Final Project: Masculinity in Cartoons (Non- Disney)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNIgjGFW0mQ

My project is going to focus on Masculinity in cartoons outside of Disney media. Disney is a major provider of children’s media but it is not the only provider. Over the years cartoons have shown up from media providers such as Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network. Though overshadowed by Disney to an extent these channels are still present and using the same stereotypes as Disney. This helps them appeal to their targeted audience because the similarities across media. Masculinity is a huge issue with Cartoons. In most of the cartoons that have been exposed to the masses. Men or boy figures are usually the dominant and more powerful characters. Women tend to appear in small numbers and as weak or dependent.  Shows contiinue to do this causing the "Boys Rule" epedimic. This is when boys are targeted and portrayed so much in cartoons as dominant figures that it becomes natural to use this theme. Gender is presented all the time in media cartoons are only one way it reaches children. Both Nick and Disney have junior channels that focus on ages 1 to 5. Cartoons target children at young ages and without proper action they can take the place of parents as educators. Cartoons have not shown equal roles for women and men on a regular basis. Being there are few shows that star women as dominant figures, shouldnt cartoons be questioned? I believe so because the images  being shown give the thought that womem are not strong and boys solve problems. 

Questions:

Name some shows that gave equal or dominant roles to women?

Do you think a show such as this would sell commercially and have an impact on social media today?

Do you think it is a poblem that male figure are always present as strong warriors in the media and would it be effective to give women roles similiar  to warriors?

Do you think this is worth giving attention to?

Resources:

Barbara J. Wilson, et al. "Liking Violence And Action: An Examination Of Gender Differences In Children's Processing Of Animated Content." Media Psychology 14.1 (2011): 49-70. Academic Search Premier. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.

Brad Mason, et al. "Pokémon: Exploring The Role Of Gender." Sex Roles 50.11/12 (2004): 851-860. Academic Search Premier. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.

Kelly, Eric. "Gender Stereotypes in Children's Television Cartoons." Gender Stereotypes in Children's Television Cartoons. N.p., n.d. Web.

Peters, Kristen M., and Fran C. Blumberg. "Cartoon Violence: Is It As Detrimental To Preschoolers As We Think?." Early Childhood Education Journal 29.3 (2002): 143. Academic Search Premier. Web. 26 Mar. 2013

Robinson, Tom, and Caitlin Anderson. "Older Characters In Children's Animated Television Programs: A Content Analysis Of Their Portrayal." Journal Of Broadcasting & Electronic Media 50.2 (2006): 287-304. Academic Search Premier. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.