Race, ethnicity, and gender messages in child-oriented media

Assignment: Watch a child-oriented show like Daniel Tigers Neighborhood (PBS Kids), Sesame Street (PBS Kids), or Bluey (Disney+) and analyze the messages about race, ethnicity, and gender. Reflect on how these messages might influence young childrens development by addressing the following questions: Guidelines: Identify and describe explicit and implicit messages. What happened in the episode? Who were the main characters? How are different identities (e.g., race, gender, ability, family structure) represented? Are there any stereotypes or affirming portrayals? Apply three relevant developmental theories. Examples include the following: Eriksons Psychosocial Theory Which stage of development fits the characters (e.g., Initiative vs. Guilt)? How do they show success or struggle in this stage? Piagets Cognitive Development Theory What stage of cognitive development are the children in (e.g., Preoperational)? How do they demonstrate thinking patterns like symbolic play or egocentrism? Vygotskys Sociocultural Theory Are there examples of learning through social interaction or guided participation? How does culture or language shape what the characters learn? Banduras Social Learning Theory Do characters learn by observing others? What behaviors are modeled, rewarded, or discouraged? Bronfenbrenners Ecological Systems Theory What systems (family, school, media, culture) influence the childs development? Are there signs of systemic inequality or privilege? Attachment Theory What kind of attachment relationships are shown? How do caregivers respond to childrens needs? Reflect on how these messages may shape identity and social understanding. What emotions do characters express? How do they solve problems or resolve conflicts? What social behaviors are encouraged? Consider implications for social justice and ADEI. Does the show include characters from diverse backgrounds? Are differences celebrated, ignored, or treated as problems? How are fairness and inclusion addressed? Are there any messages about fairness, kindness, or standing up for others? Does the show address power, privilege, or inequality in any way? Self-Reflection Prompts: What messages might a young child take away from this episode? How might this show influence a childs understanding of themselves and others? How did this analysis challenge or confirm your assumptions? What biases did you notice in the media? How might you advocate for more inclusive media?