Absolutely! Let’s analyze a different media example using the provided resource on outdated gender roles.

Movie: “The Breakfast Club” (1985)

• How are females, males, trans and non-binary individuals portrayed?

  • Females: The film features five characters, with two females: Claire (the “basket case”) and Allison (the “princess”). They primarily fall into stereotypical high school archetypes. Claire is shy and intellectual, while Allison is popular and concerned with appearances.
  • Males: The three male characters, Andrew (the “athlete”), John (the “criminal”), and Bender (the “rebel”) also fit into high school stereotypes. They are portrayed as focused on social status, competition, and masculinity.
  • Trans and Non-Binary Individuals: The film was released before widespread societal recognition of trans and non-binary identities. There’s no representation of these groups.

• What gender roles, norms and stereotypes do you see present?

  • Females: Claire and Allison represent stereotypical high school female archetypes. Claire is defined by her intellectuality but lacks social confidence, while Allison prioritizes popularity and conformity.
  • Males: The male characters embody traditional masculine stereotypes. Andrew is the athletic leader, John is the brooding outsider, and Bender is the rebellious jokester. They compete for social status and prioritize “masculine” behavior.
  • Outdated Gender Roles: The film reflects outdated gender norms where females are categorized by appearance and social status, while males are defined by athleticism and rebellion.

• What types of messages does the movie promote regarding gender?

  • Breaking stereotypes (somewhat): Despite stereotypes, the film shows some growth as the characters interact and reveal hidden vulnerabilities. It suggests the possibility of looking beyond labels.
  • Conformity pressures: The movie portrays the pressure to conform to stereotypical high school social groups based on gender roles.

Transcending Norms (Limited)

While the film doesn’t completely break free from stereotypes, it shows some subversion:

• Female Vulnerability: Claire’s intellectual side is valued by some characters.
• Male Vulnerability: The “tough guy” facade of the male characters cracks as they share deeper insecurities.

However, the film primarily reinforces traditional gender roles through its character portrayals.

Conclusion:

“The Breakfast Club” reflects the social context of its time, perpetuating some outdated gender stereotypes. However, there are hints of looking beyond labels through character development. Analyzing media with this lens helps us understand social norms and how they are portrayed.