StereotypesThere is a multitude of stereotypes associated with being male or female. Hollywood reinforces these stereotypes. Although Title IX and the feminist movement has increased the amount of female characters in sports films throughout the 21st century, Hollywood still focuses on the male’s body and performance. They focus on women lightly, and when female athletes are featured in movies or magazines, their toughness is taken for granted, and they are described as emotional or lucky. “According to Gilpatric’s (2010) and Guttmann’s (1996) studies, stereotypes of men and women in films represent men as dominant, aggressive, competitive, hyper-muscled, independent, ambitious, decisive and adventurous; whereas women are shown as affective, docile, emotional, pleasant, kind and communicative.”
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These are very familiar stereotypes that are widely believed in the U.S. and society is still holding a strong grip onto these beliefs. Society believes that women are to be fragile and submissive, and men are to be powerful and dominant. This is the biggest reason why females are not accepted in the world of contact sport. Seeing women as powerful and aggressive tackles the idea of fragility. Women with incredible strength and defined muscles butts head-to-head with the perception that females are submissive and weak. Sports that require physical contact involve rough play, pain, and harshness. Sweat, blood, and tears are often seen on a daily basis. These sports are not deemed appropriate for women because it requires a form of toughness that is associated with masculinity. Female wrestlers, hockey players, boxers, and football players are often perceived as “butch” or “manly”. Many of these athletes that look a certain way disgust the viewers of the sport as well. Women who lack a feminine look are especially made fun of. Often times, these athletes’ sexual orientations are questioned, and they are considered to be lesbian.