My research question is: What are the ways in which popular media are stereotyping women and how does it affect women? The question is arguable because the answer is not a simple yes or no, the response must be explained, and there is an opposing side to the argument. I find this research question/topic very compelling. Over the course of history women have been working for equality, and I think it is outrageous that even now, we are still fighting for equivalence in all aspects of life. I believe that since women are doing the same work as men they should be treated the same. They should also be equally represented in the media in a positive light.  In Sociology 101 last semester my professor introduced and reviewed this topic of popular media stereotyping women. These discussions spiked my interest, which ultimately influenced my research question. People are continually addressing the topic but the problem still exists. 

The article by Hope Samborn discusses how society fears a powerful woman. Samborn draws specific examples from women in politics and how they are treated. Popular culture expects women to be just another pretty face but these women play key roles in society, as well as having high status and education. Consequently the media is downplaying their success, the major issue at hand. Other than being published Samborn does not have any known credentials that make her credible. However, by using specific examples of popular women the audience is able to fact check her information. Samborn also presents the information in an organized manor that enhances her argument, which in turn makes her article more convincing. Throughout the source there is slight bias but nothing to greatly affect the argument. The article highlights how continually being criticized is affecting women that have high status and or power. It also brings up the concern that it is harming the youth as well. Seeing women in high positions being slated could discourage young girls from aiming for high career and life goals. 

Julia T. Wood works in the Department of Communication at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With her wide array of reliable resources, sophisticated diction and the fact that this work is published proves her credibility. Throughout the article there is a limited amount of bias. I believe her accredited research and use of statistics reduces the bias.  This source focuses on the prevalent influences the media has on women. Most media communicates images of women that propagate unrealistic, stereotypical perceptions. Woods emphasizes the underrepresentation and misrepresentation of women in media as well as the effects it has on women. One major point discussed in the article is that the media has created two different versions of women, the good and the bad. The good woman follows societal rules; she is pretty, focused, and respectful. These types of women are often portrayed as the victims, angles and loyal wives. In popular media the good women are showed under the power of a strong dependable male figure where as the bad women are on their own. The bad woman is often described as a bitch, whore and cold or aggressive. 

Charlotte Alter writes an article for TIME on the 8 Sad Truths About Women in Media. She discusses how far women have to go in order to achieve complete parity in media as well as life. Over time women have actually lost representation in different media outlets. Alter brings about the fact that many women media giants who were delivering news lost their positions of power as well. Statistics are provided to further support the claim that women and men are not portrayed equally; men 90% sports coverage where as women are only 10%. Many newspaper editorials along with Sunday morning talk shows are mostly males voicing only their opinions. Charlotte Alter is a Harvard University graduate, who has many written pieces for TIME and Wall Street Journal. She establishes her ethos by use of statistics, information on popular women and her diction. I find Alter credible due to her degree from Harvard University as well as being published in esteemed journals. 

Women's worth is often determined by their looks. In popular media women are portrayed as soft, gentle, and weak compared to men who are displayed as dominant, strong, and rough. If society does not see women fitting into those categories culture attempt to transform them to reach certain standards. When selecting my sources I take into consideration my intended audience and how it will affect my kiaros. At this stage I am forming my ethos based on the expertise and knowledge I am gathering from the authors of my many sources. In selecting my sources I kept the different aspects of my argument in mind so I would not have to revise my question later on. The sources are in stasis; each one discusses a different aspect of stereotyping women in media and its affects. They must be balanced so my stance on the argument is clear. 

