The Dilemma of Animal Characters in Kids Shows: Identifiability and Authenticity

In the world of children's television, many shows, like the beloved PBS Kids series 'Arthur', feature animal characters rather than human ones. This choice is often made to create a more relatable experience for young viewers. However, this decision brings up a complex issue: how to balance the advantage of audience identification with the potential ethical implications of depicting characters that own and eat animals.

Identifiable Anthropomorphic Characters

Dr. Fran Keenan of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth notes that shows like 'Arthur' with animal characters are easier for children to identify with because they are relatable to the child's own experience. This is a significant advantage since the characters can more closely mimic the children's own behavior and thoughts, creating a stronger emotional connection. In contrast, shows with human characters driven by race or gender dynamics, such as a white boy or black girl, can alienate children who do not see themselves represented. This exclusion not only reduces the potential audience but also fails to offer a message of inclusivity and acceptance.

Creating universal characters like 'Arthur' can help ensure that a larger and more diverse audience is attracted to and engaged with the show. However, this does not mean that these characters should ignore the realities of human behavior, such as eating meat and owning pets.

Realistic Human Behavior in Entertainment

It is important to highlight that humans, while anthropomorphic, are still animals with complex behaviors and experiences. Shows that depict human-like characters engaging in activities that align with real human behavior can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of these activities. For instance, in 'Arthur', the characters occasionally eat meat and own pets. This portrayal is not only authentic but also helps to normalize these behaviors and educate children about them.

The question then arises: how can a show that features animal characters remain true to the complexities of human nature? One approach could be to explore the underlying motivations and emotional journeys of the characters, engaging the audience in a way that encourages empathy and understanding. By doing so, the show can still maintain its relatability and authenticity.

The Ethical Considerations of Animal Consumption

While anthropomorphic characters can help in creating a relatable experience, it is also crucial to address the ethical considerations of animal consumption. The issue at hand is whether it is reasonable to have characters in a children's show that are animals yet engage in behaviors that humans also engage in, such as owning animals and eating them.

Social psychologist Dr. Laura Baumeister, from the University of Michigan, suggests that children's shows can play a role in shaping their understanding of the world. Therefore, it is important to present these behaviors in a way that is age-appropriate and educational. This can include discussions about where food comes from, the care of pets, and the ethical considerations of meat consumption. By doing so, the show can contribute to a child's development of a more nuanced understanding of these issues.

Additionally, children's shows can approach these topics in a way that is not didactic, but rather through storytelling that encourages the audience to think critically about the world around them. For example, a show might explore the consequences of different choices through its characters, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy in the viewers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the decision to have animal characters in children's shows like 'Arthur' can be more inclusive and relatable, it is also critical to handle the underlying themes of human behavior and ethics with care. The balance between creating identifiable and relatable characters and addressing the complexities of human nature is a delicate one. By doing so, children's shows can serve not only as a source of entertainment but also as an educational tool that promotes empathy, understanding, and critical thinking.

Key takeaways:

Anthropomorphic characters can be more relatable and inclusive. Realistic human behavior in the show can help educate and shape children's understanding. Addressing the ethical considerations of animal consumption is crucial.

Using these principles, future children's shows can effectively balance all the elements necessary for a positive and educational experience.