In today’s media, even the Powerpuff Girls are changing our notion about what it means to be tough.

Sherrie Inness, professor of American literature and gender studies at Miami University, gave a presentation Tuesday night in the Holmes Student Center’s Heritage Room about the changing traditional roles for women in the media.

Inness said she first became interested in the topic of women’s roles in 1992 when Hillary Clinton said she “could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas” instead of pursuing a career. Inness said Clinton had a tough image. She started thinking about how toughness is perceived and what kind of images women present.

Inness started her presentation, titled “Beyond Charlie’s Angels: The New World of the Action Heroine,” by showing pictures of male heroes depicted in films such as “The Terminator,” “Rocky” and “Rambo.”

“These are images that are so present in society, but what about the women?” Inness asked. “Why do tough women appear less in the media?”

Inness analyzed characters such as Xena, Princess Leia from “Star Wars” and Trinity from “The Matrix.”

Inness said Xena was one of the most important influences on how women were depicted in the 90s and beyond.

“She destabilizes traditional notions of what a hero is,” Inness said.

Women who are tough also are often portrayed as sex symbols, Inness said. She pointed out how the three heroines in “Charlie’s Angels” can fight, but never have a bad hair day.

Through the years, women heroes also have become more diverse by featuring African American heroes and lesbian heroes in films.

The audience of about 30 was able to ask questions at the end of Inness’ speech.

Junior sociology major Karolina Sowa asked a question comparing men to women.

“Women need to do more. Men can be stupid, they don’t have to be smart to be the hero. The woman needs to be perfect,” Sowa said.

Inness’ speech marks the first event of the Women’s Studies program’s Women’s History Month.

Inness also will be giving a speech at 10 a.m. today in Founders Memorial Library, titled “The Enchantment of Mixing-Spoons: Cookbooks for Girls and Boys.”