Gender representation in the media

The film ‘Captain Marvel’ by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck is an ideal example of how women characters are shifting from the traditional gender roles used to define women. Captain Marvel is presented as being strong and to some extent, masculine. She has a stance and body posture that draws attention to her strength and masculinity and this goes against stereotypes in the media that present women as sexual objects (Boden & Fleck 1). While her costume is well fitting, it is designed in such a way that it is practical for the work ahead of her. Rather than revealing a cleavage or legs as is common in sexualised media content, Captain Marvel’s suit is designed as an armour and allow ease in movement.
            Captain Marvel further defies the gender constructs that exist in the media and society through the role she plays. Marvel comes off as a formidable opponent who relies on her wits and strategy and does not need to be saved by a man. Her work is not limited to taking care of the home and raising children but rather to protect the entire universe (Boden & Fleck 1). The film further demonstrates the freedom that women enjoy now. Since saving the universe requires going to different planets, it means staying days, or even months without coming home.

Women in the film are portrayed as not being limited by their responsibilities at home. When Captain marvel seeks help from her friend Maria Rambeau, she goes on a mission to help Marvel rather than stay home and take care of her daughter. While there is hesitation before going for the mission, it is the daughter that convinces Maria to go on the mission and set a good example for her. The motivational speech is another indication that the daughter looks up to the mother for guidance (Boden & Fleck 1). Throughout the scene, there is no father figure and Maria have to not only juggle the responsibilities of being a mother, but also go out and help save the world.

A similar approach is taken in movies with male lead characters. The media has shifted its focus from physical strength, being tough, responsible and other masculine stereotypes that exist in society. Take the case of Steve Rodgers for instance. In the film ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ by Joe Johnston, Steve Rogers is presented as a character who is not only physically strong, but also mentally and emotionally (Johnston 1). At the beginning of the movie, Steve is skinny, weak and gets beaten up so much that he has gotten used to it. Although he does undergo an experiment that makes him more masculine and stronger, the process defies stereotypes previously used in the media.

Another example is the Doctor who has to choose one soldier for the experiment. Instead of selecting the strongest and most masculine soldier, the doctor looks for someone who uses his brains more than brute force. Choosing the weakest and least likely candidate can be seen as an indication of a shift or evolution on what being a man entails. Masculinity is no longer about muscles and physical traits but also inclusive of reasoning, self-control and being humane (Johnston 1). This is proven when the experiment makes Steve physically strong and masculine but still retains his humane character. Other than a shield, his strength comes from his body making him more human than superhero, but strong and smart enough to fight alongside people with powers. The doctor thus manages to shift from social norms about men in the media and create a new version of the modern man.

 

 

 

 

 

Work cited

Boden, Anna and Fleck, Ryan. “Captain Marvel” Marvel, 2019

Johnston, Joe. “Captain America: The First Avenger” Marvel, 2011