When it comes to feminists, I suppose you could say I'm relatively one. Not one of those hardcore, let's burn our bras type of one, but the type that knows women deserve respect and should rightfully be given it. However, it seems that nowadays in the land of sitcoms, Disney especially, inequality between men and women has gone polar opposite.
I grew up watching shows on Disney channel and as I got older I noticed a common trend. The dads gradually got dumber.
One of my favorite show has been, and always will be, Boy Meets World. Ask anyone in my family and they'll be quick to agree that I've probably seen every single show and can quote almost every line while watching said episodes. When I found out that Disney was making a spin off, I was hesitant to watch because I didn't know if it would taint one of my favorite sitcoms. Nonetheless, I decided to give it a go. Without shame, I admit I watched the whole first season. However, as in basic Disney trend, I noticed that Cory, the father, was portrayed as much less intelligent and more of a pushover than his wife, Topanga. There was even an episode where Topanga flat out said, "My husband is a dope."
What kind of message is this sending? I'm all for women being strong, but think if it were the other way around. If Cory were to say, "My wife is a dope." I can guarantee media and lawsuits (or whatever) would be all over that.
Let's bring it back to the 90's shall we?
In the original Boy Meets World the parents were equal partners and had an equal amount of intelligence. Alan and Amy (parents) were both respected by not only their children but each other as well. The point is they were both portrayed as mindful adults not mindless children.
Now I know the social norms of society have changed. Women have more of a voice and in some cases are much more strong willed than they used to be, which is great. However, if we want our boys to grow up to be respectful, intelligent men, good fathers, and supportive husbands, isn't it important that they're portrayed that way on Television?
