Do Children's Media Content Overstep the Mark? An Analysis of Gender-Based Problematic, Evil and Criminal Themes Presented in Children's Cartoon Shows

Abstract

Aim of the Study: In todays’ world, media and technology have become central components for children so far their entertainment is concerned. Electronic media especially children’s television entertainment programs have been facing strong criticism for their negative impacts on young viewers. The current paper was designed to explore the gender-based criminal and evil activities, bad manners and problematic themes in children cartoon shows.

Methodology: A total of 34 hours long data containing 150 episodes (N=150) of three channels namely Disney, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon were randomly collected.

Findings: Using qualitative and quantitative content analysis overall bad Manners occurred at 44 % (n=232/523) almost 7 activities per hour (n= 34 hours) and 3 activities per episode (n=150). Evil activities at 37% (n=195/523) is at the second number with an average of 5 incidents per hour (n=34hours) and 2 incidents per episode (n=150) followed by criminal activities at 18% (n=96 /523) with an average of 3 incidents per hour (n=34hours).

Conclusion: The study found that the male characters were more dominantly shown in displaying different criminal, evil and problematic attitudes as compared to female characters. Female characters were emotionally and physically under pressure to carry on the evil activities commanded by male characters.