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Sexism in Stereotypes

Sadhvi Aiyer

  • February 17,2021 ​

Sexism has negatively affected society for many years. Although today’s sexism is presented in less evident ways, its existence is still immensely prevalent. Stereotypes are reflected in the media as many continue to relate dark colors and aggression to masculinity and light colors and gentleness with femininity. Exemplifying the sexism evident in society today because these stereotypes dictate how men and women should display themselves.  

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For years, individuals’ perception of clothing has been a factor that differentiates men and women. Recently Vogue, a fashion magazine, presented singer Harry Styles, the first solo male on the cover, to be wearing a long dress. Although his achievement is incredible, his dress elicited opposition, particularly from Candace Owens, a conservative American author. She tweeted, “Bring back manly men.” Her declaration depicts the mindset that the tens of thousands of people, who have liked her tweet, agree with. 

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Photo obtained from @voguemagazine

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Gender roles endorse the sexist notions that men wearing “manly” clothing is the proper way to present themselves. Undoubtedly, the obsession with following gender roles depicts sexism in society because it prescribes that individuals should dress based on stereotypes. It is necessary to move away from the methodology that associates masculinity or femininity with clothes because clothing can not accurately depict gender.

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However, sexism is less popular as people are more oftenly speaking up against social norms. According to Out magazine, 100 boys in Canada wore skirts to their high school to protest the outdated, sexist dress code. These actions intend to shatter the walls set forth by societal norms, thus the boys from Canada portray the growth of society.

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Nonetheless, even with the milestones made to create an equal society, sexist stereotypes are still prevalent as they continue to be taught to children. The children’s commercial for LOL Surprise Dolls showed mainly girls playing with the product and them showing off the doll to the camera. It was aimed towards girls because it features mainly girls and what society presumes to be feminine colors. Sexist ideas are depicted because it succumbs to traditional gender roles that associate girls with dolls and pink, but unfortunately do not include boys.

 

For boys, the commercial, for Beyblade Burst, targets them with the use of dark colors and male representation. The Beyblade Burst commercial demonstrated boys passionately competing with each other with the toy as other figures cheered them on. The commercials intended for boys do not portray many girls, and the commercial intended for girls does not portray boys. Sexist stereotypes are alive in a society encouraging that boys should not play with toys considered as feminine, such as dolls. And girls are not to enjoy the toys considered to promote masculinity, such as the aggression from a Beyblade Burst toy.

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Sexism continues to impact society because traditional gender roles are still enforced. It is beneficial to recognize the prevalence of sexism to rid the world of it and offer individuals fair opportunities to express themselves through any piece of clothing or toy. 

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