How Masculinity is Portrayed, Analyzed By The Sex Role Perspective:
Throughout this episode of The Vampire Diaries, masculinity is commonly demonstrated through acts of aggression. Damon Salvatore, the “bad boy” brother represents how masculinity in the show is also correlated to violence. When interacting with his brother Stefan, Damon is constantly physically hurting him in a way to show his dominance in their rivalry. Additionally, Damon is physically violent with his relative Zach, and threatens him in a way to scare him off. Damon shows an example of toxic masculinity because he believes to be powerful is to be violent and aggressive towards others. Stefan is the brother that is meant to resist this stereotype of toxic masculinity – writing out his feelings in his journal and being the compassionate, understanding boyfriend to Elena.
How Femininity is Portrayed, Analyzed by the Sex Role Perspective:
Throughout the show, the only things discussed between the teenage girls in the show is their relationships with the Salvatore brothers. Bonnie and Elena’s only conversations are about Stefan, and Caroline and Elena’s only conversations are about Damon. This shows how girls are belittled to only be concerned about men in the show and not having any other interest. Also, Jenna’s (Elena’s aunt) only concern and role in this episode is hating her ex boyfriend – she is not seen without discussing him, showing another example of how femininity is portrayed with only caring about the men in their lives.
Shared by: Alexis Masino
Image Credit: https://www.tvfanatic.com/gallery/elena-and-stefan-photo/