Over the weekend, I went to see some family friends in Windsor, and I was unfortunately forced to watch "Dungeons and Dragons" because Nate (who's nearly four) wanted to. Which, by the way, was fine because I spent the entire time making sarcastic commentary. However I did notice some interesting stereotypes, and a (possibly unintentional?) racist slip-up.
So, the basic story from what I gathered from the intro, this group of teenagers, plus Sheila's little brother, goes on a Dungeons and Dragons theme-park ride and they get transported into the realm of Dungeons and Dragons. The main, glaring stereotypes were:
- Hank: Of course the oldest, most responsible, and general all-round pretty-boy hero is blonde-haired and blue-eyed. Side note: Why do the eyebrows never match the hair?
- Eric: The spoiled brat that complains constantly is diametrically opposite from the golden boy in superficial appearance.
- Diana: The only black character, the most skimpily clad, and the furry outfit makes her look especially savage and even almost ape-like. I truly hope that the clothing was an unintentional slip on the drawer's part. The one redeeming part is that she seems to assume the leadership role in Hank's absence. I apologise for the quality of this photo; I wanted to show her whole outfit.
- Sheila: Overall, from the episodes I've seen, the quietest character. She has an invisibility cloak. The only thing I can think of here is: why does the woman have to be invisible? Ever thought of Violet from "The Incredibles"? How come she has invisibility and Dash has super speed? Why can't it be the other way around?
- Bobby: Sheila's little brother, as stated above. Again, blonde hair and blue eyes: all the better to look ingenuous with, my dear.
- Presto: The magician's apprentice whose spells never really work. Of course the kid with the glasses is clumsy and awkward.
It wouldn't be a complete 80's cartoon without stereotypes! But you would think in 30 years, with the breaking of racial barriers and creativity going beyond the general formula, stereotypes wouldn't be as visible in current television shows. For example, bland and uncreative shows directed at simple profit, like on the Disney channel, have recurring characters that are almost identical in each show. Stereotypes are ultimately just lazy character writing.
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