The media play an important function in influencing women’s self concepts and self esteem. Unfortunately, the media have not kept pace with fundamental changes that have occurred in gender roles in American society. Selectivity, distortion, and marginalization still characterize the presentation of women’s issues in the press. Stereotypical images abound in the advertising media. As a result of such irresponsible journalism, women are often saddled with negative perceptions of themselves.
Although the press is entrusted with reporting current events in an unbiased fashion, coverage of women’s issues, particularly feminism, leaves much to be desired. For example, women are largely excluded as news commentators, unless the topic of discussion happens to be related to gender. Women commentators are ubiquitous on news talk shows such as Nightline…