Compared to past decades, women are now reaching new levels professionally as well as being further acknowledged for their capabilities and accomplishments.
By becoming important figures in industries generally led by men, the impact women are making in America is undeniable.
However, media outlets have been limiting the way women are represented intellectually by focusing on their looks and wardrobe in interviews.
This is often seen in entertainment journalism aimed at men where interviewers are more prone to ask shallow questions that further objectify women, as well as stereotype sexy or heroic female roles as lacking character.
During the promotional rounds of “The Avengers,” an interviewer had the audacity to ask Scarlett Johansson if she wore any undergarments for her Black Widow costume.
Meanwhile her costar Jeremy Renner was never asked such an invasive question.
It is tiring to hear actresses answer the same questions about costumes.
Yes, we already know skintight costumes and corsets are uncomfortable.
I am more interested in learning more about the characters they are playing than their outfit problems.
Female government figures also face similar superficial questions.
In a recent interview Hillary Clinton did with Barbara Walters, Walters asked her about her hair.
Why waste precious television minutes with the secretary of state and ask her a question about her hair when you could ask her more substantial questions?
As a woman, Walters should have taken a stand and refuse to ask such a superficial question.
A similar situation happened to first lady Michelle Obama when she debuted a new haircut.
Asking the first lady a question about her hair is fine, but media outlets kept bringing up the subject like it was a state emergency.
I find it offensive that Michelle Obama had to answer the same hair question repeatedly.
As if she was not able to contribute enlightening answers or opinions to real issues our nation faces.
Putting importance on questions regarding looks sends the wrong message to young girls.
No matter what important position women hold, the media will still be more interested in their beauty regimen.
Although I enjoy reading about what public figures are wearing, this should be left to fashion magazines, not press conferences or important news interviews.
Women are not being held to the same intellectual standards as men.
Men, especially government officials, are asked more substantial questions that challenge their mind.
Media should show us the same respect as men.
We can contribute so much more than our fashion opinions.
Mariela Patron, a junior journalism major, is news editor of the Campus Times. She can be reached by email at mariela.patron@laverne.edu.
