Generation M

Angelina Lance
Generation M :
Misogyny in Media and Culture

The documentary “Misogyny in Media and Culture” by Thomas Keith, a philosophy professor, discusses how women are being portrayed in today’s media and society. Women are being subjected to the idea that the only way to be powerful and persuasive is through the use of physical attraction and sexuality, if you don’t live up to certain media standards you run the huge risk of being ridiculed, not only by men but by fellow women. This documentary shows the changes in expectations over time and sadly it proves that it doesn't take long for the changes in societal ideals to become drastic.

In 1968 a film called “That Girl” was made, it portrayed a young girl, very innocent and bright eyed in a beautiful manner. She reminded me a lot of the conservative ideals found in the famous first lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Now, not even 50 years later the images of women in the media are extremely degrading. In the documentary a commentator makes a point that women are expected to live to please men, stroke their ego’s, and make sure they are always happy. Popular belief was said to show that most women should know their second class status and not complain about it.

Women are raised around idealized beauty in magazines, on television, and in other sources of media. The photos women are told to idolize by the media, portray models and celebrities that have been photographed after the work of stylists, makeup artists, lighting crews, professional photographers, personal trainers, and computer airbrushing programs have worked their magic. To achieve that level of perfection is impossible for even the models themselves. The damage this is doing to this generation of young women is awful. It is taught that perfection is indeed possible through diets, cosmetics and surgery when even then, perfection cannot possibly be obtained. Especially considering perfection is all a matter of opinion. The media is always taking advantage of the fact that sex sells.

The documentary also shows a clip that shows the transformation of the Barbie doll. A little girls toy, a child's plaything. Mattel is now producing a lingerie Barbie to keep up and compete with the sales of Bratz dolls, toys that are known for being dressed proactively, putting all imagination play in the realm of fashion, cosmetics, and the importance of being physical attractive to the opposite sex.

Watching this documentary was a definite eye opener for me personally. Being a female, I am the target consumer who is being influenced and impacted by the very things this documentary touches on. The view of women that the media portrays makes a huge impression on women and girls everywhere. I believe that younger girls can be even more impressionable. As an adult, I understand what goes into the makings of these media portraits of perfection. It pains me to think about what these examples are making young girls, who aren't aware of the smoke and mirrors that goes on, think about the world, themselves, and their place in society.


Generation M : Misogyny in Media and Culture. By Thomas Keith, PH.D. Mef Challenging Media, 2009. Generation M : Misogyny in Media and Culture. Mef Challenging Media, 6 Aug. 2008. Web. 5 Dec. 2009. .