We often lament the state of girls’ representation in animated films–an issue that the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media is working hard to improve. If you spend some time on the site and look at the stats, what most of us already know about children’s programming becomes undeniable–boys are the norm, girls the exception.
Brought to our attention by reader Alli (on Facebook), this clip from the PBS cartoon Arthur –called “The Agent of Change”–takes on gender in a smart and kid-friendly way. After sitting through a popular animated film (ahem, Cars) in the theatre, one character asks “Are there any kid movies with decent girl characters?”
Makes us wonder, too. The girls in this episode take matters into their own hands.
Watch the clip and share with the kids in your life.
We consume the vast majority of our children’s programming from PBS. They’ve got some stinkers, but some really good ones too.
“Arthur” is one of the good ones. It’s clever and well-written and promotes, among other things, friendship, tolerance, and imagination. All things important to me. It also gives equal story time to all of Arthur’s circle of friends–including the girls. Which stories, you’ll be happy to know, nearly always pass the Bechdel Test, for what that’s worth. A few weeks ago Evangeline and I saw the episode you posted, and I thought of this blog while we were watching.
Other notable PBS shows for those interested in female-centric (or at least, gender-balanced) kids shows are “Martha Speaks” and “The Electric Company.” There are more, but those are the ones Evangeline likes. She also likes “Curious George” and “The Wild Kratts” but those are more male-centered shows.
Then there are the ones she likes that I don’t approve of, for various reasons… “Word World” and “Sid the Science Kid.””The Bearenstain Bears”, “Super Why”, and “Barney” are truly execrable.
I don’t even delve into the pit of vapidity, violence, and vipers that passes for children’s programming on the commercial outlets. I’m sure there are fine shows, but they seem to be few and far between.