2004 Mothers Day Campaign:
Mothers - The Real Story

Media Reality Check

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What Is It?

We are challenging mothers to filter the messages and images of mothers they encounter in the media through our Moms Media Reality Check Guide list of common stereotypes and set of questions.

We invite mothers to then submit the examples they find of media instances that either reinforce or blow away one or more of our Seven Deadly Stereotypes. Finalists will be chosen, and Mothers & More members will vote on top 3 most powerful illustrations, which will be announced on Mother’s Day.

Why Are We Doing It?

The media - newspapers, magazines, TV, advertising - play an important role in how we perceive our role as mothers in our everyday lives. If the media misrepresents or pigeonholes mothers’ lives and challenges, our real lives, needs and issues will remain largely "invisible" - to ourselves, one another and to society in general.

By applying this Media Reality Check exercise to what we see, hear and read, we aim to spotlight the ways in which the media shapes images of mothers that do not match our experiences.

What Do I Do?

• Download the Moms Media Reality Check Guide.
• Turn on the TV. Read your regular magazines. And have the list of stereotypes and the questions next to you. Critique what you see.
• Tell us about the best and worst examples you find of The Seven Deadly Stereotypes. You can submit examples online here on this page or print the form in the guide and send it to us.
• If you are a member, be sure to vote on the finalists between Weds. March 24, 2004 and Mon. April 19, 2004 at the members only web site. www.mothersandmore.org/members.shtml
• If you are not member, visit this page during the same time to see the voting results.

The Seven Deadly Stereotypes

Bon Bon Eating Mom

• Stay at home moms don’t do anything all day but watch TV and eat bon bons.
• Stay at home moms are loving and nurturing but their brains are mush.

Career Crazed Mom

• Working moms are selfish careerists who neglect their kids.
• Working moms are competent and intelligent but cold and uncaring.

Supermom

• Supermom is the perfect nurturing mom - always attentive to the kids, doesn’t miss a school event, bakes the brownies from scratch – plus the Do it All Mom is the perfect professional career woman – always available for work, stays on the fast track and makes it to CEO - plus she has a perfect marriage, perfect sex life and perfect kids.

24/7 Bliss Mom

• Good mothers love every minute of it, never feel ambivalent, never have a bad day, never yell at their kids, and are always smiling, relaxed and in control.

Martyr Mom

• Good mothers always put their family’s interests ahead of their own.
• Good mothers do not have their own needs and interests, and do not seek their own fulfillment.

Glam Mom

• Good mothers are glamorous; young, attractive, perfectly fit, designer dressed, perfectly coiffed - and so are their children.

Domestic Goddess Mom

• Good mothers love to do housework, are obsessed with cleaning.
• Only mothers are capable of housework.
• Good mothers have a spotless house and do everything from scratch; home-cooked meals, perfect birthday parties, and crafts.

Download the Guide

Click here to download the Media Reality Check Guide.

View Winners

Candidate submission and voting is now closed. Click here to see the results of the voting.