The Teletubbies: “Say Hello” to Your Child’s First Representation of

Gender

Gender vs. Sexuality

• Our gender is our social and legal status as men or women. And sexual orientation is the term used to describe whether a person feels sexual desire for people of the other gender, same gender, or both genders.

Anatomy 101

Practice of Looking

• Sturken and Cartwright– “Over time, Images have been used to represent,

make meaning of, and convey various sentiments about nature, society, and culture as well as to represent imaginary worlds and abstract concepts.”

– “layers of meaning that include their formal aspect, their cultural and socio-historical references….and interpreting is one way that we, as viewers, contribute to the process of assigning value to the culture in which we live.”

Gender Identity

Breaking the Stereotype

• Why does Tinky Winky carry a handbag?

• Each Teletubby has a favorite "thing," a "universal" toy that reflects an aspect of children's learning through playful exploration. Tinky Winky's bag allows play with volume. Dipsy's hat is for role-playing. Laa-Laa's ball reflects young children's fascination with spheres. Po's scooter explores travel and direction.

Gender Neutral?

Stereotype of Males

• The oldest characters, Tinky Winky and Dipsy, are males

• Tinky Winky is the tallest• Tinky Winky leads the group• Vocal pitch• Representation of Real World

Who Dictates Gender?

• Business of Teletubbies – Children <2• Argue: Children 3+ active media users• Findings suggest understanding different in <18 months

– Create profit• International show• Only show in its category