As the popularity and proliferation of television increases, children are progressively exposed to programs which can influence the way in which they think and view both culture and gender. This essay will discuss the cartoon ‘Adventure Time with Finn and Jake’ focusing specifically on two episodes. In condensed terms ‘Adventure Time’ features Finn the Human Boy and his magical dog Jake, adventuring in the fantasy land of Ooo. Behind its bizarre plot and fantastical characters, hides an unexpected emotional intricacy, ‘Adventure Time’ seeks to teach good values, challenge heteronormativity and instill positive morals and life views. ‘Adventure Time’ positively promotes the breaking of gender roles and comments in its own way on societies
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An example of this is Velma from Scooby Doo, Velma is stocky and unfashionable with thick glasses and short hair. It is as if her intelligence is directly linked to the fact that she is not stereotypically feminine, sending a message that women cannot be slim, fashionable and also smart. (Eick, 1998). These cartoons, like the mass media are ‘agents of socialization’; these are things that influence the process by which we learn how to act within our society. (pg. 36) This is discussed by Mary Holmes in her article ‘Learning and doing gender in everyday life’ (Holmes, 2007) ‘Adventure Time’ is a cartoon assisting young viewers learn that they do not always have to ‘do gender’ traditionally, it defies the orthodox portrayal of females in the cartoon sphere sending the message to viewers of both genders that a woman can be powerful and intelligent without appearing to others as masculine or sacrificing part of …show more content…
Fionna rescues the Prince and rejects his romantic advances saying, “I don’t need to feel like I’m waiting to be noticed. I know who I am, and I know what I’ll want, if and when it ever comes along.” (Liechliter, 2011) This is an abrupt change from her previous admiration and shows Fionna breaking the romantic mold she was placed within. This statement cuts through the chaos of the moment and is actually rather striking; it is an assertion of independence and a manifestation of the lessons she learnt during the episode. It is empowering to female viewers, encouraging autonomy and a discovery of self-worth without needing another person. (Sava,
An example of this is Velma from Scooby Doo, Velma is stocky and unfashionable with thick glasses and short hair. It is as if her intelligence is directly linked to the fact that she is not stereotypically feminine, sending a message that women cannot be slim, fashionable and also smart. (Eick, 1998). These cartoons, like the mass media are ‘agents of socialization’; these are things that influence the process by which we learn how to act within our society. (pg. 36) This is discussed by Mary Holmes in her article ‘Learning and doing gender in everyday life’ (Holmes, 2007) ‘Adventure Time’ is a cartoon assisting young viewers learn that they do not always have to ‘do gender’ traditionally, it defies the orthodox portrayal of females in the cartoon sphere sending the message to viewers of both genders that a woman can be powerful and intelligent without appearing to others as masculine or sacrificing part of …show more content…
Fionna rescues the Prince and rejects his romantic advances saying, “I don’t need to feel like I’m waiting to be noticed. I know who I am, and I know what I’ll want, if and when it ever comes along.” (Liechliter, 2011) This is an abrupt change from her previous admiration and shows Fionna breaking the romantic mold she was placed within. This statement cuts through the chaos of the moment and is actually rather striking; it is an assertion of independence and a manifestation of the lessons she learnt during the episode. It is empowering to female viewers, encouraging autonomy and a discovery of self-worth without needing another person. (Sava,