It's quite obvious that a number of reality shows, past and present, on VH1 have presented some of the most negative stereotypes of women on television. The producers definitely have a consistent formula in which they pick the most shameful, dramatized, and outlandish women to appear on some phony dating show. It's not only demeaning to women, but it portrays them as popular & wild party girls which can be misleading to young girls. We all know how girls often compete with one another to fit in. It's the scandalous representations of women on shows such as these in which people accept and adopt overtime.WARNING
This post contains some offensive language, but only for the use of informing. It is not intended to attack or degrade women. If you don't enjoy reading such content, I would suggest not reading any further.
WARNING
As I watched all three seasons of both Flavor of Love (with Flaaaaavooorrr Flaaaaav!) and Rock of Love (with Bret Michaels from Poison) religiously on a weekly basis, I have pretty much broken down the classical stereotypical roles taken on by some of the relentless women on these shows. I will go over just a few which I find to be the most detrimental perceptions of women.
First we have the most awful, yet frequent stereotype of all. Let's get this one out of the way. The "Dumb Slut" is often the girl who's insecure, all over one of the nasty leading men of the show, and doesn't know her right from her left. Yes, this role is deplorable, but it's persistent and often discussed about on TV. Female contestants looking to get their big break on reality TV will confess of their numerous sexual experiences and, as odd as it seems, promote their stupidity.
Second is the "Gold Digger," who is the one who really has no physical attraction to the leading man and pretty much hates every person in the house. Her main and only objective is to somehow win and get some money out of the experience. This stereotype is represented of women all the time. You know. "Why go to college or work when I can just find a hot, wealthy businessman to take care of me?" It's a deceptive and distinctive trait viewed of many women. I know women are smarter than that and don't all think such delusional thoughts. Reality dating shows love to flaunt and draw attention to these inexcusable money-hungry women. By the way, not that my opinion matters... But money is just an object. It will not buy anyone happiness. It usually creates a lot more problems and misery. Just personal experience.
There's also the "Huge Bitch" who overpowers and tries to intimidate everyone. Come on, you see the banner of my blog. New York is the HBIC. The "Ugly Duckling" is the one who's sweeter, nicer, and more intelligent than every other girl competing; but gets eliminated within the first few episodes because her face isn't symmetrical or body's not proportionate. Basically, whatever the guy defines as "attractive." I don't have to explain anymore. You all know and realize that stereotypes of women on television are insensitive.
I think VH1 Reality shows are a great example of women stereotypes. In almost any reality show really, they try and categorize everyone into fitting into some stereotype, whether it be the "token black guy" or the "ditzy blonde." VH1 I think tries to emphasize these stereotypes and casts the right people to fit into it. Others might apply for the show but the blonde might actually be smart while the brunette is ditzy. Instead, they'll cast the ditzy blonde to make the stereotypes work.
ReplyDeleteI guess one working definition of being "old" these days is remembering when Flavor Flav & Bret Michaels were both, in their own ways, relevant for their MUSIC.... *sigh* .....
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