Final answer:
The television show 'Mad Men' is often cited as an example of retro sexism, reflecting a time when gender roles were narrowly defined and women's representation in media was limited.
Step-by-step explanation:
One television show that has been used to exemplify retro sexism is 'Mad Men'. This show portrays women within a very narrow set of societal norms and often focuses on their roles as secretaries or homemakers, harkening back to the gender dynamics of the 1960s. It juxtaposes the progress made by feminist activists with the entrenched sexist attitudes of the era, as shown in the characters' interactions and storylines. This retrograde portrayal can be indicative of the broader cultural trend of idealizing a past time, even if that past was marked by inequality and discriminatory practices. While 'Mad Men' is set in the 1960s, it resonates with contemporary issues of gender inequality and the media's role in perpetuating stereotypes.
Such portrayals can be contrasted with the feminist protests against traditional beauty standards and gender roles, like the ones during the 1968 and 1969 Miss America pageants. These acts of defiance served to challenge the prevailing notions of female beauty and role in society.
Moreover, statistical evidence suggests significant gender disparity in media representation. For instance, research has shown that in television and movies, female characters are vastly outnumbered by their male counterparts, which is also manifest in the skewed representation of characters in G-rated movies.