Effects of Advertisements on Our Gender Stereotypes

Affects of Advertisements on our Gender Stereotypes

The first thing I do when I get home from a long, hard day of classes is return to my room and turn on the television to channel five for The Rosie O’Donnell Show. However, between the laughs there are commercials that affect millions of other viewers and me. If there is one thing I can not stand, it is the commercial for bras featuring super skinny models parading around in their underwear. There is nothing like watching that commercial, then glancing at yourself parked on the bed, eating Dorito’s. Commercials have always had a direct influence on what I think and how I feel, especially as a young girl growing up, with regards to my gender. While there are many other sources influencing the differences between females and males, I feel that advertisements strongly influence girls’ ideas of stereotypical gender roles as they grow to be adults.

It is extremely evident to see gender roles in commercials and magazine advertisements aimed at children. First of all, upon watching the television, one would notice that the majority of commercials are directed towards boys than girls. I can still remember growing up watching commercials for “boy toys” such as G.I. Joe’s. Boy toy commercials were always rough, rugged, and outdoorsy. Popular toys for boys were always Matchbox cars and Lego’s. Boy commercials show them with trucks, cars, construction equipment, and working with science and math based toys. These types of toys can help a child develop their math and reasoning skills. Girl commercials, however, show girls with dolls, housekeeping supplies, and products relating to appearance.

Cabbage Patch dolls were my love back in the 80’s. While boys were being taught to play outside and to advance their minds, I was told to adopt dolls and spend my time taking care of them. It is these kinds of toys that taught me I would be taking care of children for the rest of my live. Girls’ advertisements use...