"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.
