Gender and Prime Time Television

The show I chose that is stereotypical on the genders is the Nickelodeon's very own iCarly. In this show, it emphasizes a lot on making jokes with a girl whose role is to carry a tough exterior in order to get respected. When she lets her guard down and starts to act lady-like, she is taken advantage of and ridiculed. The stereotype on this is that little girls are going to learn that they have to keep a tough exterior in order not to be taken advantage of.

The scene that I analyzed consisted of the characters Carly (Miranda Cosgrove), Freddy (Nathan Kress), and Sam (Jennette McCurdy). The characters were in Carly's living room on what seemed to be the afternoon The three characters are having a simple conversation speaking on Sam's "rare" lady-like attitude. Carly and Freddy are talking and assume that there is something wrong with Sam since she's not behaving like her usual tomboy self. During this time, Sam gives this irritated look as if she feels uncomfortable with what they're saying about her. Carly and Freddy come to the conclusion that Sam will not get respected if she changes her attitude from a tough one to a lady-like one.

During this scene, Sam has a slight change in her wardrobe; she is wearing a black blouse instead of the regular colorful graphic t-shirt. In the conclusion of this scene, Sam beats up Freddy for speaking on behalf of her lifestyle change. The lighting in the living room is quite dim, pretty much showing that this was a dark moment in the show.

During the conversation, the characters speak upon the issue as if it's a big deal and a girl should carry a tough attitude in order for people not to take advantage of them. Being that this show is intended for children, this stereotype goes beyond the regular views. If this stereotype is being presented to children, that means that girls who watch the show are going to think that carrying a touch exterior and dressing like a boy is the the right thing to do. Not saying that having that lifestyle by choice is wrong, but I for one feel like it shouldn't be encouraged. I also think that shows that are shown to children should not consist of a loud, obnoxious, irresponsible girl who feels that breaking the rules is the right thing to do.