Do+They+Have+Too+Much+Freedom?

Assignment: Media Paper Do They Have Much Freedom?  Television is not only for entertainment, but it is a way for people to make big money. The shows and people see on television have an impact on the way the viewers think and it is natural to stereotype. Looking back at our history it was a stereotype that men and boys dominated almost every aspect of peoples’ lives, but now shows such as //Hannah Montana//, //Wizards of Waverly Place//, and //Shake it Up// feature girls as their main female characters on the Disney Channel. On the other hand, the boys are seen as supporting actors as the girls’ brother or brothers. Now it is time to see what girls can do. Disney Channel creates female characters are self-assertive and self-motivated. Therefore the Disney Channel promotes a strong sense of “girl power” throughout their channel, however the producers may be giving stronger statement than intended to their viewers and sometimes the girls come off as a wisecrack and can demonstrate arrogance.  Are the Disney Channel’s powerful girl character creating and developing healthy for the little girls and pre-teens who watch these shows? The way the girls behave don’t seem to demonstrate the best morals and personalities. It would however be a better learning environment for everyone, especially children, if all the shows were educational, morally right, and appropriate television wouldn’t be a source of entertainment anymore. Many of the girls and boys watching this channel are in their prime learning stage and it is easy to pick up habits from everything they see and hear.  Although among the shows the girls are speaking their mind, they tend to come off as arrogant, stubborn, or sassy. We would often see the girl constantly make a sassy remark, roll her eyes, or make a weird, disapproving face. Also often there would be a fake audience laughing in the background, which allows the Disney Channel viewers to think it is funny and appropriate. For example, in //Wizards of Waverly Place,// Alex, the main character, makes a sassy remark to her brother, Justin, after he announces he wants to perform a new spell he learned called the “skinny man.” Alex replies, “great, it is a spell that will make Justin thin and a man.” Although it may be funny, it portrays an unhealthy habit of a wisecrack. In addition, in //Hannah Montana,// Miley’s dad bought her a Stanford University sweatshirt, however it was so big that Miley and her best friend Lilly could fit in there. To Miley’s father it looked perfect, but she responded, “If you want me to look like a shapeless slump!” Again, this may be funny, however her remark was very disrespectful towards her father, who was thoughtful enough to buy her present. However, if all the characters were polite, considerate of others, and had good morals it wouldn’t make the show as interesting and wouldn’t capture the viewers’ attention. What makes a good show is conflict and excitement and human nature is naturally attracted to it.  Competition gives shows more appeal and conflict. In most of these shows the girls are usually competing against their brothers. Although many people may not think of it, this demonstrates that girls can be just as good or better than boys. In the show //Wizards of Waverly Place,// despite the fact that Justin is the smart one in the family, Alex wants to compete with him in a wizards competition to see who can memorize and learn the most spells. She exclaims, “This competition is not over yet! Count me and Max in.” This shows that the girls have a little more power and confidence with themselves. Also, in the new Disney Channel original series, //Shake it Up,// Cici and Rockey, two thirteen year old girls are aspiring to become famous dancers. They are constantly competing to get the starlight spot on their show. This shows a strong sense of girl power and what girls are capable of achieving. However, in //Hannah Montana,// when Miley doesn’t get her way she turns herself into Hannah Montana. Although it shows that she has great control to do anything she wants, at times it seems as if she abuses her power just to get her way. In addition, Miley’s older brother, Jackson, commented his girlfriend on her looks and she took it the wrong way. She was so stubborn and convinced that Jackson insulted her that she dumped all his water on his head and he didn’t do anything about it. Before this time period, it would be unusual to see a girl or woman take such a bold move against any boy or man. Even though pouring water on someone’s head may seem funny, and inappropriate and Jackson’s girlfriend demonstrated a sense of power over him. The Disney Channel creates strong and independent girl characters because they promote the strength in girl power, however their statement comes off too strong. Although these actresses are just acting, many girls look up to them and want to be just like them. It is easy to catch on to easy habits we continuously see on television. Allowing too much freedom with their words and actions on the Disney Channel may hurt the way young girls grow up. They seem to have the best intentions, but not the clearest way of showing them.