How does media representation influence the performance of gender identity within various cultural norms?

Media representation plays a significant role in shaping how people understand and perform gender identity within different cultures. When media portrays certain genders in specific ways, it can influence individuals to act in ways that align with those portrayals, often reinforcing stereotypes. For example, if movies consistently show women as caregivers and men as leaders, audiences may start to believe that these roles are natural or expected. This can limit how people express themselves and can make it harder for those who do not fit these norms to feel accepted. Therefore, the way genders are represented in media can either challenge or uphold traditional gender roles, impacting how society views and performs gender identity.