When you look at how the media continues to communicate certain messages to the American public, it is notable how some trends have continued for decades. This is especially true when it comes to images, graphics and the subtle messages they carry into the world of printed communications. The sad reality is that the media is no different than many institutions of American society in that it must sell products to the public to remain financially stable. To do this, the media provides the public with images that often satisfy their desires and meet their expectations. As a result, the inclusion of such stereotypes creates a vicious cycle as the public continues to be exposed to such messages and unconsciously accepts them as reality. As humans, we create stereotypes because we are cognitive misers and the powerful want to stay in power. There are many stereotypes used in the media consisting of gender, race, elderly characters, martial status, and socioeconomic status. The stereotype that strikes me most is that of gender in the media. As a woman myself, it bothers me when women are misrepresented in anything media-related. Examples of this stereotype in the media include two world-famous magazines such as Sports Illustrated and Entertainment Weekly. Sports Illustrated, perhaps the most recognizable sports magazine in the world, continues to perpetuate stereotypes of athletes and cheerleaders through repeated motifs on their covers. In a recent issue, the magazine featured college basketball player Doug McDermott on its cover. Two cheerleaders who bend over and close their mouths accompany Doug to point out that McDermott's talent must be kept secret. The accompaniment... half the paper... turns into stereotypes to sell a product. Entertainment magazines including Sports Illustrated and Entertainment Weekly are known for portraying female characters as sexually provocative beings, those who are attractive for their sexuality rather than their intelligence or physical dexterity. These magazines in particular are known for putting provocative images on the cover to attract more readers. Hopefully, as the country continues to mature and become even more tolerant of differences between people, people's expectations will change accordingly. Instead of portraying sexy and provocative images of women that make normal women feel insecure, more natural and real-looking models should be shown in the media. For the future, I hope to see that the media can begin to convey messages to people that challenge and even challenge their preconceived beliefs..