Michael Abernethy’s 2003 article, “Male Bashing on TV,” raises concerns about the adverse depiction of men in the media. Understanding the potential consequences is essential in grasping the impact of male bashing on television. The continuous belittlement of men through various media channels can lead to future issues, including diminished self-esteem, altered views of fathers among children, and hindered pursuit of personal goals for men.
The media’s portrayal of men has become a pressing issue. While women have historically faced negative portrayals, the severity of male bashing has reached unprecedented levels today. TV shows such as King of Queens, Yes, Dear, Everybody loves Raymond, and Still Standing depict men as lazy and selfish husbands who are inconsiderate and poor parents. Additionally, television commercials also present men as foolish and unintelligent. The print media is equally guilty of perpetuating this negative image of men.
The media world acknowledges that repetition can shape people’s perception, which is frequently employed in advertising. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that continuous exposure to denigrating messages will impact how men perceive themselves. Additionally, the absence of positive male role models on television is influencing children to believe that men are not capable of being good parents, thus affecting the dynamics within families.
The third consequence of male bashing pertains to the perception of men in relationships. Continuously being subjected to negative portrayals of men through the media has adversely affected them in their relationships. Due to this incessant message, men ultimately internalize feelings of inadequacy and doubt their intelligence or ability to successfully raise a family. Consequently, their professional life and familial relationships can suffer.
