Phineas and Ferb is a popular kids’ show that currently plays on Disney Channel. This show is a powerful tool in shaping the minds of young children because of its popularity and the amount of time kids spend watching it. Disney is using this influence on kids to reinforce the gender stereotypes already seen in our society. In almost every episode, boys are portrayed as smart and creative while girls are cast in supporting roles, rarely playing the leaders.
Phineas and Ferb is a thirty minute long television show about two young boys who use their summer days to construct imaginative and fantastic creations—whether they be a new restaurant, a giant roller coaster, or a real live video game. Phineas and Ferb have a sister named Candace who is constantly trying to foil their fun by telling their mom what they are doing. Somehow, every time she tries to show her mom their invention, or get proof of their activities, it disappears, or something gets in the way and their mom never sees what is truly going on. When she isn’t trying to bust Phineas and Ferb she often spends time with Jeremy, the boy she likes; Stacy, her friend; or thinking about herself. Meanwhile, Phineas and Ferb have a lot of friends who help them with their projects. One important friend is Isabella, who is a Fireside girl and, along with her troop, often helps Phineas and Ferb with their projects.
Using the personalities of its characters, Phineas and Ferb emphasizes the stereotypes about boys and girls seen in today’s society. Phineas and Ferb, both of whom are boys, are extremely intelligent and creative and are excellent leaders when it comes to trying to complete their latest project. For instance, when the boys are building their oversized roller coaster, Isabella and her troop of Fireside girls help them with whatever they need. The girls play supportive roles. They are good at helping the boys, but are rarely seen as leaders themselves. While Isabella is leader of her troop, she still falls under the direction of Phineas and Ferb, who direct all their activities pertaining to the roller coaster. Society sees men as the leaders in the world and women as their support, and Phineas and Ferb is a perfect example of this gender stereotype.
Christine, I agree with the points you said in this post! Whenever I watch kid shows, I never really notice how each character's gender plays a role in the story line. It's true, how boys end up being the leaders and that girls are the helpers; like how Phineas and Ferb is to the Fireside girls. Even though it's just a show for entertainment, kids these days might be influenced by it. Boys might think that they're "stronger" and "smarter" than girls, even though girls are equal to them. Sometimes, the audience is blind to how some of these shows can relate to society; in this case gender stereotype.
ReplyDeleteChristine, I agree with the ideas about prejudice and stereotype about gender about a children's television series. Watching this show after reading your blog made me notice the stereotype more. For example, how the boys are shown to be more creative and intelligent leaders whereas the girls are simply to be their helpers. Girls have just as much of an ability to be a leader but when portraying how boys are the leaders in a kids show, illustrated different views in children's thoughts. Since Disney is such so famous, the viewers are captivated that even Disney channel portrays stereotype and prejudice. This show is a perfect example of how gender stereotype is portrays throughout or society even after we all believe in equality and justice.
ReplyDeleteI had to comment on this, Christine, because I, like Angela, didn't even really look into the stereotypes on Phineas and Ferb until I read this. It's so true that the boys are shown as creative and independent while the girls are seen as just accessories. The girls are always given stereotypical roles of supporting, foiling, or obsessing over a boy and I never really noticed it. I definitely agree that Phineas and Ferb, and Disney Channel in general, is a powerful tool in shaping a child's mind because it's so popular and seen as nothing but wholesome. It's unfortunate that a show my younger brother really admires plays into these gender stereotypes. He actually reminds me of the boys a little bit always trying to come up with something and this show could affect the way he thinks of the girls around him, even his sisters. I'm glad the gender stereotypes on these shows were brought to my attention.
ReplyDeleteChristine, this post opened my eyes, along with a few others' as well, to something I had not even noticed before about the show. I can not believe that I had not noticed that the girls had taken the support role we often see in other media. I think that when the media conveys something like that to children, it tends to etch into their minds, especially since they will be bombarded by the similar ideas throughout their lives. The idea that Isabella, who is supposed to be a leader, still decides to follow Phineas' directions. After reading your blog, I realized how little attention I paid to different stereotypes in kid shows, which can set the basis for children's ideas and beliefs, and I am glad that these kinds of stereotypes were addressed.
ReplyDeleteChristine, up until reading your post, I didn't realize that Phineas and Ferb actually does stereotype how society views the roles of girls and boys. I agree with everyone that even Disney shows can contain subtle hints of prejudice in them, and that to me is shocking. As a woman myself I have experienced prejudice and I feel like all women should be empowered to lead and not always be addressed as a "follower."
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