Stereotypes in the Media

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Stereotypes are everywhere; they are on television, billboards, posters, magazines, and even on the internet. Stereotypes are presented everywhere in the media; from the stereotypical skinny model on the cover of a magazine, to a racial stereotype on television. The people creating these tactless items in the media may not be aware of the danger they are causing to society, but this unfortunate occurrence must be prevented. The media can unquestionably present danger to many people when they exhibit stereotyping. Stereotyping can lead to treacherous events, such as negative internalization and incorrect judgment. When people view advertisements in the media, they tend to internalize the stereotypes that are being used in them. The models used in the advertisements are what society use as models of the ideal human being. Therefore, people who do not fit these standards can feel insecure about themselves. When a company is selling a product, the company tends to sell it so that the buyers can improve something about themselves. A shampoo company advertises its shampoo and how it can give a person more beautiful hair. A skin care company advertises its skin care products and how these products can give a person more beautiful skin. Examples such as these are perfect models of how stereotypes can hurt people. These kinds of advertisements are sending out a very powerful message to many people: “you're not okay—and here's what you need to buy to fix what's wrong” ("Preface to 'The Impact of Culture on Women's Health'.”). In Asian countries, skin whitening is very popular. Many advertisements in these countries promote light skin, and according to Anne Larracas, almost every beauty product in the Phillipines contains something that m... ... middle of paper ... ... San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2005. Contemporary Issues Companion. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 19 Mar. 2012 "Preface to 'The Impact of Culture on Women's Health'." Women's Health. Ed. Christina Fisanik. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Contemporary Issues Companion. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 18 Mar. 2012. "Race and Ethnicity in Entertainment." Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 24 Aug. 2007. Web. 19 Mar. 2012. "The Beauty Industry Promotes Unrealistic Beauty Standards" by Stacy Malkan. The Culture of Beauty. Roman Espejo, Ed. Opposing Viewpoints® Series. Greenhaven Press, 2010. Stacy Malkan, Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry. Gabriola Island, BC: New Society Publishers, 2007. Copyright © 2007 by Stacy Malkan. All rights reserved. Reproduced by permission.

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