Inequalities- Masculinities and Femininities.edited
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Inequalities: Masculinities and Femininities
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Inequalities: Masculinities and Femininities
To understand inequalities, gender stereotypes, and femininities, I watched two
cartoon shows aimed at primary school children. The first one is called
Muppet Babies
the
"Sir Kermit the Brave & Animal Fly Airplane" episode (YouTube, 2018). The show was
released in 2018 with the primary audience depicted in the film being boys because they seem to
dominate the various scenes in the episode. In the episode, the boys seem violent even when
they undertake various activities, such as painting. On the other hand, the girls always follow up
on some activities that the boys establish as they speak in soft voices. The main character in the
film is a boy named Kermit, who dominates most of the actions in the film.
I chose my second episode from "Gravity Falls." Similarly, to the first episode I
watched, the main characters are a preteen brother and sister, Dipper and Mabel. In contrast, the
distribution of speaking time is more focused on Dipper and other male characters. In, "Gravity
Falls," the men are presented with a masculine appearance and wearing men props. The male
characters have long trousers and their hair kempt short, with athletic shoes and hats. On the
other hand, female characters have long hair, decorated clothes, and rosy cheeks and wear
dresses.
Appearance aside, when it comes to gender-stereotyped roles, I found this to be most
evident in the lines the characters were given. For example, in “Muppet Babies” the incidence of
gender stereotyping is evident in establishing the activity of flying the plane, which the boys
seem to enjoy and are responsible for the activity. "Animal" as one of the main characters is the
boy and seems to dominate the show, and he is the one of those flying the plane. Secondly, even
as the children start painting, the boys dominate and sometimes violently explain how the
activity is done. None of the girls seems to have completed their paintings. Again, the voices
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themselves are stereotyping (YouTube, 2018). The male characters speak deeply with a scary
voice, while the girls seem harmless and follow their male friends.
In “Gravity Falls” gender-stereotyped roles are also evident. For example, at the
beginning of the episode, Mabel is impressed and seemingly romantically intrigued by a male
leader, Gideon, who is speaking on stage. She then receives a makeover from him and goes on a
date. However, a shift in the plot shows a different side of Mabel. Gideon talks about himself
the entire time, and Mabel is unimpressed and says almost nothing. This depicts masculinity as
the female characters are not given enough time to speak as their male counterparts. Also,
women are depicted to be subservient to the gesture of a man.
Hegemonic masculinity shapes the expectations of male characters and their behaviors in
the two films. For instance, in the “Muppet Babies” film, “Animal” who is one of the main
characters is the boy who seems to dominate the show, and he is one of those flying the plane.
Secondly, even as the children start painting, the boys dominate and sometimes violently explain
how the activity is done. None of the girls seems to have completed their paintings. This shows
that hegemonic masculinity is common in the film, as male characters expect the female
characters to respect them and do as they are commanded. In the “Gravity Falls” film, Gideon
who is a male character takes Mabel, a female character on a date. Gideon talks about himself
the entire time, and Mabel is unimpressed and says almost nothing. People who were in the
restaurant also seem to expect Mabel to follow traditions as male get more time in the film. This
is a perfect example of how hegemonic masculinity shapes the expectations of male characters
and depicts how children can internalize gender roles.
The two films depict hegemonic masculinity, and from the films, there are no instances
where female characters bargain with patriarchy as female characters. In "Muppet Babies" the
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boys seem violent even when they undertake various activities, such as painting. On the other
hand, the girls always follow up on some activities that the boys establish as they speak in soft
voices. Also, in “Gravity Falls” show, there were more male characters throughout its whole
cast, more male leaders who exhibit confidence, and less speaking and screen time for female
characters.
In conclusion, it is evident from the two films, that gender inequality, stereotypes, and
femininities are employed even in children's cartoon shows. Overall, I think that cartoons can be
powerful in gender-socializing young viewers. There were major components, in each plot of
these episodes that elude to the gender stereotypes I encounter within my environment as well as
what was discussed in class. Characters in media are often depicted with high social status, and
easily become idolized. Viewers who are still enduring the process of their gender typing would
be even more susceptible to acquiring behaviors and motives portrayed in characters that they
idolize or find similarities with.
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References
Gravity Falls Season 1, Episode 4:
The Hand That Rocks the Mabel.
Streamed on Hulu.
You Tube (May, 2018). “Sir Kermit the Brave & Animal Fly Airplane” Muppet Babies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5Qr4aYyVLc