IntroductionIt is often said that the media and the arts are an accurate reflection of a particular community. This is especially true in American pop culture, where television programs depict the various stereotypes attributed to men and women and the roles they play in society. House, a wildly popular medical drama revolving around Dr. Gregory House and his diagnostic team, is a particularly good example as it represents the true state of traditional gender roles in American culture today, redefining and strengthening them over time. of the show. In "Big Baby," the thirteenth episode of the current season, the show highlights these gender roles by focusing on the effects Rachel's recent adoption has had on Dr. Lisa Cuddy — the hospital administrator and boss of House — and her relationships with those around her. Cuddy and Motherhood Early on, it is evident that the show profoundly redefines the traditional female role through the character of Dr. Cuddy. As a highly educated, independent and experienced professional in a male-dominated field, she is a true embodiment of the great strides women have made in recent decades. This episode takes this redefinition to a higher level by highlighting her difficulties with motherhood. During the first few scenes, chief oncologist and close confidant Dr. James Wilson visits Dr. Cuddy at home to see how she's coping with motherhood. Upon entering her house, he notices that she is visibly distressed as she holds Rachel in her arms. He asks her what was bothering her and she responds by saying that she didn't feel attached to her daughter, even though she had fulfilled all her maternal obligations. She reveals to him that she was with...... middle of paper ......ularity to protect herself from becoming vulnerable to manipulation by others. House's blatant insensitivity to Dr. Cuddy's emotional distress and the fact that he is the show's main character is a clear reinforcement of the traditional male stereotype by the show's producers. Conclusion Even as the media redefines the roles both sexes play at home and in the workplace, a number of traditional stereotypes continue to dominate television screens. Despite the tremendous strides society has made to empower women, traditional gender stereotypes continue to thrive in our culture today. This phenomenon is evident in “Big Baby,” where all sides are equally represented by the dynamic characters of Dr. Cuddy, Dr. Wilson, and Dr. House. Choosing to do otherwise would mean that the TV show does not honestly portray American pop culture.