How I Met Gender Stereotypes

Gender stereotypes in American media can often be covered with comedic relief.The show “How I Met Your Mother” is a popular comedy that was originally aired by CBS. The show was based around a group of friends living in New York, who would get into wild shenanigans each episode. When you look a little closer, there are red flags everywhere about the gendered stereotypes that are found in American media.

First, we can look at the power couple, Lily and Marshall. A common theme in the show is that Marshall must provide for his family. There is a designated “bread winner” role given to him as the man of the house. At one point during the show Marshall is finally able to be the man of the house as he takes a job at a large corporate organization. In the meantime, Lily is offering the nurturer side of the relationship being a kindergarten teacher.

Now to everyone's favorite character, Barney. This character depicts many gender stereotypes in American media. For starters, there is the logical/emotional comparison. Barney is the cool and collect character who is always first to make a decision. Often Barney is considered heartless because of his lack of respect for women. He often uses patriarchal examples from his job.

Have you ever thought about why Barney’s hyper-sexuality is found as comedy? Additionally, he has his famous “playbook,” which has helped him sleep with over 200 women. Yet, once again, that is just Barney being Barney. In American media it is common for men’s sexual fall-outs to be shrugged off, while women usually carry a negative connotation with them.

It is important to notice the male and female stereotype of sexual subject versus sexual object. It is common for men to be portrayed as strong and pursuant. In the case of “How I Met Your Mother,” women are the objects that are being pursued. The common stereotypes for women are to be weak and open to a male companion.

In this show, not many women are found in the workplace. Barney’s over exaggerated corporate job is a prime example of gender stereotypes of men at work. Barney’s office is built on staying away from feminine traits. For example, there is no empathy in the workplace. One show in particular depicts a boss who is known for his brutal firing tactics. He shows no remorse for his employees, which makes him good at his job.

A common scene in the show is the group of friends drinking at McLaren’s Pub. It is common that a male will start the conversations at the beginning of each bar scene. Men are shown as active in conversations, while women act as more passive. Additionally, when females do bring up topics for a conversation, it is typically about stereotypical female topics.

In the end, this show provides comedic relief to many gender stereotypes in American media. However, humor can can be harmful, and perpetuate ideals about gender.