Stereotypes & Perception Assignment

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Stockton University *

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3121

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Sociology

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Jan 9, 2024

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Uploaded by AdmiralStrawWolverine37

My Observations on Family Dynamics in Commercials In my observations over time, I've noticed a notable change in the portrayal of family dynamics in commercials. Initially, the advertisements I encountered showcased a very traditional image of the nuclear family: a hardworking father, a mother dedicated to homemaking, and their children playing by their side. The roles were distinctly defined with mothers predominantly in caregiving roles and fathers as the primary earners. Fast forward to the present, and the commercials I see now are far more varied and reflective of the diverse world we live in. The families shown aren't just the "typical" ones anymore. I often see same-sex couples, single parents, interracial families, and households that include grandparents all living under one roof. The roles within these families have blurred the traditional lines. For instance, it's not uncommon for me to see fathers preparing meals or mothers heading off to their corporate jobs. The range of products being advertised is equally diverse, from household gadgets, vehicles, and edibles to modern tech gadgets and holiday destinations tailored for contemporary families. In terms of the effect on viewers, I genuinely believe that these commercials can be quite influential. By seeing a reflection of real-world diversity and the breaking of traditional roles, viewers may feel a sense of validation and acceptance. Over time, these inclusive portrayals can play a part in dismantling long-standing stereotypes and fostering an environment where all family structures are celebrated. a. Why do you think Ms. Williams is the target of body shaming comments?

Serena Williams faces body shaming due to a convergence of racial and gender prejudices that cast her physique and presence in professional tennis as oppositional to traditional, Eurocentric standards of femininity and beauty. According to Jenn M. Jackson, Williams has been "insulted, diminished, erased, and disrespected" due to her being a Black woman in a predominantly white space (Jackson, 2015). Jackson suggests that Williams's body has been the subject of scrutiny because it challenges the white normative standards. Cole (2021) reinforces this by discussing how Black bodies are often held against the benchmark of whiteness, which becomes the invisible standard. The Barbie doll, as articulated in the first article, is emblematic of this narrow standard, representing an idealized, Eurocentric form of beauty that has historically excluded people of color, thus reinforcing the notion that anything deviating from this ideal is subject to criticism and shaming. b. What role did or does Barbie play in stereotypes and perception? Barbie has played a significant role in perpetuating stereotypes and shaping perceptions of beauty and femininity. As the first article explains, Barbie, with her white skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes, became a powerful icon of American culture, representing the ideal woman in terms of appearance and lifestyle (Anonymous, 2021). This doll has been criticized for promoting an unrealistic body image and for lacking diversity, thereby contributing to the cultural narrative that to be beautiful, one must align with these specific traits. Jackson's article on the erasure of Black women's bodies from the public sphere echoes this sentiment, illustrating how societal standards are complicit in the marginalization of bodies that do not conform to the Barbie-esque image.

c. What does social, cultural, political, and economic stereotypes look like through the lens of Whiteness in American Society? Through the lens of whiteness, social, cultural, political, and economic stereotypes are structured to maintain the superiority of white individuals and to perpetuate the marginalization of non-white groups. Cole discusses the inherent privilege that comes with whiteness, which includes the unconscious benefits of being perceived as the norm (Cole, 2021). Jackson notes that this manifests in the devaluation of Black women's bodies and their exclusion from Eurocentric beauty standards (Jackson, 2015). The cultural icon of Barbie represents an economic stereotype as well, suggesting that not only is the white, blonde, slender figure the beauty standard, but also indicative of a certain socioeconomic status that is idealized. This intertwining of racial and economic stereotypes serves to maintain systemic inequalities and uphold the social and political power structures that favor whiteness.

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Reference Jackson, J. M. (2015). "Where Does the Black Woman’s Body Belong?" http://www.forharriet.com/2015/07/where-does-black-womans-body-belong.html#axzz45AOsUy vC Cole, N. L. (2021). "Understanding Whiteness in the United States." https://www.thoughtco.com/whiteness-definition-3026743

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