The New Faces of Leading Characters in Children’s Animated Cartoons

• In Event: Appeals to Young People Through Advertising and Programming

Abstract

Children are exposed to animated cartoons at an early age, and the gender and race-related messages are likely to be influential in the development of children’s beliefs and attitudes about gender roles and racial groups. Although representations of females and minority children in animated cartoons have improved over the years, stereotypical and racially biased portrayals of females and minority groups remain. Using an intersectionality theoretical lens, a close textual analysis was conducted to examine the representation of two female, racial minority characters in children’s animated cartoons: Doc McStuffins and Dora the Explorer. Character portrayals, stereotypes, challenges to traditional stereotypes, and the intersecting role of race, gender and class on the representation of these characters are explored in this analysis.

Author

• Jobia Keys, Georgia State University