Comparing Media Portrayals
In 1990, Jamie Lee Curtis starred as a rookie cop in "Blue Steel". After killing an alleged unarmed suspect, a fellow sociopathic suspect becomes obsessed with her, stalking and trying to kill her. This movie only grossed about $8.2 million in theaters, and female critics had much to say about the film. The movie portrayed Curtis as a flighty, untrained, easily seduced, emotional cop who could not be taken seriously. She makes may key law enforcement safety mistakes that critics say the movie shows as only a women could make. In contrast, the movie is much different from the more recent TLC show, which shows the strengths of women in law enforcement. The 1990s was a different world for them, which could be seen in the media portrayals (IMBD).
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In 2009, the popular life stories channel "TLC" premiered a show called " Police Women: Broward County" which followed the day to day lives and work of 4 very different women working for the local sheriff's office. This show gave a very real look at the hard work these female law enforcement officers performed and portrayed these women in a very positive way. The show received high ratings after its first season and three seasons were to follow in Dallas, Maricopa County and Cincinnati.
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