About the Show
"Dora the Explorer" is one of Nickelodeons' most successful animated programs. The lead character, Dora, is an courageous 7-year old Latina who with the help of her monkey friend, Boots, audience participation, and other characters she meets along the way, is able to face and conquer the different problems she runs into in each each episode. Through adventures in her fantasy world, children are able observe the situations at hand, solve the problems and learn basic skills and Spanish, all while having fun!
The Audience
What makes Dora vastly different than other television programming is its desired audience. This, however, does not stop the show from being watched on televisions all over America. Preschoolers, girls, and Latinos have all been ignored by broadcasting networks and cable television. Since is debut in 1991, the little cartoon Latina star has shown a step away from the generic "face" of children's television and towards an expansion which includes three generally very underrepresented groups. Dora is a strong-willed girl who is helping empower these traditionally disregarded groups
Camille's Comments:
I think it is great that the people at Nickelodeon took the initiate to reach out to these groups. When I was a little girl the majority of kids shows were male actions figures. It is nice that young girls are able to see that they can be the hero too. I also think that the fact a major media corporation was able to take social cues and turn it into such a wonderful television show is excellent. Being a "multiracial' child, I did not ever see children like me on television, I think Dora has the potential to put a lot more confidence in Latin@ kids who would otherwise at times feel somewhat isolated.
Appealing to Preschoolers
Preschool age children are far from the tradition television audience. Their brains function differently than a mature brain so creating media which interests them is somewhat harder. Dora takes the methods by which children learn, and incorporates it into the show. Dora talks directly to the screen, breaking the fourth wall. The show utilizes "we" when talking about something, telling viewers that their help is needed, giving them a sense of power and accomplishment. Not only does the show ask kids to be intellectually involved, but physically also. Each episode contains seven different lessons varying from reading, writing, math, music, and kinesthetic skills. It is the emphasis on linguistics which truly makes the show stand out from other children's programming.
Camille's Comments:
I have spent a fair share of time babysitting my cousin, Mateja. Spending a lot of time with any three year old, means spending a lot of time with Dora. It amazes me all the learning skills that are made fun for children. The use of "we" really made her want to be involved. While some could theorize how kids encode the messages sent through the show, there is no real way to experience it other than with a child. They really get into the show and it is wonderful to see them standing up, participating, and eager to learn.
The Use of Spanish
Dora the Explorer has gotten attention worldwide. It stimulates interest in children to learn not one but two languages. Creators took advice from educators when it came to adding in this second language. The belief holds that the introduction of a second language before the age of six or seven can greatly impact ones ability to achieve fluency. Therefore, Dora, stands as an introduction to a foreign language for many of the viewers. This first encounter may be just what children need in order to spark and interest in them to learn either more Spanish or approach other foreign languages comfortably. Dora's use of Spanish may also motivate Spanish-speaking children to take pride in their language.
Camille's Comments:
Knowing multiple languages is becoming more and more important. With the amount of Latin@s in our country rapidly increasing, being knowledgeable of Spanish is becoming necessary. I did not start taking a language until I was about 13 and did not really get into it until college. Not only is it an expansion of means of communication, I think it really makes a person well-rounded. I wish there was programming such as Dora when I was younger because it always amazes me to see my cousin speaking in Spanish. I think that this introduction to Spanish and Latin@s can hopefully help children grow up to be more accepting of different languages and people of various ethnicities. It would be truly great if this show was able to eventually have a impact on society when today's children grow older. Children of bilingual homes should always be proud to speak both languages, I think having Dora as a role model can help these children.
Elements of Latin@ Culture
The program began when Nickelodeon decided to come up with a strategy of increasing the presence of Latin@ actors and creators in television. They wanted to create a character who came across as multicultural and appealed to kids who were raised in bilingual households. Originally Dora was going to be Mexican American, but after deliberation the creators decided to make her from an undefined region of Latin America in order to expand her appeal. One of the creators, Valerie Walsh, stated that they wanted to create a character who was an "alternative to Barbie and the blond, princess myth often hammered into young girls. Each episode includes Spanish. Different characters speak a different amount of Spanish; there are some who only speak in Spanish. There is also a varying level of accents. Dora speaks English with a typical English accent. She does have somewhat of an accent when she speaks Spanish, an accent is even more clear when her grandmother speaks. The majority of human characters are moderately tan, have brown-dark brown hair and brown eyes. There are also characters, who are animals or objects, that know Spanish or come across as somewhat Latin@. For example, the "Fiesta Trio", a snail, frog and a grasshopper, play mariachi-style music when Dora and her friends are successful in completing a task. One important element of the show is that the voice actors are all or mainly of Latin@ decent. Not only is the show reaching out to Latin@s on a face level, but they are actually making an effort to employ them.
Camille's Comments:
I grew up in one of the many Barbie eras. While I loved the dolls, they failed to represent the majority of women. Trying to combat that "perfect American" appeal is admirable. Dora definitely shows progress but there still are some issues. In some sense making Dora's country of origin unknown is a good thing. However, without this, it forms a generic sense of what it means to be Latin@. Because there are so many countries which fall under this category, there are differences between the people. The show illustrates people of different levels of acculturation with clothing but the majority of people are a light tan, with brown hair and brown eyes. In realty, Latin@s come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The show lacks at being able to depict the many variations of Latin@s. The use of mariachi language is good in that in can either expose children to a new type of music or allow them to hear something on television similar to what they would hear at home.
It is great that they have employed many Latin@ artists for this project, but the creators are Anglo-American. It would be even better if at least part of the creative time was of Latin@ decent so that the show could be more authentic and the Latin@ could assist in projecting the kind of images Latin@ viewers would want to see.
Camille's Comments:
I grew up in one of the many Barbie eras. While I loved the dolls, they failed to represent the majority of women. Trying to combat that "perfect American" appeal is admirable. Dora definitely shows progress but there still are some issues. In some sense making Dora's country of origin unknown is a good thing. However, without this, it forms a generic sense of what it means to be Latin@. Because there are so many countries which fall under this category, there are differences between the people. The show illustrates people of different levels of acculturation with clothing but the majority of people are a light tan, with brown hair and brown eyes. In realty, Latin@s come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The show lacks at being able to depict the many variations of Latin@s. The use of mariachi language is good in that in can either expose children to a new type of music or allow them to hear something on television similar to what they would hear at home.
It is great that they have employed many Latin@ artists for this project, but the creators are Anglo-American. It would be even better if at least part of the creative time was of Latin@ decent so that the show could be more authentic and the Latin@ could assist in projecting the kind of images Latin@ viewers would want to see.
Where it is Shown
Dora the Explorer aired/continues to air on Nickelodeon, Nickjr, Noggin, and CBS. It draws over 3 millions viewers overthrowing the previous notions of what it takes to be successful in the preschool television market. There have been other adaptations of the show around the world dubbing in various pairs of languages. A Spanish-dubbed version originally aired on Telemundo until 2006 but now airs on Univision: Planeta U.
Audiences can also view full episodes on Nickjr.com.
Audiences can also view full episodes on Nickjr.com.
Camille's Comments:
The Spanish-dubbed version is a really smart idea. This can reach out to even more Latin@s, especially those children whose first language is Spanish and second language is English. It is fascinating to see how Dora and the methods have spread to many different languages. See Dora Adaptations
Nickjr.com
Nickjr.com has lots of interactive media for children. While the majority of the website is written in English, there are random exclamations written in Spanish such as "¡Excelente!"
Not only can one go on this website to watch full episodes, kids are able to find shorts, songs, lyrics, coloring books, games, and much more. The games use repetition of Spanish just like the television show. The games also incorporate the same learning skills, colors, language, math etc. as the shows but is in the hands of the child players. In the game, "Dora's Great Big World," the characters congratulate the players in both English and Spanish.
Not only can one go on this website to watch full episodes, kids are able to find shorts, songs, lyrics, coloring books, games, and much more. The games use repetition of Spanish just like the television show. The games also incorporate the same learning skills, colors, language, math etc. as the shows but is in the hands of the child players. In the game, "Dora's Great Big World," the characters congratulate the players in both English and Spanish.
How Latinos are Presented in Relation to US identities and Norms?
Dora is not vastly different than your "normal" Anglo child. She is too young for many of the adult Latina stereotypes to be applied to her. Despite the fact that she makes it clear she is a bilingual, first and foremost she is a little girl who loves adventures. The other human characters also appear to do activities which seem unified across ethnic boundaries.
Camille's Comments:
Although on first glance the expected audience for Dora is narrowly tailored, it attract a difficult audience. Attempting to appeal to Latin@s alone is a challenge because there are people from many different countries and at varying levels of acculturation/assimilation. At the same time, the show must appeal to Anglo children. Creators had to attempt to find a balance between the two. For some viewers she is probably too Latina and for others not Latina enough. I think creators put a lot of effort into showing that Dora is different in some aspects, she is bilingual and a Latina, but that she still possesses many of the same values and interests of all children. Dora and her friends are depicted as equals and just as capable as anyone else. There are not evident signs in the show of trying to revert back to the status quo.
Episode Case Study
"Baby Winky Comes Home"
The episode begins with Dora introducing herself, "¡Hola! ¡Soy Dora!’’ Spanish is introduced from the onset of the show. Not only does the show teach Spanish words, but it also continuously draws attention to the fact that she is a Latina. Dora speaks directly to the viewers, commencing a partnership and allowing the viewers not only observe the episode but become a part of it. The landscape is ambiguous, there is a mixture of trees some deciduous looking and some palm trees. The background music has a tropical feel to it and her best friend is a money, which also hints at being jungle-like. Her friend, Tico, spoke mainly Spanish, however, the majority of times Spanish is spoken, the characters repeat it in English. The characters travel to a market where there are many characters with different skin colors and costumes. There is a nice range here, there are some characters who are in what is seen as "traditional' Mexican farmer wear, while there are other characters who are in simpler ensembles. At the market Dora eats a breakfast burrito and reminds the viewers to eat a "healthy meal." Dora singes the "Special Spanish Counting Song" that her mother taught her in order to complete one of her tasks. Then Dora teaches how to count backwards in English. The show ends with the "We Did It!" song and she thanks the audience with "gracious!"
Camille's Comments:
The show has a good mix to it. I think that is is necessary for a balance between things which come across as Latin@ and elements that all children, no matter what background need to know or can relate to. While parts of the show, such as Dora's grandmother's house being extremely colorful, are typically seen in Anglo portrayals of Latin@s, there are never negative connotations tied with any of the Latin elements. The show is able to show that although somethings may be different, such as your average meal, everyone has the same wants and needs on a basic level.
The episode begins with Dora introducing herself, "¡Hola! ¡Soy Dora!’’ Spanish is introduced from the onset of the show. Not only does the show teach Spanish words, but it also continuously draws attention to the fact that she is a Latina. Dora speaks directly to the viewers, commencing a partnership and allowing the viewers not only observe the episode but become a part of it. The landscape is ambiguous, there is a mixture of trees some deciduous looking and some palm trees. The background music has a tropical feel to it and her best friend is a money, which also hints at being jungle-like. Her friend, Tico, spoke mainly Spanish, however, the majority of times Spanish is spoken, the characters repeat it in English. The characters travel to a market where there are many characters with different skin colors and costumes. There is a nice range here, there are some characters who are in what is seen as "traditional' Mexican farmer wear, while there are other characters who are in simpler ensembles. At the market Dora eats a breakfast burrito and reminds the viewers to eat a "healthy meal." Dora singes the "Special Spanish Counting Song" that her mother taught her in order to complete one of her tasks. Then Dora teaches how to count backwards in English. The show ends with the "We Did It!" song and she thanks the audience with "gracious!"
Camille's Comments:
The show has a good mix to it. I think that is is necessary for a balance between things which come across as Latin@ and elements that all children, no matter what background need to know or can relate to. While parts of the show, such as Dora's grandmother's house being extremely colorful, are typically seen in Anglo portrayals of Latin@s, there are never negative connotations tied with any of the Latin elements. The show is able to show that although somethings may be different, such as your average meal, everyone has the same wants and needs on a basic level.
Dora Outside of the Show
Dora the Explorer has recently been incorporated into a Volkswagen Mini-Van commercial. While it is including the star and some of her pals, the family who owns the car appears to be Anglo American and there is no reference to Spanish or any sort of Latin-ness.
Recent social and political issues have also affected views on Dora. She has had a "mugshot" made, pasted jumping over a fence, and there is the hot Google search topic, "is Dora an illegal immigrant?" (See these images at the bottom of the blog) These images are highly offensives, however, it is unknown if they are supporting or criticizing the new laws.
Camille's Comments:
Dora the Explorer shows progress in the media taking recognition that some previously ignored groups need to be heard and seen. Its development mirrored the social progress that was being made in the United States. Unfortunately, in the recent years there has been a sharp turn away from this inclination. It is horrible to think that our country would be backtracking on the advancement of acceptance or notion of equality. The recent immigration reforms and heighten fears of outsiders is mind-boggling. To think that someone would take an image of a beloved seven year old and turn her into some sort of criminal is disgusting. It shows how desperately or society needs to change. I sincerely hope that the children who grow up after watching Dora are far more socially accepting and reject this unnecessary hatred.
Recent social and political issues have also affected views on Dora. She has had a "mugshot" made, pasted jumping over a fence, and there is the hot Google search topic, "is Dora an illegal immigrant?" (See these images at the bottom of the blog) These images are highly offensives, however, it is unknown if they are supporting or criticizing the new laws.
Dora the Explorer shows progress in the media taking recognition that some previously ignored groups need to be heard and seen. Its development mirrored the social progress that was being made in the United States. Unfortunately, in the recent years there has been a sharp turn away from this inclination. It is horrible to think that our country would be backtracking on the advancement of acceptance or notion of equality. The recent immigration reforms and heighten fears of outsiders is mind-boggling. To think that someone would take an image of a beloved seven year old and turn her into some sort of criminal is disgusting. It shows how desperately or society needs to change. I sincerely hope that the children who grow up after watching Dora are far more socially accepting and reject this unnecessary hatred.
Summary
Overall Dora the Explorer is a great example of how Latin@s can be incorporated into the media. The show appeals to Latin@s but also a broader audience of preschool children in general. Although so things shown may have stereotypical ideas behind them, there are never negative connotations associated with any of the Latin elements. All of the Latin@ characters are represented in a wholly positive light. The show is able to reflect how Latin@s are different but also how they are the same to help all audience members relate. If I were a Latina I would really support the show and be happy that there is a show educating children not only in Spanish, but to be more accepting of Latin@s in general. It is a great opportunity for children from bilingual homes to watch a brave little girl be able to accomplish so much. Hopefully this will give confidence to the viewers. I hope that the show will have a great impact on society in the future and that with this show people will be able to celebrate people for their diversity.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)