Gender expectation and Media.

[Milk-Drops]

I enjoy several different types of media and I have been fascinated by a show that came out a few years ago called, My Little Pony Friendship is Magic.
Now, I'm an adult male. I enjoy animation and good story telling. So I'll point out that most television aimed at Little girls is not my cup of tea. however I have found that this show completely surpasses the gender boundaries.

Its vary similar to how Power Puff girls did this in the late 90s early 2000's. Though that show had the benefit of being an action show with super heros. What I think makes this show different is that the femininity of the characters is up front and very front and center. The characters are unmistakeably female and have female concerns.

What I think makes the show surpass this is that the characters are fully rounded out and the stories and writing of the episodes. The characters aren't just pretty faces that love to shop, wear makeup, and wear the latest fashion. The characters face dilemas, grow as people, have to fulfil objectives, and even have conflict. Something most shows aimed at little girls lack.

Through writting, I think it has finally reintroduced what people considered feminine into a strong litting and given it the voice these concepts deserved.

An episode that I think really shows off these aspects are Suited for Success from Season one that expands upon ideas of artistic integrity and taking advantage of people.

The second example is from season 2 and is called. Lesson Zero where the main character goes basically insane when she doesn't have a letter to send to her mentor.

Check it out and I'd be happy to hear of your guys opinions about femininity and mainstream media.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8xaoq9vYBk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhRc9HknSW0

 

[evenifigoalone]

I watch FiM, too. I tend to agree about why it has the viewing audience it does despite it being aimed at little girls.
I really have no thoughts worth sharing otherwise.

 

[Milk-Drops]

I watch FiM, too. I tend to agree about why it has the viewing audience it does despite it being aimed at little girls.
I really have no thoughts worth sharing otherwise.

What was your opinion of the season 3 finale? I think the show jumped the shark. I understand that there had to be a shift, but the development of the whole 3rd season seemed to be really overly simplified compared to seasons 1 & 2.

 

[evenifigoalone]

The season finale went a little too quickly, I think. I enjoyed it otherwise. (I do think the season two finale was better.) There are some episodes in season three that I like, but the development definitely could have been better.

 

[jasoncran]

lol. buttercup, blossom. and the other one I cant remember. mojo jojo.

 

[Sparkey]

I've not yet watched the episodes that you have listed but am alarmed by "the media treatment" of people, not just our daughters.

We are classified by what we buy. Grouped according to our potential life-time purchasing power. One of the more subtle aspects of this is when the marketers disassociate the product from the pitch, for example (and yes, I'm way off topic - I'll watch and speak in a bit) but for example, we are familiar with the cigarette brand that has a cowboy in its famous campaign. Recent testing and marketing efforts used the typical ad cowboy and brand name in one city. Expected result. Then, in another city, the same ad is blanketed but there is no brand name. Just the famous cowboy. Sales go up.

Consumers purchase the perceived benefits, not the product.

I have a very jaundiced eye and shall cast it toward what could otherwise be seen as a "good thing" because I do support breaking of the stereotypes and allowing people to be free to be who they are and to become the person that God is creating in them. Very little to do with purchasing power in that scenario.

 

[Sparkey]

About 1/2 way through the first link.

I've easily suspended my skeptical view and have appreciation for the depth of the discussion. Basic plot: Dressmaker wants to help friends. Friends are very demanding but dressmaker esteems client satisfaction over artistry. Tension is introduced as another character (Hoity-Toity, the critic) enters the drama.

The story starts out with a generous offer made by Rairity, the dressmaker. Her first attempts do not please and concepts of diligence, tenacity, perfectionism, gratitude, entitlement, and even learning to be content are touched on through the lens of friendship and the conflict with personal ambition while various dresses and styles are attempted.

Rairity's intelligence, attention to detail, salesmanship and enthusiasm remains undaunted by the demands of her clients who are her true friends. A sacrifice is made. Rairity compromises her 'art' in her effort to serve. Her goals for her friends are clearly shown through the song lyrics, ♪♫ "Even though it rides high on the flank, Rainbow won't look like a tank..." ♪♫

Okay, back to the show.

Thanks, MBS, yes. I like the story too.

 

[Sparkey]

But before I return to the show, a quick glance back to my original thought:

What are they actually doing here? They are building mothers of the next generation who will pass on part of the joy of their childhood to their daughters. They are creating lifelong partnerships.

There is an opening at Hasbro. The following is their blurb about the company and the position, Sr. Manager, Global Brand Marketing: My Little Pony

WANTED: Sr. Manager, Global Brand Marketing: My Little Pony

Function/Purpose:

We have an immediate need for a results-oriented, innovative global marketer to support high-profile brands in our My Little Pony team. In conjunction with the objectives set in the global brand strategy, you will build a cohesive and actionable category marketing plan for the brand, leveraging the best thinking from around the world and realizing synergies in execution. Partnering with internal and external resources, you will develop and execute integrated programs, including advertising, promotions, public relations, etc. You will ensure the brand expressions and essence are consistent across the globe. You will confirm that category plans are consistent and relevant to the region at any stage of brand development (launch through licensing). Finally, you will collaborate with internal departments relative to the global entertainment and licensing strategy.

Hasbro (Self-Described):

Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. Programming in the U.S. is distributed on The Hub TV Network, a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Through the Company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies†and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.†Learn more at www.hasbro.com.

 

[Milk-Drops]

Oh I understand what you are saying Sparrow. I think what is amazing its that Hasbro has allowed the creative team so muchnlicence in the show. Little subtle gags and references Re abound and the characters are allowed to be more than a sales pitch. Sure marketing is there but it's not as in your face......... Well not until season 3