| Childrens' TV: Report Card |
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Childrens' TV: Report Card
> School-Age
> Chowder
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Chowder
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| NAME: |
Chowder |
| NETWORK: |
Cartoon Network
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| GENRE: |
Animated sitcom
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| SHOW DESCRIPTION: |
Chowder is the story of a young boy named Chowder, an apprentice to a chef named Mung Daal who owns a catering company serving the fictional Marzipan City.
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Appearance/Body Types |
How characters are portrayed in terms of their bodies—weight, hair, breasts, muscles, etc. Is there a broad range of sizes or are all characters featured in similar, stereotypical ways? |
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Interpersonal/Emotional Style |
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.? |
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Leadership & Independence |
How characters are portrayed as leaders or followers. Do they act independently, initiate conversations and actions, show respect for others, etc.? |
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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? |
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Self Image/Self Worth |
How characters are portrayed in terms of valuing themselves. Are characters too focused on, or worried about, their appearance? Are characters overly concerned with attracting potential romantic partners or behaving differently when they're around? |
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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? |
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TRUECHILD SAYS: When we first met Chowder, we really wanted to love the show because it is charming and uses really cool animation. However, we quickly learned that the show is sorely lacking female characters and, for those that do show up, the stereotypes are abundant.
Chowder and Ming Daal are funny and the kids really love them. Sadly, though, of two minor female characters, Truffles is a cranky old woman who is constantly trying to take control of her husband's business and comes across as overbearing and unpleasant. Chowder's other female role, Panini, is the classic googly-eyed girl who cares about nothing but trying to get Chowder to like her. She provides no depth or range of character and reinforces the message that girls will do whatever necessary to get a boy including change her behavior or ignore his rejection and persevere at all costs.
Chowder has the makings of a really sweet and funny show based on a character that actually breaks stereotypes - a little round boy who wants to be a chef's apprentice. But, without some more balance to the character roster and less reliance on overused stereotypes, this show will continue to receive failing marks with us.
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