Women’s Portrayal in Classic Literature and Hollywood’s Golden Age to Determine its Ramifications

Abstract

Sexism has existed since the beginning of time. Media portrayal is another tool used to control women. In ancient Athens media showed women what would happen to them if they acted out. The character Lysistrata was used to belittle women. Clytemnestra was to warn women to stay in place. There were few female writers and there weren’t even female actresses. During the Golden Age of Cinema media portrayal set false expectations of what a woman should be. Often, they were objectified and had little speaking time. Partly because there weren’t many women working behind the screen. There were little female directors, cinematographers, and writers. Modern media has bettered in its portrayal of women. It still does occasionally perpetuate gender stereotypes and objectify women it is better. The movie Little Women demonstrates that. It empowers women with its portrayal. That movie is directed by a woman, perhaps a line can be drawn that if more women are involved in media creation, the representation will enhance and be positive. This investigation is important to be disseminated so people are aware of the power media has over us and hold it to a standard that creates a positive impact.