Book 2 - Ebu

Learning Resource Kit: Book 2
In describing the Casa Rosada, the photographer stresses that it struck his attention
to see a woman giving orders, implying this was unimaginable and an action that
could not be carried out by women. The journalist fails to delve further into the
photographer’s comment that the President’s arrival in the presidential palace was
a “challenge”; he loses an opportunity to discover what, in the interviewee’s opinion,
makes President Fernandez different from other leaders. Further, the photograph
chosen for the article does not reflect her political activity, rather it portrays a
feminine grooming action.
The journalist underscores her family role and the contrast in attitudes between
her public and private personas, as if she were two completely different individuals.
When mentioning the offices she has held, he says little of the years she served as a
member of Congress and a Senator, although he mentions the former President’s full
trajectory.
Finally, the journalist refers to the President using her first name – a familiar,
informal, form of address – and yet when he evokes husband, he unfalteringly uses
the latter’s last name – a respectful and formal reference.
There is an enormous missed opportunity to develop a gender-inclusive article.
Why does the journalist not question the assumption of relegating women to the
background in politics How have relations between women and men changed since
a woman ascended to the highest public office in the country
Gender bias continues in the creation of legislative commissions and in appointments
at cabinet and other high levels of office. Rather than demonstrate the disparities, the
journalist provides figures that hide them, losing an opportunity for critical reporting
from a gender perspective.
There are different ways to tell a female political leader’s life story or career trajectory
and this example clearly demonstrates an absence of gender consciousness.
Questions for analysis and debate
• How does the journalist refer to women and their relation to power
• Does the journalist make the same kinds of observations for all genders
• Does the journalist use inclusive language
• Which personality traits are highlighted for women Which personality traits for
men
• Is there an equal number of references to women and men
• Does the article reproduce stereotypes or challenge them
• What are the possible impacts on women and men, and on gender relations, of
the journalist’s approach
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