A television is defined as “a telecommunications medium widely used for transmitting and receiving moving images, either monochrome (black and white) or color, usually accompanied by sound” (Webster's). Since the invention of this device in the 1930s, people have been able to entertain themselves by watching various television programs in the privacy and comfort of their own home. While each of these shows caters to different age groups, nationalities, races, and genders, they all seem to have one thing in common. They all act out and portray stereotypes imposed on people because of their age, gender, job, culture, race, appearance, and position in the family. Because of these different categories presented in the media, preconceived notions are formed about how people should behave, especially men and women. Women generally take care and men take responsibility. But why does television represent this image of "taking care" and "taking charge" of women and men? In this article I will focus on one of the most popular television programs that viewers watch today; Desperate housewives. By using this television program, I will be able to show and analyze how women are represented in the media and why they are represented this way. Desperate Housewives is a fictional show about four women known as Susan Mayer, Lynette Scavo, Bree Van De Kamp, and Gabrielle Solis. They live in what many consider a “normal” suburban area; however, in each episode a secret or mystery is told and revealed. These mysteries can come in the form of death or a new person moving into Wisteria Lane. Together, viewers watch as these housewives manage to not only solve these mysteries, but also navigate their jobs, children, each other and romantic lives. Although these four have...... half of the paper...... side; however, his "asshole" attitude gets in the way. Gabrielle Solis defies her husband and offers Anya (Carlos' niece), an allowance if she agrees to keep her legs closed and Bree Van De Kamp continues to house her paralyzed husband but refuses to be a good wife and love him for who he is . has become. It is easy to say that this TV show portrays these characters in this way to allow viewers to quickly understand their role in forty-five minutes. However, it is true and safe to say that women are stereotyped and portrayed on this television show and many others as typically Caucasian, thin, desperate and submissive to their men in order to present a sometimes false, one-sided and negative image. . In this way, viewers are able to create opinions about how women should look and their roles/duties within society.