Construction of Gender Inequality Through the Media and Homophobia Essay

Gender inequality is the treatment and acceptance of women as inferior beings compared to men. Historically, these social perceptions lead to a biased assignment of roles between women and men, in which women come second in the society. These beliefs allow men to dominate political and economic positions and play the most significant part in decision making. Women, hence, get assigned a domestic role which does not create any form of economic or political empowerment. The result, known as gender inequality, leads to unequal distribution of wealth and power in favor of men (Blau, Gielen, Zimmermann, & IZA, 2016). In our minds and the society, gender inequality is constructed in various ways.

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Societal perceptions also influence how people who take a different path to the norm are viewed and treated. Recently, there is an upsurge in same-sex relationships and marriages. In schools, workplaces and social avenues, there have been reports of rejection, abuse and violent treatment of same-sex couples. Homosexuals belong to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) society. The hostile dislike and prejudice over homosexual people and homosexuality is called homophobia (Kantor, 2009). The result of this repudiation is that growing children get scared of choosing such paths however much they may identify to it. The discussion about the social and moral relevance of homosexuality and the science behind it is still on. In this paper, I present my view on homophobia and the construction of gender inequality through the media.

The media influences the construction of beliefs and norms these days, majorly for the younger generation. The 21st century has presented a range of technologically advanced interactive platforms with which the youth frequently interact. The mobile phone and internet coupled with targeted TV shows, advertisements, and news programs may build beliefs in people's minds. Further, the belief building is reinforced through social networking, magazines, music videos, and music lyrics. These interactions influence how an individual thinks of themselves and those around them (Campus, 2013). The influence from the media may be negative of positive, but it majorly depends on one's upbringing and previous interactions with the media and the society.

The media reinforces gender stereotyping. For example, most movies and advertisements portray men as assertive, non-emotional, robust, powerful and detached. Conversely, women are portrayed as unassertive, fragile and emotional beings. The constructions become the ultimate expectation of most youth. They become the expected way of life and behavior. Thus, maturing teenage boys grow up pursuing power and strength while girls are to grow gently and submissively.

Additionally, most adverts portray women and master of the kitchen; and emphasize that a woman is to be the caretaker and mother of the home. Some shows may also depict that women may not be strong and men cannot be caring (Strong, 2014). Unfortunately, most media personnel deliver this influence not on purpose, but subconsciously.

Consequently, these biased influences may misdirect a growing girl in defining her identity and may make her limit her abilities. Also, she may be intimidated from making choices she feels are okay for her; like being gay. The growing boy may experience too much pressure from the society to "be a man" and like the girl, may fear being gay. The general discomfort with gay people may be as simple as a misunderstanding or may as well be a deep-rooted teaching in the mind of an individual from conservative religions, parents or peers.

Just for being gay, a person may get fired or denied entry into a church, business or building. This resentment makes homophobic people commit outing; where they reveal a person's sexual orientations without their consent. Such thoughtless revelations may cause embarrassment, upset and discomfort to the homosexual and make them vulnerable to further rejection, discrimination or violence.

Overall, I believe that every individual should be given their right of choice. They should be free to do what they wish to pursue as long as they do it with common decency and respect for others. The hatred meted towards homosexuals is uncalled for as their activities do not interfere with anyone's program of life in any way. It is thus upon us, the government and organizations to be more accommodative to people with different preferences than us.

Thankfully, modern governments, churches, and organizations have developed policies that aim at zero tolerance for any form of gender, sexual, ethnic or religious discrimination. It revives the hope of a more tolerant society in the future and makes our children more comfortable in making decisions and pursuing their interests. It is also advisable to any gay seeking guidance to contact LGBT people, Online LGBT communities, straight people who support LGBT people or LGBT organizations like The Trevor Project, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and Human Rights Campaign (HRC) (Barr, 2018). For straight people, fighting homophobia should involve no use of negative language when addressing gays, not making assumptions about them, supporting them vocally despite your own beliefs, allowing homosexuals into your life and respecting their decision about when to go open about their sexual preference (Kantor, 2009).

On a similar note, combating gender inequality begins with us in the society. The media should strictly align their programs and shows to empowering women (Pascoe, 2012). Also, male-dominated professions like aviation should offer more scholarships for women. Women organizations should also go strong about endowing girls to pursue leadership positions without fear and proceed to protect female leaders from prejudice (Fox, 2017).

So generally, just like they got constructed, deconstructing social perceptions on homophobia and gender inequality requires concerted progressive effort from all sectors. This process is already happening, and my hope is women and LGBTs will enjoy full-blown power and freedom soon.

References

Barr, D. (2018). Homophobia is alive and kicking. The LGBT 'cure' ban is pure pink-washing. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jul/04/homophobia-lgbt-cure-conversation

Blau, F. D., Gielen, A. C.,Zimmermann, K. F., & IZA (Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit). (2016). Gender, inequality, and wages.

Campus, D. (2013). Women political leaders and the media.

Fox, C. (2017). Stop fixing women: Why building fairer workplaces are everyone's business.

Kantor, M. (2009). Homophobia: The State of Sexual Bigotry Today.

Pascoe, C. J. (2012). Dude, you're a fag: Masculinity and sexuality in high school. Berkeley, Calif: University of California Press.

Strong, C. (2014). The Handbook of Gender, Sex and Media. Feminist Media Studies, 14(2), 348-349.