Children TV Shows Response By. Ry Hormel

I really enjoyed watching the children television presentations, the forced me to revisit my own childhood, and take a look at what I was experiencing at that young age.  There were many similarities that were drawn through the presentations that point out just how gendered these television shows are.  Some of these similarities include, the lack of parents, the gendering of objects, and lack of dominant traits in female characters.  The shows that I found most interesting were Arthur and Mickey Mouse clubhouse.

            In her presentation, Blair pointed out that every character in Arthur dresses the same in each show.  This shows how there is a clear way to dress a boy or a girl.  By dressing them the same, it gives off a subliminal message of what is appropriate to wear.  She also pointed out that Francine is the only girl that is “different”, but she is seen as a tomboy.  By showing her as a tomboy, the show points out that if a girl does not dress in a way that is normal to that gender, they will be looked at differently.  While Arthur is one of the few shows I would feel comfortable letting children watch, it is still scary how there are many gender stereotypes that are enforced through it. 

            The next show I found intriguing was Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  Meg showed in her presentation how the two female characters, Minnie and Daisy have very high voices, are vulnerable, and rely very heavily on the male characters for help.  This is an example of the lack of dominance and ability to do things on their own that is stereotyped through female characters in these TV shows.  While the females are looked at as almost helpless, the male characters are portrayed much more dominantly.  It is scary to think how easy these stereotypes can travel to children’s minds.  Of course they are going to feel this way if they watch it on their favorite television shows.  In the end, I found Mickey Mouse Clubhouse to be a show that completely sends the wrong message to children.

            These presentations were engaging and educational, and I know feel that I have a clear idea of what shows to target towards the betterment of children.  These shows act as a foundation for these gender norms that society tries to keep in place.  The thing that bothers me though is that I can’t seem to think how they could be much different.  If these TV shows stopped gendering all together would they still be able to air them?  Would the viewers slowly stop watching? Or would it begin to shift peoples view on gender norms into more open view?