In any field, women are told they are weak, lots of drama, and become victims of gender bias. Even on reality television, they are still not free from this concept–especially in Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) with the term “True life, true story, real people.” But the program's favorability towards men is a serious issue compared to women, who often share left and right criticism from the public.

Even before we are born into this world, there are already written rules that must be followed as a woman. Whether most people admit it or not, women live in a world that sets them apart from the things they should or shouldn't do. Just like in some reality show—-when a man shows problematic or unusual behavior, the audience labels it as natural to them. But when a woman makes a mistake, everyone immediately criticizes them and labels her as a drama queen, but women are not theater artists.

Usually, reality shows have random edits of clips from each episode of the program found on Tiktok or other social media platforms–these become the public's basis for developing a perception of a reality show participant. Because it's already imprinted in the minds of most people that when you're a woman, you have too much drama. Women can be used to increase what they call “engagement”. Because of the simple cut and edited clips, a drama is already being developed that is closely followed by the public. Almost all women usually receive more criticism than men. Just like the concept of a love team in reality shows, women are labeled as malandi, meanwhile men hardly receive criticism from the public. Admit it or not, this is the truth.

Additionally, the editing and display of scenes are not neutral. With every cut, every clip circulated on TikTok or social media, the woman's narrative is strengthened as a drama queen or someone cursed, even if she only shows a simple gesture. As a result, she not only develops an unfair reputation inside the house, but also outside, in the online community and public perception. Such a pattern is clearly misogyny in reality television—a microcosm of society that continues to impose double standards on women and men. Instead of equally assessing each participant's mistakes and personality, the woman is always under a tighter lens, and her personality is shaped according to entertainment value.

Many fans of the program say that what is shown by reality shows is only for ratings and engagement—it is not a direct attack on the participants. But even if the goal is entertainment, it cannot be denied that the effect on public perception is disproportionate to women. How long will we let women be the targets for drama and ratings?

Remove double standards not only from reality shows but even outside, in the reality of life. Because even in work, school, and other public affairs—they are always told that they are weak or limited. But in modern times, people should erase that kind of view of women. They are not limited; they are capable and allowed to keep up and take risks in a career-filled life and competition where men always dominate.

The Frontman