Topic Overview
Women Stereotyping Online
Most of my information comes from personal experiences, however I also used the following sites to support my information:
How Badly Are Women Represented in Media?
Overview
Gendered stereotypes are the center of a massive issues for women in online spaces. First and foremost, in gaming spaces women are often forced into a corner where you either never talk to avoid being attacked for being a woman or you take the relentless berating to the face. This is highlighted in one of my articles, "77% of women surveyed said they had experienced gender-specific discrimination while gaming, most commonly with comments about their skills (70%), gatekeeping (65%) or patronizing comments (50%). 44% said they had "received unsolicited relationship asks."" This is not an exaggeration by any means, I can personally say that 3/5 games I play (depending on the game) I experience some sort of foul treatment. This treatment would rightfully so male anyone not want to play. This proves to be an issue when it is so common for women because it closes us off from a world of games that is so amazing and worth experiencing.
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Another source shows that statistically when women who are gamers are asked if they would want to pursue gaming professionally 70.9% of them say yes, meanwhile only 58.8% of men say yes. Despite this there are almost zero professional female gamers in the esports scene. You will see female managers, shout casters and occasionally videographers but not often will you find a girl on the team.
Esports and video games is not where these problems with women stereotypes in media end however. I am making it a point to talk about the pressing issues involving women in media and the reason why is represented well in this article, "When women have a seat at the table they are more likely to advocate for other women. A lack of representation in newsrooms and media companies means that women receive fewer opportunities to share the stories of other women and the issues that impact their lives." We must all take a stand like talked about here for the sake of other women and our children who are growing up in a world of media.
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Now these few topics I've covered discuss a similar idea that all stems from gendered stereotypes. These stereotypes are enforced by the media and spread by the media causing more and more women to feel like they cannot achieve the dreams they want to. With the help of more people and hard working advocates one day I hope to see change in the world of media and the treatment of women so that equality can be achieved for all.