media has on children, it causes a multitude of problems in teens and adult women, as well. It is no stretch of the imagination that media creates body image issues in females—partly because nearly 37 percent of all characters are classified as "thin," but also because the sexualized images create unrealistic expectations that women must live with (Issitt, 2014). Hibbert (2017, pg. 24) classified this as aspirational consumption, or the action of a consumer aspiring to look like media figures. This is because the media depicts "ideal" people. Aspirational consumption also leads to changes in consumer buying habits within the economy, such as buying clothing from Victoria Secret because of the thin model in the advertisement. When businesses have this control over their consumers, they frame the way they advertise, which only furthers the problem. For instance, an advertisement for Exclamation perfume read, "Make a statement without saying a word," (Lowery, 2018, pg. 24). This advertisement takes the idea that women don't need a voice because they can communicate with their bodies alone and projects it to their audience. Is this the message we want to be displayed in magazines, on television, and on billboards for the world to see? In a 2013 survey conducted by One Poll and cited by Lowery (2018, pg. 17) of over 2,000 women surveyed, only 15 percent believe that the media's portrayal of women is accurate. Of these women, 91 percent report being dissatisfied with their bodies, and a mere five percent have what the media considers an "ideal" body. Previously mentioned, a form of media not commonly thought of, video games are no exception from the unrealistic depiction of women and body shaming. The negative stereotypes portrayed in these games project the expectation that women should be thin, pretty, and seductive (Lowery, 2018, pg. 27). It is incredibly easy to see how the media causes so many girls to feel "less than," uncomfortable in their skin, and as if they are constantly wishing to be something other than themselves. It is a disgrace and an injustice to the world we are a part of today to allow this marginalization and depiction of women to continue.

While the American Psychological Association concedes that the media teaches girls to focus on looks and only reinforces marginalized gender roles, the lazy stereotypes and marginalization of women create other effects in society, as well (Issitt, 2014, Klos, 2013). The way that women are depicted teaches females in the audience to work hard on being liked and not to fight back (Higgins, 2017, pg. 8). This allows women to fit the expectations society traditionally holds for them. For example, a recent scandal involving Michelle Williams lack of pay for her retakes in the film All the Money in the World; co-star Mark Wahlberg was paid $1.5 million for his work in the retakes, while Williams was paid $1,000—less than 1 percent of Wahlberg's paycheck. Williams's agency, which is also Wahlberg's agency, didn't fight for her right to equal pay, and she didn't either, based on the implications society has placed on women. To make matters worse, when women, such as Michelle Williams, become activists and try to fight for equal representation, they are criticized. It's like stepping on a dog's tail and being surprised when he barks—if society isn't going to allow women the courtesy of fair and accurate media portrayal, they at least should give them the opportunity to speak for their cause and fight to stand in positions of power and grace. Overall, it isn't a stretch to say that the media leaves women feeling inferior and unfinished (Lowery, 2018, pg. 9).

Depriving women of powerful positions within the media only leads to further marginalization and ill-representation of females in America. The lack of females in leadership roles is evident across many different professions, and the media is no exception. Regarding news media, women are consistently deprived of positions of power; a mere one-third of newsroom managers are women, and over two-thirds of editors, columnists, and reporters are white men (Issitt, 2014). In 2012, Klos (2013) reported that 34.2 percent of supervisory newspaper positions were held by women. News media is a field heavily dominated by males, despite the fact that nearly half of the audience is composed of females. This phenomenon is showcased in a new film The Post. Featuring Maryl Streep as the lead role, the true story of Katharine Graham is told as she battled against society in becoming the first major female newspaper publisher in America. The legacy she left behind is uncontestable; her newspaper is still known today as The Washington Post.

Entertainment media joins news media in depriving women of powerful behind-the-scenes roles. In the 2011-12 television primetime season, women composed only 26 percent of all creators, directors, writers, producers, executive producers, and editors in America (Klos, 2013). When these women are given the opportunity to work these roles on television shows, they fight nearly constant workplace discrimination. 2013 wasn't a better year; women composed seven percent of media writers, 13 percent of directors, and 20 percent of producers (Issitt, 2014). Higgins (2017, pg. 41) showcased the unfaltering number of women in similar roles in 2014: seven percent of directors, 22 percent of screenwriters, 20 percent of editors, 12 percent of cinematographers, and 33 percent of producers. It's not hard to see why women aren't playing lead roles or accurate portrayal in the media—they are characters being created, produced, and directed by nearly all men. The truth is, women's work is greatly downplayed in the media (Higgins, 2017, pg. 38). The underrepresentation and underappreciation of women in the media is the media's equivalent of creating a group project in which everyone contributes, but only men sign their names on the final draft. This is a startling truth that must begin to enact change in America, and it's not just women who believe this injustice must be challenged. Writer and producer Stephen Falk is quoted within Klos (2013) as saying, "It just makes for better energy and perspective in the room to have an even gender balance. Do it."

There is no questioning that the marginalization of women in American media is an affair that needs to be solved—there are a few ways that the United States can begin this process of amending their wrongs. Though it is unclear exactly why women are poorly represented in the media (Higgins, 2017, pg.11), it is apparent that the worlds within business, society, and differing cultures demand gender equality (Klos, 2013). The world wants to progress and work to amend the restrictions it has classically placed on females. While women can begin to enact this change themselves, it shouldn't be entirely their responsibility. Oprah and Martha Stewart, two prominent women in the media, both refuse to rely on male-dominated outlets and television stations (DiLascio, 2014). Like Amelia Earhart flying solo, these two women provide a basis for other females to follow: blatant refusal to depend on men to do their jobs for them. Some television stations have already taken giant steps in the direction of gender equality. The CW is the only network on television that represents females in an accurate proportion of the American population (Klos, 2013). The actions of this popular station should be a model for others to follow—to give women the appreciation and recognition they deserve.

One way to begin to solve the issue of a wage gap is known as wage transparency (Higgins, 2017, pg.88). Wage transparency is the act of allowing employees to see co-worker's salaries. This helps expose companies who don't provide equal pay and gives employees the opportunity to fight for the right of gender-equal pay.

The final and perhaps most important way to end the debilitating and stigmatizing of women, including women in the media, is the ratification of the International Bill of Rights for Women. This bill was created in 1979, and only seven of the 193 United Nations countries haven't ratified it; the United States is one of them. Our country, on a global level, is sending a message that they're only defending half of their soldiers in the battle for humanity. All based on a chromosome difference. The International Bill of Rights for Women aids in ending discrimination, low wages for females, sex trafficking, and gender violence (Higgins, 2017, pg 68). The United States must throw this safety net over its people. With the ratification of this bill, numerous changes will begin to occur in providing a safe and prosperous place for women in the world.

The marginalization of women in America is an injustice to females and deprives the public of the opportunity to cherish the importance and success of over half of the United States population. News, sports, and entertainment media hold the most prominent stereotypes and restrictions on women. Due partly to the lack of females in positions of power, the marginalization of women in the media leads to numerous detrimental effects on American society, predominantly children. However, there are ways to correct this historic wrong and take steps in a direction towards gender equality and justice. My mom recognized early that as a child, I would be easily influenced by the way the media continues to portray women; she fought for me against this discrimination so that I could build my own army to battle marginalization of women. I hope that when my daughter sits in front of the television, I won't have to worry about how the programs are depicting people of her gender—I hope that, instead, we will smile on the couch as we watch women lead and be portrayed and represented well and that I will be able to lay down my weapons, because the long battle against the marginalization of women in the media will be over.

References

DiLascio, T. (2014, May). Gender in the United States. Retrieved December 15, 2017, from http://web.a.ebscohost.com/pov/detail/detail?vid=2&sid=ec3bb44e-5c59-49d2-8c42-748a1c41486c%40sessionmgr4008&bdata=JnNpdGU9cG92LWxpdmU%3d#AN=96409879&db=pwh

Hibbert, A. (2007). The power of the media. North Mankato, MN: Smart Apple Media.

Higgins, M., & Reagan, M. (2017). The gender wage gap. Minneapolis, MN: Essential Library, an imprint of Abdo Publishing.

Issitt, M. (2014, May). Women in the media: On screen and off. Retrieved December 15, 2017, from http://web.a.ebscohost.com/pov/detail/detail?vid=4&sid=ec3bb44e-5c59-49d2-8c42-748a1c41486c%40sessionmgr4008&bdata=JnNpdGU9cG92LWxpdmU%3d#AN=96410325&db=pwh

Klos, D. M. (2013). The status of women in the U.S. media 2013 (Rep.). Retrieved December 15, 2017, from Women's Media Center website: https://wmc.3cdn.net/51113ed5df3e0d0b79_zzzm6go0b.pdf

Lowery, Z., & Mills, J. E. (2018). Social roles and stereotypes. New York: Rosen YA.