XXX Rock

In chapter 4 of Media, Gender, and Identity Gauntlett discusses gender in the media. Representations of gender on television with shows like Sex and the City. Masculinity is being redefined as being more loving as apposed to the total action hero, and women are getting tougher roles. Things are changing for gender representations. Representations of sexuality in gay and lesbian characters have also grown, but not as much.

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The show 30 Rock is great current example of gender representation. The main character of the show is played by Tina Fey. It is one of the few network television shows that feature a woman as the main character. It is even rarer because the show is a comedy and she doesn’t play a house wife. On top of all that the show is actually good. It’s my favorite comedy on TV, and it just won the Emmy for best comedy for the second year in a row as well as Emmys for writing and acting both going to Tina Fey.

Tina Fey’s character isn’t the perfect role model for gender representation. While she is unique she still struggles often with her looks and whether or not she is going to ever get married. These are problems that a male character might not deal with as often. I don’t think that is a bad thing though. Her character deals with these like real problems and the outcome is genuine. Her character went out of her way of what may have been expected of her as a woman to become a successful TV writer instead of settling for marriage. In many ways I think this is better than ignoring these clear issues. I think it helps representation much more to see a character deal with and overcome issues facing many women instead of pretending these issues are too weak for women.