Discussion Board 8 – Gender

We have seen that gender impacts all aspects of life. How do we come to our beliefs about gender and what is appropriate? How do we develop our gender stereotypes? In this discussion we will explore this topic. Your task is to first summarize how you think you developed your ideas on this subject. Next, locate a film, television show, or book that could teach someone who reads or watches it about gender. Very briefly summarize. Then discuss how the piece might influence someone’s ideas on gender. (This is the most important component).

Discussion Board 8 – Gender Answer

The belief that society has of gender has been shaped predominantly by reports and discussions presented by mass media. Mass media is a powerful medium of communication. In a message delivered by the Secretary-General of the United Nations during the World Television Day in 2003, Kofi Annan said that television (mass media) can be used to educate a great number of people, promote mutual understanding and tolerance, and shed light on dark corners where ignorance and hatred fester. However, while there is truth to this statement, mass media has also been used to foster hate speech and racism (Matamoros-Fernández, 2021).