Representation Without Transformation: How Media Still Misses the Mark on Gender

Media influences the minds of many children, and what they consume often follows them into adulthood. What begins as a Saturday morning cartoon or a favorite movie watched on repeat becomes a blueprint for how young people perceive identity, power, relationships, and purpose. And when that blueprint is flawed or one-dimensional, it leaves real-life consequences.

In its latest phase, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has seen a shift. Historically, the MCU—and superhero films at large—were tailored for a male audience, with men dominating both the screen time and the action. But as box office data began revealing that a growing number of women were buying tickets and tuning in, Marvel adjusted. Characters like Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch), Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel), and Shuri in Black Panther began receiving larger roles, deeper storylines, and in some cases, their own films or spin-offs. These moves were long overdue—but they weren’t necessarily transformational.

Too often, increased visibility for women and other marginalized groups in media lacks the narrative depth or integrity it deserves. Representation without transformation is like setting a beautiful table but serving the same tired meal—it looks progressive, but nothing has really changed.

From “Chick Flicks” to Superhero Flicks: Have the Stereotypes Evolved?

Female-led films have long been boxed into dismissive categories. Movies where a woman is the lead are quickly labeled as “chick flicks”—a term that diminishes both the creative work and the intelligence of its target audience. In these films, the lead character is often portrayed as shallow, boy-crazy, and obsessed with her appearance.

Cher Horowitz of 'Clueless’ remains one of the most iconic “dumb blonde” characters nearly 30 years later. While her heart was often in the right place, Cher embodied many of the damaging tropes passed down from old Hollywood femme fatales like Joyce Bryant and Marilyn Monroe: beauty over brains, shopping over substance, romance over self-respect. She peaked in high school and knew her way around a mall better than her studies. Her self-worth was validated by male attention, and her kindness was often masked by a veil of unexamined privilege.

Although the traditional “chick flick” genre isn’t as dominant in 2025, its DNA still exists—sometimes rebranded as rom-coms, dramedies, or “female-driven stories.” In 2020, 95% of all films with a female director also featured a female lead. And by 2021, 41% of the top-earning films—regardless of who was behind the camera—had a woman as a lead or co-lead. Progress? Yes. But not without issues.

Strong Female Leads, Weak Male Shadows?

Today’s directors and writers find themselves in a bind: how do you write a powerful woman without making her male counterpart look like a fool? Unfortunately, many still haven’t figured it out.

Take ‘The Marvels’ (2023) for example. While the film aimed to elevate its trio of heroines—Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau—it lacked male characters who could stand beside them as equals without being turned into comedic relief or obstacles. This isn’t empowerment—it’s imbalance.

Another example is ‘Ocean’s 8’. In an attempt to flip the franchise on its head with a female ensemble, the male characters in the film were either villainous or flat. The only way the women were allowed to shine was by diminishing the presence and intelligence of men. But that’s not equality—that’s a reversal of the same binary thinking that got us here in the first place.

True equity in storytelling doesn’t require the humiliation of others. It means building complex, layered characters of all genders who are smart, flawed, and fully human. Masculinity and femininity don’t have to be at odds. One does not have to shrink for the other to rise.

When Representation Isn’t Enough

Hollywood has become increasingly aware that constantly depicting women as naïve or appearance-obsessed can damage young girls’ perceptions of their own potential. But in course-correcting, the industry has unintentionally created new problems—especially for young boys.

By depicting men as bumbling, immature, or disposable in female-centered stories, the message becomes clear: men are either the problem or the punchline. And that’s just as harmful.

Representation matters—deeply. It shapes how people view themselves and others. Studies have shown that positive media portrayals can significantly boost self-esteem among members of marginalized communities. They also play a critical role in breaking down stereotypes and challenging biases held by those outside those groups. But representation alone isn’t the final step. It must come with transformation—of how characters are written, what dynamics are allowed to flourish, and whose humanity is truly explored.

So What Needs to Change?

Representation without transformation is performative. It’s a surface-level fix that leaves the root untouched. The goal should be to create media that reflects real-life complexity—not just in race, gender, or orientation, but in personality, intelligence, vulnerability, and ambition.

We don’t need more female leads who act like men to be taken seriously. We need characters—women, men, nonbinary folks—who reflect the full spectrum of human experience, without falling into predictable tropes.

It’s not enough to just “include” someone. Inclusion is the invitation. Transformation is what happens when they’re allowed to speak, shape the story, and stand in their power without apology or compromise. That’s how media becomes not just reflective, but revolutionary.

Because little eyes are watching. And they deserve better.