Read the following excerpt. Choose words and/or phrases that expose the author’s bias toward stereotypes in the media. Where does the author stand on this issue? Write the phrases in the appropriate spaces. Then state what the author’s overall stance is.

Question

Advertising directed at children depicts boys as more dominant, active, and aggressive than girls. Girls are more likely to be portrayed as giggly and less capable at tasks than boys. Although changes are taking place, advertising directed at adults still perpetuates similar stereotypes by portraying men as dominant and rugged and women as sexy and submissive. The result is a spectrum of stereotypical, culturally molded images. Cowboys who roam the wide open spaces are at one end of this spectrum, while at the other end are scantily clad women, whose assets are intended to sell a variety of products, from automobiles to hamburgers. The portrayal of women with unrealistic physical assets makes women feel inadequate. This, of course, creates demand for an array of products that promise physical enhancement and romantic success.
Television and movies reinforce stereotypes of the sexes. In movies and on prime-time television, male characters still outnumber female characters. Male characters on television are also more likely to
be portrayed in higher-status positions. Viewers get the message, for the more television people watch,
the more they tend to have restrictive ideas about women’s role in society.

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10. The author’s overall stance on stereotyping:

Answer 1

1-9. Answer will vary.

10. The author believes that the media reinforce stereotypes of the sexes.