This is a Sociolinguistic research paper written by Umar Farooq along with Usman Sohail, Mohsin Jawa, Saud Waheed and Usman Bajwa.
Sociolinguistic Studies
Language Gender and Power
Cmuftees Campus Clothing!
13 years ago
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Saturday, April 4, 2009
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Firstly and fore mostly we want to thank Allah without Whom we wouldn’t have accomplished our goals.
It was not possible for us to do this detailed research work alone. We would like to acknowledge some people who really helped us in gathering information data and interviews. First of all we would like to be thankful to Mr. Javaid Iqbal, the top most cartoonist of Pakistan. He gave us ample time and a detailed interview. We enjoyed his company because of his great sense of humor. Then we would like to thank Prof. Hafeez for giving a comprehensive interview and a detailed discussion we would also like to thank Mr. Asif Pervaiz( Umar's Father) for helping us in arranging two major interviews. Then we would like to thank headmistress of D.P.S (Lahore, Pakistan) to giving us some useful views specially on the affects of cartoons on the children. We would like to be thankful to our mate Vicky Zhuang Yin Yi to give us a very good analysis on cartoons. Also, we would like to thank Mr. Ali Habib and Sibta Muhammad for gathering information for questionnaires and interviews. In the end and the most importantly we are very grateful to our instructor Mr. Shahid Siddique for teaching us the course Language Gender and Power so beautifully that enabled us to do this work and Sir Umar Anjum for guiding us at each step of writing this paper. He was very helping throughout doing this research.
It was not possible for us to do this detailed research work alone. We would like to acknowledge some people who really helped us in gathering information data and interviews. First of all we would like to be thankful to Mr. Javaid Iqbal, the top most cartoonist of Pakistan. He gave us ample time and a detailed interview. We enjoyed his company because of his great sense of humor. Then we would like to thank Prof. Hafeez for giving a comprehensive interview and a detailed discussion we would also like to thank Mr. Asif Pervaiz( Umar's Father) for helping us in arranging two major interviews. Then we would like to thank headmistress of D.P.S (Lahore, Pakistan) to giving us some useful views specially on the affects of cartoons on the children. We would like to be thankful to our mate Vicky Zhuang Yin Yi to give us a very good analysis on cartoons. Also, we would like to thank Mr. Ali Habib and Sibta Muhammad for gathering information for questionnaires and interviews. In the end and the most importantly we are very grateful to our instructor Mr. Shahid Siddique for teaching us the course Language Gender and Power so beautifully that enabled us to do this work and Sir Umar Anjum for guiding us at each step of writing this paper. He was very helping throughout doing this research.
ABSTRACT
Cartoons, this word sounds funny and gives an impression of humor, but beside fun and humor there are many other facts and phenomena related with this word. Our work highlights all these phenomena and we have seen it from every perspective. Cartoons are watched worldwide and they are an important source of promoting stereotypes. We have focused that how cartoons promote stereotype. What type of stereotypes do cartoons promote? We have studied the relationship of cartoons with the society and the impact of cartoons on society. The role of language is also very important in cartoons. We have seen that gender stereotypes are promoted through cartoons. According to our research and previous researches male gender is dominant in cartoons since the history of cartoons started, Cartoons are increasing the gender differences. Females always have bean shown weak in cartoons. Beside that we have also researched that why children idealize different cartoons characters and what inspire them to idealize different cartoons. Researchers have seen that children in their smaller ages are unable to distinguish between reality and fantasy so it is more likely that cartoons draw some negative effects on their young and developing minds. Gender representation in cartoons are not only increasing the gender difference in society but also creating a lot of other problems. We have observed cartoons are creating violent behavior among children which indeed is a very serious issue. Cartoons are an important source to exercise power over the mind and heart of people, either by exaggerating the stereotypes or by some sort of political cartoons. Both electronic and print media cartoons are promoting gender biased stereotypes and exercising political power over people. Besides fun, entertainment, criticism and negative stereotypes; positive, good and serious messages can easily be given to people through cartoons. Cartoons are also being used in advertising industries; in making ads and logos of different products and industries. We have chosen some cartoons in our research paper and studied them thoroughly to show the stereotypes and the representation of language gender and power in them.
INTRODUCTION
A cartoon is a very famous form of illustration having different meanings evolving from its original meaning. The word ‘Cartoon’ has been derived from Dutch word Karton and the Italian word Cartone, which means strong, heavy paper. In old times this type of paper was used for tapestry. In modern meaning we may define Cartoons as the drawings, sketches and 3d animated cartoons which could be used for representation of feelings, emotions, anger and desires. They could be used for criticism and political purposes as well. There are different types of cartoons used at different times for different purposes. There are different types of cartoons like political cartoons, funny cartoons, exaggerated cartoons, caricature cartoons and comic cartoons etc. Cartoons are drawn on different unique as well as common concepts like dolls, humans, animals, dolls; even some fictitious characters are also explored as cartoon characters. Girls are also one important concept of creating cartoon images.
Now a day’s cartoons have very broad meaning and use. They are being used in advertising industry, for entertainment, for political purposes, for criticism and for delivering serious messages. Cartoons are very important because children start watching cartoons at a very early age and prefer watching them all the time. The most important thing in the cartoons is the use of gender and language in them. Generally cartoonist exaggerates and distorts the language and gender in making of cartoons to exercise power over people and this is very important thing to be noticed.
The main issue to address is the use of gender in the cartoons, how female are being portrayed in the cartoons and what message they are giving with the use of language.
The way in which women have been portrayed on television has received considerable attention from researchers. We have seen that females have been under-represented on television programs, in commercials and cartoons. Females usually appear as low status and less knowledgeable as male characters. We have researched on the effects of television cartoons on gender-role stereotyping. Messages conveyed by cartoons are also of concern because small children cannot distinguish between fantasy and reality. Young children are unable to differentiate between internal and external experiences.
Cartoons are very large mean to entertain, communicate and to propagate. Our research focused on the roles of language gender and power in cartoons. We have covered that how cartoons play a role in our everyday life. What is the impact of the cartoons on our society and how cartoons influence different genders and age groups in society? We have tried to find out that how power can be exercised through cartoons. We have tried to find out ways to reduce stereotypes from cartoons. We have taken different cartoons like Johny Bravo, Justice League, Aladdin, Scooby Doo and Simpsons. We have also taken some cartoons from the internet which is basically gender biased and stereotype perpetuating cartoons.
Now a day’s cartoons have very broad meaning and use. They are being used in advertising industry, for entertainment, for political purposes, for criticism and for delivering serious messages. Cartoons are very important because children start watching cartoons at a very early age and prefer watching them all the time. The most important thing in the cartoons is the use of gender and language in them. Generally cartoonist exaggerates and distorts the language and gender in making of cartoons to exercise power over people and this is very important thing to be noticed.
The main issue to address is the use of gender in the cartoons, how female are being portrayed in the cartoons and what message they are giving with the use of language.
The way in which women have been portrayed on television has received considerable attention from researchers. We have seen that females have been under-represented on television programs, in commercials and cartoons. Females usually appear as low status and less knowledgeable as male characters. We have researched on the effects of television cartoons on gender-role stereotyping. Messages conveyed by cartoons are also of concern because small children cannot distinguish between fantasy and reality. Young children are unable to differentiate between internal and external experiences.
Cartoons are very large mean to entertain, communicate and to propagate. Our research focused on the roles of language gender and power in cartoons. We have covered that how cartoons play a role in our everyday life. What is the impact of the cartoons on our society and how cartoons influence different genders and age groups in society? We have tried to find out that how power can be exercised through cartoons. We have tried to find out ways to reduce stereotypes from cartoons. We have taken different cartoons like Johny Bravo, Justice League, Aladdin, Scooby Doo and Simpsons. We have also taken some cartoons from the internet which is basically gender biased and stereotype perpetuating cartoons.
Major Question and Subsidary Question:
Representation of language gender and power in cartoons
What is the significance of cartoons in society?
What is the impact of language in cartoons on us?
Do cartoons only target a particular age group?
Which is the dominant gender in cartoons and what makes them dominant?
How cartoons strengthen the stereotypes?
Are cartoons just for entertainment or they have some good message in them?
Why children idealize different cartoons characters?
What is the role of cartoons in making the gender difference?
What is the significance of cartoons in society?
What is the impact of language in cartoons on us?
Do cartoons only target a particular age group?
Which is the dominant gender in cartoons and what makes them dominant?
How cartoons strengthen the stereotypes?
Are cartoons just for entertainment or they have some good message in them?
Why children idealize different cartoons characters?
What is the role of cartoons in making the gender difference?
LITERATURE REVIEW:
Stereotypes regarding women usually define females as coward, talkative, of lower status then men, dependent upon men etc. We know that social institutions are the biggest source of perpetuating these stereotypes. In the recent era media has become a very important part in the process of socialization. Our cartoons films, dramas hence every source of entertainment has the same purpose and they project the same so called expectations of the society and stereotypes. Cartoons are very important because children start watching cartoons at a very early age and prefer watching them all the time. A lot of research has been done on gender representation in cartoons and much more is taking place. It is a fact that most of the cartoons show male dominant characters. Many researchers such as (Merskin, 2002, Strenglenz & Serbin , 1974, Thomson and Zerbinos1995, 1997) are of this point of view that cartoon world is a male world. In a study Streicher (1974) also described male as dominant in cartoons and she categorized them as "chase-and-pratfall”. Male characters in the cartoons are shown as strong and powerful and the female characters are weak, helpless and dependent. (Blackmorep, Berennaum and Liben) in their book Gender Development claim that new cartoons are less stereotypical than the old ones. Their claim lies on this notion that men are being shown in domestic roles in the new cartoons. This claim doesn’t look much realistic. Females are usually rescued by the males. As discussed above cartoons target a specific age group i.e. is children ranging from age of 2 to 18. This age group is very important because this is the developing part of life. Children are unable to differentiate between reality and fantasy during this time period. Stereotypes developed among the minds of children during the early years are more everlasting than the stereotypes developed in old age. Till now the research taken place in this field depicts that cartoons are portraying high stereotypes. These stereotypes have a very negative effect on the young viewers. Gender representation in cartoons does not only produce gender differences but it creates a lot of other problems. Cartoons are also producing violence among children. Cartoons characters such as Slapstick (Road Runner and Tom & Jerry) are an example of this. Cartoons have a great use in business and advertising industry. There are many cartoons logos in which Male cartoon characters are always in dominance. A lot of research has proved this that male characters always outnumber female characters. Carter in 1992 has reported in a research, "Children's television has always been male dominated". A research at American Psychological Association has exposed that most of the cartoons are strengthening the gender stereotypes. Dr. Spicher and Dr. Hudak at APA selected 118 cartoons for research and they found that all cartoons had male characters in excess. Male characters were shown as dominant, strong, powerful and aggressive. The researchers also concluded that male characters are not only portrayed powerful and strong but female characters are shown as very weak and underrepresented. They have said in their research that: “These findings are disappointingly consistent with past research showing that the portrayal of gender roles on television in general, has been stereotypic, and that female characters have remained under-represented,". We know that cartoons not just only represent gender differences but they are also a role model for children. They create an image that forces the females to believe that they are weak and not as capable as men. Dr. Hudak says "Cartoons, in their current state, are depicting significant differences in the status, behavior and capabilities of female and male characters. Thus cartoons tell cultural stories that can't help but inform young minds about who they are to become". Society has defined functions for females and males. Such functions state that women are always the housekeeper and their duty is cooking, washing and caring for their children while men have only to work outside their home. Kelly Eick adds in his research article “Gender Stereotypes in Children's Television Cartoons” that “Male characters were also portrayed in a stereotypical manner. They were routinely placed in positions of power, such as policemen, superheroes, and scientists. They were never shown crying, cleaning, cooking or performing any role that could be seen as feminine.” This shows how cartoons create gender differences and gender discrimination and how cartoons assign different roles to different genders. Generally in cartoons males are shown dominant and they enjoy a higher status and jobs while female are shown with low status with jobs like cleaning cooking etc and they are shown very weak and dependent on males. According to the work done on cartoons by Zach, he said that mostly in cartoons we see that ‘you don’t need luck; you just need to believe in yourself’. This is quite common in cartoons. We can have anything happening in them. But he suggested that “Confidence, without talent and ability, just as useless as luck”. So anything unreal can easily be shown in cartoons which create fantasy among children. A study held at American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) states that “Children who view shows in which violence is very realistic, frequently repeated or unpunished, are more likely to imitate what they see”. Researchers identified three potential responses to cartoon violence in children, particularly girls, are much more likely than boys to be portrayed as victims of violence in cartoons, and this can make them psychologically fearful and afraid. Some of the most violent TV shows are children's cartoons, in which violence is portrayed as humorous or good gesture. And realistic outcome of violence are seldom shown. This can be especially true of young children, who are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior after viewing violent TV cartoons.
DESIGN METHODOLOGY:
In our research we have used different techniques of data collection and data analysis. We have used both traditional and modern method of research and data analysis. We have used print media, electronic media and internet for research. We have also used previous research work in this respect with proper citation. We have used questionnaires for data collection from the people of every gender and age and of every social class. We have used the sample size of 40 people. We got questionnaires filled from students, children, parents and children. We have interviewed experts such as cartoonists, sociologist and analyst. We have also interviewed some children and teenagers. We have used graphs and tables in order to present our data in a more illustrative manner which helped us to make certain conclusions.
Analysis Of Data:
Male gender is always dominating the cartoons and the whole society since the history of mankind. We researched with the help of our questionnaire to find out the dominant gender in most of the cartoon characters. Around 99 percent of population including male and female believed that male gender is dominant in cartoons. Our detailed analysis of selected cartoons (Johnny Bravo, Justice League, Aladdin, Scooby Doo and Simpsons) has also made this point of view very clear. When we interviewed a sociologist Prof Hafeez, (Head of Sociology Department, Punjab University, Lahore), he agreed that male is dominating the cartoons but some revolutions of feminism also influenced cartoons and in some cartoons female are shown dominant. Furthermore Carter in 1992 has reported in a research, “Children’s television has always been male dominated” this fact got further authenticity when we interviewed Mr. Javaid Iqbal, the leading cartoonist of Pakistan, he also told us that male gender is the most dominant in cartoons, males are shown strong in cartoons and other media as well while females are shown independent on males. Then we talk about newspaper comical cartoons while interviewing Vicky Zhuang Yi - Yin (cartoon analyst and fan) she said “while reading newspaper they (adult people) would like to have entertainment section where they talk about what is going on in world in a comical way”.
Children are always considered the most innocent being in the world and their thoughts, emotions and expressions are far more different and unrealistic than a youngster. Hence they are more volatile to the language and use of gender and power in cartoons. Children idealize many characters due to different reasons like action, fantasy, humor and supernatural powers in cartoons. More than 80 percent people in our sample agreed that children idealize cartoons. Mr. Javaid Iqbal credited the hard work of English cartoon makers. He told us the hectic process how to make a number of frames of cartoons. He declared that the hardworking and the excellent conceptual English animated cartoons make children to idealize the characters. While Prof Hafeez agreed that the power and fantasy, which has been shown in cartoons, is the reason that why children idealize cartoons. When we interviewed a 13 year old boy he told us that he like the action characters and the super natural powers of the characters. He told that BeyBlade is his favorite cartoons and he bought more than 100 BeyBlades (a kind of spinning machine or toy) and he used to arrange competition with his friends and brother in which one have to defeat other’s BeyBlade. He also showed us his collection of BeyBlades. From this example we can see how much children idealize cartoons. We have also seen and observed that the sales of many stores including Toy Shop have been increased after the Cartoon Network launched the series of Pokemon and BeyBlade etc. 90 percent of the people who went through the questionnaire activity have shown a clear interest towards watching the cartoons in the English language, and the remaining like other languages. As English is an international language which is spoken and understood in majority nations of the world that leads the animation and creation of cartoons in English. With contrast to other countries, English language is considered as a status symbol (especially in Pakistan). This can also be a dominant factor that most of people prefer watching cartoons in English language. Another fact which is notable and probably a very dominant reason is the lack of availability of quality cartoons in other languages. When it came to the question regarding the cartoons targeting a specific age group of Children, response was quiet obvious and the majority agreed to the fact that the cartoons target a particular age group that is for sure children or the fellows of a particular age group but there were small ratios of the opinion who strongly agreed or strongly disagreed to the fact. e.g. Aladdin focuses on the age group of 5-12 because in that age children are mostly attracted towards magic and all the fantasy stuff while on the other hand Justice League focuses the age group of 19-27 in which person is growing up and this is the time when he is motivated towards some aspect by inspiration (inspiration of hardworking and commitment) from a superhero like Superman. While Johnny Bravo could target the age group of 13-18 as it contains flirt and humor as well. We can see the same thing in Simpsons which targets the age group of 27 and above because it focuses on the everyday life issues in the family, you can say it is for mature people of the society. Male cartoon characters have a strong voice pitch while female cartoon characters have a weak language. The male cartoon characters have supportive and meaningful arguments. But a sense of lack of confidence depicts from the language of female cartoon characters. Female cartoon characters are very soft spoken and use their language with utmost care. The weak language used by female cartoon characters more likely resembles to the assumptions of Robin Lakoff's theory in her book "Language and Women's Place". She claims that she has made use of media and has seen that women's language is weak. A strong and aggressive language used by male cartoon characters creates an image that males are dominant over females. The women always ask more questions and use such sentence which includes question rather than statement. Some of the researchers such as O’Barr and Atkins (1980) also believe that women have a powerless language and it is not only the case with females but males who do not have power also have the same language. We know that cartoons mostly target a specific age group ranging from 2 to 18. Children are the most important viewers of cartoons. We know that any image that stereotypes created in the young minds of children is permanent and long lasting. Such an image created in the minds of children cannot be eradicated and removed easily. Stereotypes promoted in cartoons show male characters as powerful, strong, and aggressive as well. Previous researchers such as (Merskin, 2002, Strenglenz & Serbin , 1974, Thomson and Zerbinos1995, 1997) are also of this point of view that cartoon world is a male world. They are also shown as solution maker to all the problems while female characters are projected as weak, delicate and trouble maker. All male characters are shown holding good positions while females performing the traditional roles. Majority of the population agreed that cartoons are perpetuating gender stereotypes. Research has indicated that male characters always represent policemen, doctors, and scientist. On the other hand females are projected doing house hold chores and they held inferior position like nurses, receptionist etc. Females are portrayed as weak and foolish. A research at APA has reveled this and according to Dr. Spicher and Dr. Hudak “These findings are disappointingly consistent with past research showing that the portrayal of gender roles on television in general, has been stereotypic, and that female characters have remained under-represented". Children after watching cartoons expects themselves to pass their life as depicted in the cartoons. They think that males and females are entirely different from each other. Attitude of children changes in result of it. Children try to take the stereotypes within their minds as they grow further. Male children prefer to play with their male friends while female children keep themselves with their female friends. There is also a possibility that children may take cartoons as role model for their own gender. Dr. Hudak further elaborates on this point of view and adds that Cartoons are depicting significant differences in the status, behavior, and capabilities of female and male characters. Furthermore he says, cartoons tell cultural stories that can't help but inform young children about who they are to become and their possible future. This further creates a gap between two sexes producing a lot of more stereotypes. This also gives birth to misunderstandings among the minds of children as said by Deborah Tannen in her book 'You Just Don't Understand'. Male dominance shown in cartoons in the form of strength, power, smartness, and ability creates a negative effect in female minds. This sometimes also leads to inferiority complex in females. A sense of inferiority complex further affects the future lives of female children. They always consider themselves weak and inferior to men. It also effects their future education where they think that they cannot compete with males. The same also happens in the job market as well. A sense of male dominancy in males also creates a lot of other problems as well. It can cause violence against women including emotional and physical violence. Gender stereotypes are also a source of strengthening and exercising power. Power is an ability to bring about a change. Mr. Javed Iqbal (Cartoonist) has also said that male cartoon characters usually depict as having more power. Majority of our questionnaire analysis have concluded that people consider the notion that power is exercised through cartoons as neutral while 40 % people agreed with this question. So cartoons must show a clear picture and should teach good lessons, as their minds are growing and they will do what they will see. Most of the cartoons show the stereotypical nature of the society. They show violent fighting scenes and ways of taking revenge from others. These types of cartoons produce violence among children. There are many examples of such cartoons. Cartoons characters such as Slapstick (Road Runner and Tom & Jerry) are an example of this. These cartoons show the negative side of the picture which can have very bad and everlasting effects on children. Mostly, these violent scenes are promoted in ‘Action’ cartoons. We gathered data (From Questionnaires) about the type of Cartoons, people of all age like. Just 15 % people said that they watch Action cartoons. So, no matter action cartoons promote more violence than the cartoons from other categories, a small number of people watch these types of cartoons. We also see from our questionnaire that most of the children get violent behavior by watching cartoons, as 50 % of the people suggest that children get violent after watching cartoons. Prof. Hafeez and Head Mistress of the Divisional public School Mrs. Abida also suggested that lessons which are conveyed from cartoons should give a true picture, and indeed a good lesson. So, this is another reason why a good lesson from cartoon is very necessary.
We also see that, cartoonist give a good lesson from their political caricatures. We have seen from our analysis that 27.5% of the people watch political or criticism cartoons. So more than one-forth people get good lessons from these political or criticism cartoons, and political workers can change their bad behavior and evil thinking about their country and general public. This, same thing, is also told by famous cartoonist Jawed Iqbal. He suggests that cartoons are the best way to give a good lesson, (especially to the rulers of the country) with funny caricatures and without humiliating ones’ self respect.
Like we know that every cartoon has some story in it and sometime this story reflects the society’s views about the certain topic, and the same thing is proven by our research questionnaire (public opinion). We asked people that ‘Are cartoons just for entertainment or they have some good message in them? A total of 62% people agreed on our statement. E.g. In almost every cartoon hero is shown as the most hardworking and committed person. And he got victory only because of his hard work. People don’t just get entertained by them; rather they get useful lessons from them. As we have seen that children idealize their cartoons, so they get convinced from their heroes and use these lessons in their daily life. From our questionnaire, we see that about 33% people suggest and strongly agree with our statement that children idealize cartoons and about 63% people agree with our statement. So, overall, about 93% people suggest that children do idealize cartoons. This fact is also proved by Headmistress of Junior wing in Divisional public school. She suggests that not only children idealize cartoons; rather they adopt those actions and feelings in their life. She gave an example that after watching superman, every child thinks that he can fly in the sky and can help others. So, she gave more importance that children’s mind change quickly and hence, messages conveyed by cartoons should be carefully checked, otherwise there may be problems for parents and teachers to direct their children in the right path. According to (Roberts, Foehr, Rideout, & Brodie, 1999) children watch cartoons 2 hr 46 min/day to 3.25 hr/day day for television and videotapes combined ("Studies Find," 1999). Wright et al. (2001) tells that children from the age 3 to 12 years watch the television for an average of 657 minutes which is almost 10.95 hours per week in which television viewing was the primary focus, not an accompaniment to another activity such as eating; the older children watched significantly more television than the youngest children. A Department of Education report indicated that, in 2000, 75% of fourth-grade students watched television 2 hr or more per day: 18% of children watched 6 hr or more per day (Donahue, Finnegan, Lutkus, Allen, & Campbell, 2001). Parents, behavioral scientists, and public officials have voiced concern regarding the potential effects of so much television programming on children. From this given data we can see how much cartoons can affect the minds and heart of young children
Children are always considered the most innocent being in the world and their thoughts, emotions and expressions are far more different and unrealistic than a youngster. Hence they are more volatile to the language and use of gender and power in cartoons. Children idealize many characters due to different reasons like action, fantasy, humor and supernatural powers in cartoons. More than 80 percent people in our sample agreed that children idealize cartoons. Mr. Javaid Iqbal credited the hard work of English cartoon makers. He told us the hectic process how to make a number of frames of cartoons. He declared that the hardworking and the excellent conceptual English animated cartoons make children to idealize the characters. While Prof Hafeez agreed that the power and fantasy, which has been shown in cartoons, is the reason that why children idealize cartoons. When we interviewed a 13 year old boy he told us that he like the action characters and the super natural powers of the characters. He told that BeyBlade is his favorite cartoons and he bought more than 100 BeyBlades (a kind of spinning machine or toy) and he used to arrange competition with his friends and brother in which one have to defeat other’s BeyBlade. He also showed us his collection of BeyBlades. From this example we can see how much children idealize cartoons. We have also seen and observed that the sales of many stores including Toy Shop have been increased after the Cartoon Network launched the series of Pokemon and BeyBlade etc. 90 percent of the people who went through the questionnaire activity have shown a clear interest towards watching the cartoons in the English language, and the remaining like other languages. As English is an international language which is spoken and understood in majority nations of the world that leads the animation and creation of cartoons in English. With contrast to other countries, English language is considered as a status symbol (especially in Pakistan). This can also be a dominant factor that most of people prefer watching cartoons in English language. Another fact which is notable and probably a very dominant reason is the lack of availability of quality cartoons in other languages. When it came to the question regarding the cartoons targeting a specific age group of Children, response was quiet obvious and the majority agreed to the fact that the cartoons target a particular age group that is for sure children or the fellows of a particular age group but there were small ratios of the opinion who strongly agreed or strongly disagreed to the fact. e.g. Aladdin focuses on the age group of 5-12 because in that age children are mostly attracted towards magic and all the fantasy stuff while on the other hand Justice League focuses the age group of 19-27 in which person is growing up and this is the time when he is motivated towards some aspect by inspiration (inspiration of hardworking and commitment) from a superhero like Superman. While Johnny Bravo could target the age group of 13-18 as it contains flirt and humor as well. We can see the same thing in Simpsons which targets the age group of 27 and above because it focuses on the everyday life issues in the family, you can say it is for mature people of the society. Male cartoon characters have a strong voice pitch while female cartoon characters have a weak language. The male cartoon characters have supportive and meaningful arguments. But a sense of lack of confidence depicts from the language of female cartoon characters. Female cartoon characters are very soft spoken and use their language with utmost care. The weak language used by female cartoon characters more likely resembles to the assumptions of Robin Lakoff's theory in her book "Language and Women's Place". She claims that she has made use of media and has seen that women's language is weak. A strong and aggressive language used by male cartoon characters creates an image that males are dominant over females. The women always ask more questions and use such sentence which includes question rather than statement. Some of the researchers such as O’Barr and Atkins (1980) also believe that women have a powerless language and it is not only the case with females but males who do not have power also have the same language. We know that cartoons mostly target a specific age group ranging from 2 to 18. Children are the most important viewers of cartoons. We know that any image that stereotypes created in the young minds of children is permanent and long lasting. Such an image created in the minds of children cannot be eradicated and removed easily. Stereotypes promoted in cartoons show male characters as powerful, strong, and aggressive as well. Previous researchers such as (Merskin, 2002, Strenglenz & Serbin , 1974, Thomson and Zerbinos1995, 1997) are also of this point of view that cartoon world is a male world. They are also shown as solution maker to all the problems while female characters are projected as weak, delicate and trouble maker. All male characters are shown holding good positions while females performing the traditional roles. Majority of the population agreed that cartoons are perpetuating gender stereotypes. Research has indicated that male characters always represent policemen, doctors, and scientist. On the other hand females are projected doing house hold chores and they held inferior position like nurses, receptionist etc. Females are portrayed as weak and foolish. A research at APA has reveled this and according to Dr. Spicher and Dr. Hudak “These findings are disappointingly consistent with past research showing that the portrayal of gender roles on television in general, has been stereotypic, and that female characters have remained under-represented". Children after watching cartoons expects themselves to pass their life as depicted in the cartoons. They think that males and females are entirely different from each other. Attitude of children changes in result of it. Children try to take the stereotypes within their minds as they grow further. Male children prefer to play with their male friends while female children keep themselves with their female friends. There is also a possibility that children may take cartoons as role model for their own gender. Dr. Hudak further elaborates on this point of view and adds that Cartoons are depicting significant differences in the status, behavior, and capabilities of female and male characters. Furthermore he says, cartoons tell cultural stories that can't help but inform young children about who they are to become and their possible future. This further creates a gap between two sexes producing a lot of more stereotypes. This also gives birth to misunderstandings among the minds of children as said by Deborah Tannen in her book 'You Just Don't Understand'. Male dominance shown in cartoons in the form of strength, power, smartness, and ability creates a negative effect in female minds. This sometimes also leads to inferiority complex in females. A sense of inferiority complex further affects the future lives of female children. They always consider themselves weak and inferior to men. It also effects their future education where they think that they cannot compete with males. The same also happens in the job market as well. A sense of male dominancy in males also creates a lot of other problems as well. It can cause violence against women including emotional and physical violence. Gender stereotypes are also a source of strengthening and exercising power. Power is an ability to bring about a change. Mr. Javed Iqbal (Cartoonist) has also said that male cartoon characters usually depict as having more power. Majority of our questionnaire analysis have concluded that people consider the notion that power is exercised through cartoons as neutral while 40 % people agreed with this question. So cartoons must show a clear picture and should teach good lessons, as their minds are growing and they will do what they will see. Most of the cartoons show the stereotypical nature of the society. They show violent fighting scenes and ways of taking revenge from others. These types of cartoons produce violence among children. There are many examples of such cartoons. Cartoons characters such as Slapstick (Road Runner and Tom & Jerry) are an example of this. These cartoons show the negative side of the picture which can have very bad and everlasting effects on children. Mostly, these violent scenes are promoted in ‘Action’ cartoons. We gathered data (From Questionnaires) about the type of Cartoons, people of all age like. Just 15 % people said that they watch Action cartoons. So, no matter action cartoons promote more violence than the cartoons from other categories, a small number of people watch these types of cartoons. We also see from our questionnaire that most of the children get violent behavior by watching cartoons, as 50 % of the people suggest that children get violent after watching cartoons. Prof. Hafeez and Head Mistress of the Divisional public School Mrs. Abida also suggested that lessons which are conveyed from cartoons should give a true picture, and indeed a good lesson. So, this is another reason why a good lesson from cartoon is very necessary.
We also see that, cartoonist give a good lesson from their political caricatures. We have seen from our analysis that 27.5% of the people watch political or criticism cartoons. So more than one-forth people get good lessons from these political or criticism cartoons, and political workers can change their bad behavior and evil thinking about their country and general public. This, same thing, is also told by famous cartoonist Jawed Iqbal. He suggests that cartoons are the best way to give a good lesson, (especially to the rulers of the country) with funny caricatures and without humiliating ones’ self respect.
Like we know that every cartoon has some story in it and sometime this story reflects the society’s views about the certain topic, and the same thing is proven by our research questionnaire (public opinion). We asked people that ‘Are cartoons just for entertainment or they have some good message in them? A total of 62% people agreed on our statement. E.g. In almost every cartoon hero is shown as the most hardworking and committed person. And he got victory only because of his hard work. People don’t just get entertained by them; rather they get useful lessons from them. As we have seen that children idealize their cartoons, so they get convinced from their heroes and use these lessons in their daily life. From our questionnaire, we see that about 33% people suggest and strongly agree with our statement that children idealize cartoons and about 63% people agree with our statement. So, overall, about 93% people suggest that children do idealize cartoons. This fact is also proved by Headmistress of Junior wing in Divisional public school. She suggests that not only children idealize cartoons; rather they adopt those actions and feelings in their life. She gave an example that after watching superman, every child thinks that he can fly in the sky and can help others. So, she gave more importance that children’s mind change quickly and hence, messages conveyed by cartoons should be carefully checked, otherwise there may be problems for parents and teachers to direct their children in the right path. According to (Roberts, Foehr, Rideout, & Brodie, 1999) children watch cartoons 2 hr 46 min/day to 3.25 hr/day day for television and videotapes combined ("Studies Find," 1999). Wright et al. (2001) tells that children from the age 3 to 12 years watch the television for an average of 657 minutes which is almost 10.95 hours per week in which television viewing was the primary focus, not an accompaniment to another activity such as eating; the older children watched significantly more television than the youngest children. A Department of Education report indicated that, in 2000, 75% of fourth-grade students watched television 2 hr or more per day: 18% of children watched 6 hr or more per day (Donahue, Finnegan, Lutkus, Allen, & Campbell, 2001). Parents, behavioral scientists, and public officials have voiced concern regarding the potential effects of so much television programming on children. From this given data we can see how much cartoons can affect the minds and heart of young children
Analysis of data: cartoon 9
Google Image
Simpson
Female characters are beautiful and pretty because our society always expects female to be delicate and beautiful. They do not have any main role in the cartoon. They are shown as creating problems. They do not participate in decision making or as solution maker of their problems. This also depicts that they are weak, foolish and trouble maker. While Simpons are cartoons which take serious issues of society and implements in a daily life of a family and how it deals with it in hilarious way. Homer J.simpson, being the male, represents the head of the family getting drunk, yet he stills holds the power of decision making because he is the provider of the family. Marge Simpson the second in command she is a typical housewife and take care of the family
Analysis of data: cartoon 8
Google Image
Scooby doo
In Scooby doo main role of the cartoon is performed by the male character Fred. He is the hero of cartoon. As we know that hero is always smart, intelligent and powerful. The same attributes are shown in the hero of this cartoon, Fred. He makes decision most of the time. An idea for catching the villain always struck his mind. Shaggy the other male character is not as intelligent as Fred but still he is shown more superior to female characters.
Analysis of data: cartoon 7
Google Image
Justice League
In Justice League the stereotype about women that they are weak as compared to men is strengthen. Men are supposed to be strong, brave and fearless here in the justice league take the example of Superman he is strong, Brave, fearless and active person and most of all he has super strength along with super speed. Women can only use different tactics
Analysis of data: cartoon 6
Google image
In Aladdin the princess Jasmine was shown very beautiful, as she was a princess, but still she was dependent on Aladdin and her rank was lower than king and prince (Aladdin) and she was shown dumb and troublemaker for Aladdin.
Analysis of data: cartoon 5
Google Image
The electronic media animated cartoons we selected are based on stereotypes for example in Johnny Bravo male gender is shown very flirt and also muscular as the society expect man to be stronger and strong men look more handsome. The other thing is that women are used as an object and a symbol of beauty and hotness
Analysis of data: cartoon 4
Source: Cartoon Stock
Here is another example of gender biased stereotypical cartoon. This contains a factor of humor as well.
Analysis of data: cartoon 3
Source: Gopal
This is another cartoon by Gopal. This is a gender biased cartoon in which a man fainted just because the plane he is sitting in is flying by a lady pilot. This is a very common stereotype that females are bad driver but in this cartoon is showing that females are not only bad drivers but also a bad pilot.
Analysis of data: cartoon 2
Source: Cartoon Stock
This is a gender biased cartoon. In which female are used as an object. And the other stereotype the society wants female to be hot. As in the cartoon the taxi has been stopped for a high heeled hot n sexy leg. But actually a male is holding a fake leg to stop a taxi. Men are thoughtful and flirty these are the other stereotypes that are being strengthened in this cartoon
Analysis of data: cartoon 1
This cartoon shows how political power can be exercised with the help of cartoons. In this cartoon the former US president G W Bush is shown as an artist who has painted former Iraqi President Saddam Husain as an evil to show the world that he was a devil and harmful for the whole world.
Conclusion:
From our research we have concluded that cartoons are highly stereotypical and are promoting gender stereotypes. In today’s modern and advance society gender inequality is still a dilemma. Gender differences and gender stereotypes are far away from reality but still in 21st century, we consider them true because they have become permanent part of our society due to their excessive use. Social institutions including both electronic and print media is a great source of perpetuating the stereotypes. In other words we can say that they have become a social reality. We have seen in the cartoons, as well as in our daily life, that people are attracted by money. Girls usually try to marry a richer boy, and vice versa, so as they don’t face any financial difficulties in their future life. Cartoons are not exempted from this entire scenario but they do portray the same language and gender differences. Cartoons could also be used for the betterment of the society as it is a very soft medium to convey thoughts and expressions. Our analysis has also made it clear that most of the population consider males as dominant. Males are still projected as strong, powerful and wise. This is also very clear from our analysis of selected cartoons. Males are still accorded higher status in spite of the fact that women are equally wise and strong as men.
RECOMENDATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:
RECOMENDATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
From our research, we have been inclined to the fact that cartoon world is highly stereotypical. Our research analysis has shown that most of the cartoons have male characters more in number as compared to females. The gender differences projected in cartoons does not only create a single problem but they are a cause of a lot of other problems. Cartoons mainly target young children. As we have discussed in our analysis and taken reference from previous research that young children grasp any information very quickly, and more often by the television. They consider any information available to them as true. Most of the times children are unable to understand cartoon language but they devise their own meaning for visual images. We are also well aware of the fact that children's brain is highly sensitive and the images created in their minds remain for a long time which cannot be eradicated easily. Male dominance and superiority in cartoons tends the male children to believe that they are more strong and powerful as compared to women. This negative attribute is also a leading cause of killings and violence, including domestic violence. According to sociologist Prof. Hafeez, the main reason for this is the same as we have discussed before. Parents and teachers should be well aware of their duty and they should inform children that what is portrayed in cartoons is not true in reality. Parents and teachers should have a check on their children activities. Cartoons should be seen in some supervision of parents or guardians. Madam Abida also emphasized that children should be told the difference between reality and fantasy. Children shouldn’t be given a free hand and, teachers and parents should teach their children moral and ethical values. They should further tell their children that no gender is superior or inferior but both male and female are equal. The notion about male dominance has become a social reality. Social institutions such as media, schools and colleges are the cause of strengthening this. Media men should be encouraged, specially the cartoonists, that they should become neutral while making cartoons. Similarly courses such as language, gender and power should also be included among in curriculum. We can eradicate and remove this social reality which has become a permanent part of the society by the collective efforts of all the social institutions.
From our research, we have been inclined to the fact that cartoon world is highly stereotypical. Our research analysis has shown that most of the cartoons have male characters more in number as compared to females. The gender differences projected in cartoons does not only create a single problem but they are a cause of a lot of other problems. Cartoons mainly target young children. As we have discussed in our analysis and taken reference from previous research that young children grasp any information very quickly, and more often by the television. They consider any information available to them as true. Most of the times children are unable to understand cartoon language but they devise their own meaning for visual images. We are also well aware of the fact that children's brain is highly sensitive and the images created in their minds remain for a long time which cannot be eradicated easily. Male dominance and superiority in cartoons tends the male children to believe that they are more strong and powerful as compared to women. This negative attribute is also a leading cause of killings and violence, including domestic violence. According to sociologist Prof. Hafeez, the main reason for this is the same as we have discussed before. Parents and teachers should be well aware of their duty and they should inform children that what is portrayed in cartoons is not true in reality. Parents and teachers should have a check on their children activities. Cartoons should be seen in some supervision of parents or guardians. Madam Abida also emphasized that children should be told the difference between reality and fantasy. Children shouldn’t be given a free hand and, teachers and parents should teach their children moral and ethical values. They should further tell their children that no gender is superior or inferior but both male and female are equal. The notion about male dominance has become a social reality. Social institutions such as media, schools and colleges are the cause of strengthening this. Media men should be encouraged, specially the cartoonists, that they should become neutral while making cartoons. Similarly courses such as language, gender and power should also be included among in curriculum. We can eradicate and remove this social reality which has become a permanent part of the society by the collective efforts of all the social institutions.
Appendix:
Name: Sex: Male / Female
1) What is your age group?
• 5-12 • 13-18 • 19-27 • 27-above
2) What type of cartoons do you like?
• Funny • Action • Flirty • Criticism/Political
3) How often do you watch cartoons?
• Daily • Once or twice a week • Whenever get a chance
4) In which language do you prefer watching cartoons?
• English • Urdu • Other
5) What is the fact that keeps you from watching cartoons?
• Gender Bias • Violent fighting scenes • Obscene language • Unreal
6) Who is the most dominant gender in cartoons?
• Male • Female
7) Which cartoon character influence you the most?
• Superheroes • Animal Characters • Robots • Caricature
8) What change in behavior do you see in children due to cartoons?
• Better behavior • Violent Behavior • Humorous behavior • No change
9) Do cartoons strengthen gender Stereotypes?
• Strongly agree • Agree • Neutral • Disagree • Strongly Disagree
10) Which characteristic(s) of cartoon inspire you the most?
• Super-natural Power • Physical Appearance • Language • All of the above
11) Cartoons only target a particular age group?
• Strongly agree • Agree • Neutral • Disagree • Strongly Disagree
12) Besides entertainment, Do cartoons have some good lessons in them?
• Strongly agree • Agree • Neutral • Disagree • Strongly Disagree
13) What is the role of cartoons in making gender differences?
• Cartoons increase gender differences • Cartoons decrease gender differences • No Effect
14) Do children idealize Cartoons?
• Strongly agree • Agree • Neutral • Disagree • Strongly Disagree
15) Do you think that power can be exercised through cartoons?
• Strongly agree • Agree • Neutral • Disagree • Strongly Disagree
1) What is your age group?
• 5-12 • 13-18 • 19-27 • 27-above
2) What type of cartoons do you like?
• Funny • Action • Flirty • Criticism/Political
3) How often do you watch cartoons?
• Daily • Once or twice a week • Whenever get a chance
4) In which language do you prefer watching cartoons?
• English • Urdu • Other
5) What is the fact that keeps you from watching cartoons?
• Gender Bias • Violent fighting scenes • Obscene language • Unreal
6) Who is the most dominant gender in cartoons?
• Male • Female
7) Which cartoon character influence you the most?
• Superheroes • Animal Characters • Robots • Caricature
8) What change in behavior do you see in children due to cartoons?
• Better behavior • Violent Behavior • Humorous behavior • No change
9) Do cartoons strengthen gender Stereotypes?
• Strongly agree • Agree • Neutral • Disagree • Strongly Disagree
10) Which characteristic(s) of cartoon inspire you the most?
• Super-natural Power • Physical Appearance • Language • All of the above
11) Cartoons only target a particular age group?
• Strongly agree • Agree • Neutral • Disagree • Strongly Disagree
12) Besides entertainment, Do cartoons have some good lessons in them?
• Strongly agree • Agree • Neutral • Disagree • Strongly Disagree
13) What is the role of cartoons in making gender differences?
• Cartoons increase gender differences • Cartoons decrease gender differences • No Effect
14) Do children idealize Cartoons?
• Strongly agree • Agree • Neutral • Disagree • Strongly Disagree
15) Do you think that power can be exercised through cartoons?
• Strongly agree • Agree • Neutral • Disagree • Strongly Disagree
Appendix:
Appendix A:
Interview Questions
1) How long have you been in this field?
2) What makes you to become a cartoonist?
3) What is the basic idea behind making a cartoon?
4) Why there is so much exaggeration of a persons’ character in caricatures?
5) Do you think that cartoons can help in business promotions i.e. in advertizing agencies?
6) Is there any pressure group which forces you to make cartoons or restrict your work?
7) Do you intend to promote stereotypes in your cartoons?
8) In what ways gender differences are promoted in cartoons?
9) In what ways gender representation in cartoons affect the lifestyle or physical appearance of children?
10) Do social responsibilities of people change by watching cartoons?
11) Is power the only tool for cartoons to become popular?
12) Which gender is more appealing in cartoons, male or female?
13) Do you think that we can teach society some important messages with the help of cartoons?
14) Which age group likes which type of cartoons?
15) Do cartoons promote stereotype?
16) Do cartoons increase gender difference?
17) Why children idealize cartoons?
Interview Questions
1) How long have you been in this field?
2) What makes you to become a cartoonist?
3) What is the basic idea behind making a cartoon?
4) Why there is so much exaggeration of a persons’ character in caricatures?
5) Do you think that cartoons can help in business promotions i.e. in advertizing agencies?
6) Is there any pressure group which forces you to make cartoons or restrict your work?
7) Do you intend to promote stereotypes in your cartoons?
8) In what ways gender differences are promoted in cartoons?
9) In what ways gender representation in cartoons affect the lifestyle or physical appearance of children?
10) Do social responsibilities of people change by watching cartoons?
11) Is power the only tool for cartoons to become popular?
12) Which gender is more appealing in cartoons, male or female?
13) Do you think that we can teach society some important messages with the help of cartoons?
14) Which age group likes which type of cartoons?
15) Do cartoons promote stereotype?
16) Do cartoons increase gender difference?
17) Why children idealize cartoons?
Refrrences:
Reference:
Blakemore, J.E., Berenbaum, S.A., & Liben, L.S. (Eds.). (2008). Gender Development.
New York: CRC Press.
Choma, C.J, Hossler, S, Leu, R, Nelson, D, Ray, S, Wilcox, B., & Ybarra, B.
(November 2004).
Effects of Cartoons on Children. Retrieved March 23, 2009 from
http://www. bgsu.edu/departments/tcom/faculty/ha/tcom103fall2004/gp9/
Eick, K.(May 1998) Gender Stereotypes in Children's Television Cartoons .
Retrieved March 21, 2009 from, http://cla.calpoly.edu/~jrubba/495/papersS98/paper1.html
Hudak, M.A & Spicher, C.H. (1997, August 18).
Gender Role Portrayal on Saturday Morning
Cartoons. Paper presented at American Phychological Association.
Hussain, A. (1990). Women in participating development. SV Advertising (PVT) Ltd.
Lakoff, R. (1975). Language and Woman’s Place. New York: Harper & Row.
Ogletree, S.M., Martinez, C.N., Turner, T.R., & Mason, B. (2004). Sex Roles: A Journal of
Research, 50: 11-12
Siddiqui, R., Hamid, S., Siddiqui, R., Akhtar, N., Soomro, GY. Gender and Empowerment.
Islamabad: Pakistan Institute of Development Economics.
Thompson., Teresa, L., & Zebrinos. (1995). Gender Roles in Animated Cartoons: Has the Picture
Changed In 20 Years? Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, 32: 651 - 674.
Zach. (2009) Universal Moral lessons in Cartoons, Retreived March 18, 2009 from
http://sesquipedaliancatachresis.blogspot.com/2009/03/universal-moral-
lessons-in-cartoons.html
Blakemore, J.E., Berenbaum, S.A., & Liben, L.S. (Eds.). (2008). Gender Development.
New York: CRC Press.
Choma, C.J, Hossler, S, Leu, R, Nelson, D, Ray, S, Wilcox, B., & Ybarra, B.
(November 2004).
Effects of Cartoons on Children. Retrieved March 23, 2009 from
http://www. bgsu.edu/departments/tcom/faculty/ha/tcom103fall2004/gp9/
Eick, K.(May 1998) Gender Stereotypes in Children's Television Cartoons .
Retrieved March 21, 2009 from, http://cla.calpoly.edu/~jrubba/495/papersS98/paper1.html
Hudak, M.A & Spicher, C.H. (1997, August 18).
Gender Role Portrayal on Saturday Morning
Cartoons. Paper presented at American Phychological Association.
Hussain, A. (1990). Women in participating development. SV Advertising (PVT) Ltd.
Lakoff, R. (1975). Language and Woman’s Place. New York: Harper & Row.
Ogletree, S.M., Martinez, C.N., Turner, T.R., & Mason, B. (2004). Sex Roles: A Journal of
Research, 50: 11-12
Siddiqui, R., Hamid, S., Siddiqui, R., Akhtar, N., Soomro, GY. Gender and Empowerment.
Islamabad: Pakistan Institute of Development Economics.
Thompson., Teresa, L., & Zebrinos. (1995). Gender Roles in Animated Cartoons: Has the Picture
Changed In 20 Years? Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, 32: 651 - 674.
Zach. (2009) Universal Moral lessons in Cartoons, Retreived March 18, 2009 from
http://sesquipedaliancatachresis.blogspot.com/2009/03/universal-moral-
lessons-in-cartoons.html
Thursday, April 2, 2009
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