| Childrens' TV: Report Card |
|
|
Childrens' TV: Report Card
> Preschool
> Backyardigans
|
<< Return
|
Backyardigans
|
| NAME: |
The Backyardigans
|
| NETWORK: |
Noggin |
| GENRE: |
Musical adventure
|
| SHOW DESCRIPTION: |
The Backyardigans features five high-spirited preschool friends -- Uniqua, Pablo, Tyrone, Tasha and Austin -- who rely on their vivid imaginations to transform their backyard into a fantastical 3-D landscape, and together they embark on amazing epic journeys.
| |
|
|
Representation |
Does the show use a balanced ratio of male and female characters? |
|
|
Appearance |
How characters are portrayed in terms of their appearance. Does the show use color to identify gender and are broad ranges of features used to illustrate characters? |
|
|
Communication/Interaction |
How characters are portrayed in terms of their communication styles and interactions with other characters. Do they display characteristics such as assertiveness, confidence, sensitivity, kindness, adventurousness, etc.? |
|
|
Leadership & Independence |
How characters are portrayed as leaders or followers. Do they act independently, initiate conversations and actions, show respect for others, etc.? |
|
|
Activities |
How characters are portrayed in terms of their activities and physicality. Are characters portrayed doing only stereotypical activities (girls cheerleading and boys playing sports, for example) or are there a broad range of activities for each? |
|
|
Skills & Intelligence |
How characters are portrayed in terms of their intelligence and abilities. Do they show aptitude with science, technology or math as well as art, dance or music? |
|
|
COMMENTS: The Backyardigans is an inspiring show for children inviting them to use their imaginations, sing and dance. However, the show also relies upon some basic stereotypes to connect with children. The female characters are easily identified based on the use of color. Uniqua -- one of the two female characters -- is a pink creature. Pablo, the blue male penguin, is the primary leader on the show and he is the one who is coming up with all of the ideas. As a result, the girls tend to take a back-seat and often come across as being annoying or bossy.
| | | |
|
|
|
|
