Challenging Unhealthy Representations in the Media

Learning Objectives:

● Reflecting on the gender-based stereotypes

● Learning about the role that online media -in particular social media- has in the development of these stereotypes

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Notes for Educators:

Toxic gender-based stereotypes that devalue women and girls have been identified as a root cause of child sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. The media perpetuates many of these negative ideas and our students’ heavy social media/online usage means that they are regularly exposed to harmful images. Students may at first be resistant to the content of this lesson plan, as they are not only consumers of media, but also creators. 

In addition, discuss how the 2SLGBTQ+ community is affected by media representations. Often 2SLGBTQ+ women will be represented as “unfeminine”, gay/bi men as “too feminine” and non-binary and trans individuals will be subject to gender regulation and stereotyping. 

Encourage critical thinking about how media representations impact men. Men experience pressure to follow unchallenged stereotypes such as being tough, controlling, overtly sexual, strong, independent, and non-emotional. Stereotypes against men differ from sexism because the images of men have to do with men exercising power over women and over other men. 

This activity also provides an opportunity to explore how diverse groups of women can be impacted in different ways through the lack of representation and stereotyping.

Curriculum Connections:

English Grade 9 (ENG1D): 

• 1.2 media studies. Interpret media texts, identifying and explaining the overt and implied messages they convey 

English Grade 9 (ENG1P):

• 1.1 media studies. Explain how simple media texts and some teacher-selected complex media texts are created to suit particular purposes and audiences

Visual Arts, Gr 12 (AVI4M): 

• B2.2 Assess the impact of socio-economic, political, cultural, and/or spiritual factors on the production of art works 

• B2.3 Assess the impact that the creation and analysis of art works has had on their personal identity and values and their perceptions of society

Gender Studies Gr.11 (HSG3M):

• B3.1 Analyse representations of gender in media and popular culture

• B3.2 analyse the impact on individuals (e.g., with reference to their self-concept, aspirations, notions of appropriate behaviour, relationships, sense of belonging or alienation) of stereotypical representations of gender in media and popular culture

• B3.3 Analyse images of female and male bodies and representations of beauty and fashion in media and popular culture, and describe their impact (e.g., how images of underweight, digitally altered fashion models can contribute to unhealthy eating habits among girls and women; how images showing celebrities who have had a variety of cosmetic procedures can affect individuals’ self-image or the choices they make)