The Geena Davis Institute recently hosted This Is Us? How TV Does and Doesn’t Get Men’s Caregiving in partnership with Equimondo at the prestigious Ebell of Los Angeles. This event spotlighted the crucial role television plays in molding societal perceptions regarding male caregiving, challenging entrenched gender roles, and fostering a broader understanding of fatherhood and male caregiving roles.
Speakers and Panelists:
- Moderated by Madeline Di Nonno, President and CEO, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.
- Geena Davis, Academy Award-Winning Actor; Founder and Chair, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.
- Gary Barker, CEO and Co-Founder, Equimundo.
- Dr. Meredith Conroy, VP, Research and Insights, presented the institute's latest findings on male caregiving.
- The panelists included:
- Ai-jen Poo, Founder & Executive Director, Caring Across Generations & President, National Domestic Workers Alliance.
- Jonny Gomez, Writer for This Is Us.
- Allen Galeon, Caregiver; Worker Leader, Pilipino Workers Center; Former Care Fellow, Caring Across Generations.
Event Highlights:
- The event began with a vibrant reception, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and collaboration.
- Opening remarks from Geena Davis and Gary Barker underscored the transformative power of television in shaping views on masculinity and caregiving.
- A compelling research presentation by Dr. Meredith Conroy highlighted the existing landscape and gaps in male caregiving representation.
- An engaging panel discussion with Ai-jen Poo, Jonny Gomez, and Allen Galeon delved into the challenges and pathways for better representation of male caregivers on screen.
Key Takeaways:
- Television significantly influences public perceptions of male caregiving, highlighting the need for more progressive and varied portrayals.
- The representation of male caregivers on TV is crucial for challenging stereotypes and promoting positive examples of modern fatherhood.
- The portrayal of male caregivers in media can contribute to shifting gender norms towards more equitable family dynamics.
Actionable Insights:
- Media creators are urged to depict male caregivers in a more diverse and authentic manner, reflecting the true spectrum of fatherhood.
- Initiatives to engage with media producers and stakeholders can lead to a broader representation of male caregivers.
- Fostering community discussions and leveraging public platforms can amplify the conversation around gender norms and media's role in shaping them.
This event marks a pivotal step by the Geena Davis Institute to use media as a catalyst for societal change, inspiring continued dialogue and action towards equitable gender portrayals in television. The insights and discussions from the report and event aim to echo through the media industry, encouraging a shift towards more inclusive storytelling that truly reflects the nuances of male caregiving.
Symposium
