Do certain reality TV shows give women a "bad rap"? Are there any reality shows that portray women in a good light? There seem to be many of them these days that sensationalize the stereotypical behavior of women as 'bitches" or "inferior" and a promote women as needy for a man to love or support them. Are there any shows that depict women as strong, self sufficient and smart...why do so many people tune into New Jersey Housewives or any of these Housewives series? I had to turn it off last year. I turned it on to see what all the talk was about but felt very comfortable watching women living superficial lives and only concerned with buying material things and partying...they had no concern for others except to gossip. What do you think? Does TV reflect reality? Does TV hinder our strives to recognize as intelligent and capable? Why do so many people enjoy watching women act so superficial and behavior so badly?
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I feel frustrated with the amount of air time reality shows devote to women in vain pursuits of beauty, fashion, shopping, glamour, and basically an ideal of physical “perfection” and social status. I talk about this in my final paper and think it is only getting worse as the years and seasons of TV programming go by. Often when a woman is depicted as strong or smart she is demonized as the villain or the “bitch.” Most women are still portrayed as fitting a stereotype of either the nurturing mother or the sex object. I find most of the shows that do depict women as self-sufficient and smart are not reality TV, but shows like Law and Order SVU, Bones, 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, Hawthorn, Saving Grace, Medium, and The Closer. I can not bear to watch the Real Housewives series or these ridiculous shows that set back women and equality one hundred years. I don’t think they are an accurate representation. While we may still have a patriarchal society, these depictions of women are extreme and I think provide escapism for those in the “real” world which can explain their high ratings. I definitely think they hinder our progress recognizing women as capable equals. I wonder too why so many women tune in and claim these silly shows are “guilty pleasures.” Is that because they are aware that they should know better? Or enjoy TV that does not portray women in his manner? And notice how the “male” reality shows provide images of men doing stereotypically masculine things; Man vs. Wild, Man vs. Food, Dirty Jobs, Mythbusters, Ghosthunters, etc. My research showed that audiences are drawn to watching shows with the familiar gender roles so it makes sense that shows try to appeal to this with men doing manly things and women conforming to outdated ideals of feminine. Honestly, I can not think of any reality shows where women are not portrayed in this manner and I find it discouraging.
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ReplyDeleteAmazingly so, I do not watch T.V. based on this topic and others. Because the concept that females are either "air" heads or "gold diggers" does not appease me and my values of quality time with my family. T.V. has become a bigger idiot box for all, not just children. We are fascinated by others hardships, struggles, and just plain "BS" trials. Have we really become a society with nothing more to do than watch others make fools of themselves? Maybe I' being hard - I think NOT! If I turn on the T.V., I have to monitor what I'm watching because my nephews are anticipating viewing whatever I watch and children seem to pick-up thing quicker than you and I, of yesteryear.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, there are shows, documentaries, and other programs that view women and their accomplishment and these are shows that I enjoy watching with my family; however, corny they may find me. It's hard to raise children with values when right in your living room, bedroom, kitchen, family room and any other room with a T.V. (and that's another topic - 4 ppl in a house and thirty (30) Television sets... ROFL!) females are displayed in derogatory roles that have other females depicting it as the way of getting by in society. Dress up, look good, play simple, and you can't have whatever you want. Be a model, throw up and you’ll be loved by all..
Yes, reality TV shows give women a “bad rap.” I watched that unbearable Housewives show for three episodes and I had to turn it off. To be so superficial, bossy, materialistic, and rude was not my idea of a good television show. My sister absolutely loves the show. She thinks these women have a fabulous life and that is how she wants her life to be. In her eyes, this is how every woman should live. They are rich, they wear the best clothes, and they say whatever is on their minds. However, I saw them in a different way. I looked at them as extremely unhappy. You cannot be that rude all the time if you are happy with yourself and your life. Something is causing you to act out like that.
ReplyDeleteTo air a show like that teaches women it is ok to be superficial. It is ok to be disrespectful to people. It is ok because it can bring you fame and fortune. I am sure that show does reflects someone’s reality but it does not reflect mines. It is insulting to me personally. I hold women in high regard so to see any show that is depicting them as unintelligent and superficial make me more sad than angry. I am sad because women are accepting these roles. Do they really act like this or is their behavior over exaggerated for the cameras? Either way it does not send a positive message. Some girls watching shows like this will think the only way to get ahead in life is to downplay your intelligence, stay fit or get plastic surgery, marry a rich man, spend all his money, and be rude to everyone along the way.
I had to ask my sister why she loved this show so much. Her response was “It is nice to see women getting ahead by acting like men. I love to see the cat fight with other women. I love to see the fashions and the beautiful houses. Everyone loves girls behaving badly lol.” Women are expected to be nice and quiet so to see them acting in this manner is appealing to some people.
For me I do not want to see anyone being rude and superficial. These two things scream unhappiness to me and this is a perfect example of the saying “Money can’t buy you happiness.”
Most reality shows that I have seen have always portrayed women in the most negative way possible. They always show them as overly sexual and incapable of doing anything for themselves. In REAL life most women are very educated and successful. In my blog, I had posted about a show called Jersey Couture. This may be the only reality show that I have seen that depicts women in a good light is the show Jersey Couture. The two daughters on there always talk about their education and what they have studied, and show them passionate about working for the family business, a dress shop. As well as still having a passion for doing what they went to school for, but to them family comes first. The one daughter is married and has a daughter; and sometimes outside of the store, she can be seen taking care of her daughter and the household, and the husband contributing. Also telling customers, sometimes it is not about how much skin one can show. Being ‘sexy’ can also mean covering up. I also think it has a lot to do with what channel the reality show is aired. And this one is the Oxygen channel, not one like MTV or VH1. And compared to The Housewives and another show called Jerseylicious, I would say that Jersey Couture is more positive about women.
ReplyDeleteI think TV creates its own reality, and what it wants the viewers to see and how TV wants them to act. And some people honestly believe the “realness” of television, and will live their lives by it. TV is their reality, and TV makes it seem just fine for others to act how they do.