Unlearning the Myths the Bind Us, Christensen
Christensen explains that children are learning stereotypes and presuppositions from what they watch on T.V. growing up. Little girls learn that they need a tiny waist and bi hips whilst little boys learn they need to be muscular, strong, and never show their emotions. Christensen goes on to say, "Children's cartoons, movies, and literature are perhaps the most Influential genre "read." Young people, unprotected by any intellectual armor, hear or watch these stories again and again, often from the warmth of their mother or father's lap." This shows that the best basis to spread these stereotypical mindsets is by airing these views on children's programs on T.V since they will be masqueraded as "harmless" entertainment. So what is it that is being done, to fight back against this domination of minds? Well, many shows are having the protagonists exemplify traits that aren't the norm, such as Sofia from Sofia the First. Sofia is a young Disney princess compared to all her teenage predecessors. In addition, Andrew points out in his blog, the main cast of Scooby-Doo is a compilation of people from different common stereotypical high-school groups working together to solve mysteries.
Although there are steps being made in the right direction, I know of a sad story where a young girl felt very discouraged since she could not live up to the expectations shown on T.V. This girl grew up watching children's cartoons at home such as Disney Princess movies and she started accepting these expectations for women's bodies as reality at a very young age. It became more prominent around her 10th birthday when she began to claim to be "not hungry" at dinner time and not eat any of her meal. She started transforming from this happy, lovable young girl to someone who was always very concerned about her weight and how other viewed her. It broke my heart when I heard her mother tell the story about catching her in front of a mirror with her shirt up, sucking in her belly, and standing as straight as possible. Since then, this young girl has developed more of a self-esteem yet continues to not eat normally because of the fear that she might put the weight on again.
Comment/Point to ShareI believe it is ridiculous that a young girl or buy should ever be worried about their appearances at such a young age. Their lives should consist of learning and laughter, not desperate attempts to "look right." What is it then, that we as college-students (on a budget), can do to push back against this?
Hi Joshua! Great points. It’s so said how cartoons can really shape kid’s image of what they “should” look like. I think Disney, and others, have become more “woke” over the past ten years or so... but The cynic in me thinks it’s just because they can make more money that way and not because they actually care... I would love to see them out their money where their mouth is you know? Contributing to causes that benefit minorities and such. It’s hard to think of what we can do to help, but I think advocating for more diversity is where it starts!
ReplyDeleteHey Josh! I really like your blog post. You made a good point about how kids minds are shaped through the movies and shows they watch. I think the only think that we (as broke college students) can do is just use our voice. We need to teach kids that they are beautiful inside and out, and that they should never strive to be anyone but themselves. Seeing this in movies with actors/actresses that have imperfections and are of different races/cultures can also help with this shift in stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteas well in my blog I mentioned how image can shape kids minds on how they should look or even feel towards something.
ReplyDeleteJoshiua, I enjoyed reading your post. Its unfortunate how a simple cartoon can have such a negative impact on its viewers. Instead these cartoons should spread the message that everyone is beautiful in their own way.
ReplyDeleteJosh, I liked how you added the connection to your personal story of a young girl who started to eat less because of what she saw on TV. I think that these body expectations you mention are unrealistic and we should teach kids to love themselves for who they are.
ReplyDelete