The Uselessly Gendered Cartoons

    Is it just me or does anyone else feel like it's weird to assign genders to cartoons? Am I the only one whose brain just went "f*ck off" upon finding out about this or is it just a universal non-binary experience? Some cartoons I grew up watching were meant for boys (think "Generator Rex", "Johnny Test", "Robotboy", etc.) while some others were meant for girls (think "Bibi & Tina", "Totally Spies", "Strawberry Shortcake", etc.)...but why? What makes "Samurai Jack" boyish and what makes "Holly Hobbie & Friends" girly? Let us investigate. (Quick disclaimer, I'm not an expert. I'm merely an androgynous person expressing some opinions.)

   For starters, we need to look into gender roles. Even though a few cultures are traditionally binary in terms of these, it wasn't until the rise of the Abrahamic religions and colonialism that this heteronormativity became almost oppressive. Once Christianity gained popularity, gender identity became binary and each one had a defined role. Men were supposed to protect and provide for their family or community while women were supposed to marry and reproduce as soon as possible since fertility was a crucial concept back then. Those who challenged this view in any way were considered sinners and, in the worst-case scenario, tortured or executed. So began the age of gender expectations that unfortunately continues to this day, although in most Western countries the only punishment you get nowadays is an angry comment from a boomer or so.

   I think this mentality is instilled into people from a pretty young age and one way of doing it is by inserting certain ideas into cartoons, books, movies, and TV series. That's why most cartoons that are action-based or involve logic are considered for boys while those based on feeling are considered for girls. Also, the character design and colours are divided similarly. I'd imagine it goes like this: if the shades involve colder colours and the design is realistic, it's probably meant for a male audience. Again, this is based on the assumption that strength is equal to cold logic and the muscles of a weightlifter while weakness means showing feelings and being affectionate (which is bollocks imo). This leads to harmful ideas such as suppressing emotions to look masculine or not choosing a career in science to look feminine. But luckily, there are people and pieces of media that challenge this idea.

   Now, let's talk about a movie that I think was ahead of its time, namely "Mulan". Gods, do I love this movie. It defies traditional gender roles in every way, from the failed visit to the matchmaker to the killing of Shan Yu. Of course, we cannot talk about these without bringing up "Reflections". It's a lovely metaphor for, dare I say, coming out of the closet. Mulan doesn't see her reflection in the mirror, but she does truly see it in the sword. She then cuts her hair, which I reckon was a symbol of banishment, and is off to bring honour to her family. In the battle against the Huns, during an avalanche, she saves the army's strongest man, the general Li Shang. Later on, to sneak into the palace, Yao, Ling, and Chien Po dress up as concubines (aka do drag) to act upon Mulan's plan. She needs both her feminine and her masculine side to defeat Shan Yu since she uses both a fan and a sword for it. In the end, the whole forbidden city bows to her after she literary embraces the dragon. If that's not empowering, I don't know what it is.

   On the other end of the spectrum, "How To Train Your Dragon" does a fairly good job of defying the norms. Hiccup wants and tries to fight, but is physically unable to. When Stoic the Vast hands him the axe, its weight almost crushes Hiccup. That's why he used his wits to craft a weapon and catch a Night Fury. However, when he sets out to kill the dragon, he ends up liberating it from the net. He followed his heart and couldn't bring himself to take its life. As much as he tries to hide his fright, he faints after the encounter. From then on, he starts studying the dragon and wondering if he can help it regain its flight. Of course, his bookish behaviour isn't taken seriously until he proves, by winning a local contest, that kindness and knowledge can also be powerful. He won the contest without killing a single creature, going against the norms of his society. Considering these are the Vikings, I suppose men weren't exactly expected to be more than brawns. But once again, I'd say it's still empowering.

  If Disney and Dreamworks can, why can't other companies do it too? Oh, I know! It's because the critics will say the characters lack personality. Newt Scamander is often criticized because he is "boring and lacks masculinity". Besides, some say that challenging traditional roles is indoctrination and promotes the gay agenda™. However, heteronormativity is so integrated in media that few people see it as a problem or even as a form of indoctrination. People go mental when you, say, do a queer reading of "Encanto" or a wlw relationship is confirmed, but will probably not mind tropes like "the damsel in distress" because it's been used for so long. When a piece of information is repeated for a long time, many regard it as the truth. When it is challenged, the response is usually resistance or fear. Will this vicious cycle ever end? I don't know. But there's hope in the fluidity, adaptability, and tolerance of Generation Z.

   Alright, I'm going to wrap it up here. In addition to feeling like I took a boulder off my chest, I sure had fun writing this. I'll end this post with a few sonnets, as it's a new obsession. Now back to the tea and don't forget to eat your vegan Ramen!🫖

 

(source: unco.edu)

1. The Hanged Man

Achilles tears apart the armour of blood,
As Patroclus lies dead in the dark of night;
Tears fall on his face as in flood,
Letting out a shout that trembled Hades in fright.
Nothing could stop him, in anger or grief;
He wanted his and Hector's throat cut,
Even for a moment so brief,
Until his own eyes quietly shut.
Achilles took his armour, in the battle to stride,
To avenge Patroclus, his dear;
The name called for a new pride,
Despite the Fate's rolling tear.
When an arrow strikes his heel,
He is left with a smile to feel.

 

2. Possession

The only thing the king knows
Is the golden spark in his eyes;
His crown holds coins meant for the crows,
Coins that often strengthen hidden ties.
Gold at crown and Gold at heart,
But never in a way meant to last;
"He's possessed!", sings the bard
Before losing his sight so fast.
All he cares about is finance
And the many ways to spend little;
But rarely finds a balance
For these matters so brittle.
Will he bequeath his crown of gold?
Or will he wear it until it's sold?


3. Strength

I approach the lion with much kindness,
As I never feared any such beast.
But I do not approach in blindness
For his teeth are ready to feast.
I play with a cat, only slightly larger,
And it's worth I never failed to see;
For I was never a soldier
And Leo has never hurt me.
I never felt as bold
As when his teeth I cleaned;
He gave his head for me to hold
And slowly, towards me, he leaned.
Force isn't something you need 

When a friendship you try to feed.