Gender, the Workplace, and Popular Culture

KENNESAW, Ga. (Nov 5, 2015) — The Gender and Popular Culture class taught by Dr. Rebecca Robinson held a student led panel to discuss gender roles and how they are portrayed in popular culture through the media. Different students found clips from movies, commercials and talk shows that talked about an issue that could usually tie back into the cultural norms or gender roles. One student showed a P & G commercial that showed how a mother’s success tied in directly with their children’s success. There was no male featured just the mother in her traditional nurturing role. Another showed a segment where Debra Fisher who is a writer and producer discusses the lack of women in director/producer/writer roles in Hollywood and how hard it is for them to move up in that setting. More students showed clips from popular movies. The movies The Devil Wears Prada and The Proposal challenges the traditional hierarchy of males in the workplace and placed headstrong women in those roles. How it was almost uncomfortable for audiences to watch a women in power because of the brainwashing that has taken place due to such an emphasis on cultural norms and traditional gender roles. Even The Proposal ended with the leading lady almost losing some of her edge due to being in love and somewhat rescued by a male. There were so many good examples that other students showed and it was impressive the thought processes and presentations of these students.

Student Review by Andrea Putala Focus Week 2015 Event: