The Hub Network To Debut Transgendered Superhero Cartoon For Children: Progressive, Stereotypical, Or Downright Inappropriate?
One thing is for sure, The Hub's latest cartoon series is going to create much, if controversial, buzz.
Check out the first episode of SheZow for free in the link below:
The Hub cartoon network is set to premiere "SheZow" this Saturday, a gender-bending children's program targeting the age 2-11 demographic, featuring a boy who gains super powers by wearing a ring and dressing as a girl.
Meet 12-year-old Guy Hamdon, "an extreme dude who inherits the power ring of his deceased aunt, the amazing female superhero SheZow," says the program's official website.
"The ring gives him villain-battling super powers, but was meant to be worn by a girl and the result is absolutely she-larious!"
While the 26-episode Australian-Canadian animated series could be a progressive move by the cartoon network, others have condemned the project for promoting stereotypes and using the transgender issue as a gimmick and comedy fodder.
According to Aljazeera, promo clips for the show have reportedly been met with a tepid response.
The extinction of male heterosexuals is closer than we think, thanks to shows like #SheZow. Lol gender apocalypse
— Orlando David (@Gemini_power89) May 30, 2013
The difference between #BugsBunny crossdressing 20 years ago and #SheZow is Bugs didn't have a hidden agenda.This one does. — Anna M. Aquino (@annamaquino) May 29, 2013
@annamaquino The agenda isn't hidden, it's promoting deviant sexual behavior to children right out in the open. #shezow #culturewar — Steven Birn (@SteveBirnSpeaks) May 29, 2013
I could understand libs making transgender superhero show for teens or adults but for kids?! Severely inappropriate. #SheZow #thehub — Cameron Scott (@CameronC_Scott) May 29, 2013
"Instead of giving kids good role models to follow, this cartoon reflects our culture's confusion about the two sexes, and the kids don't need that confused message," affirmed gender issue analyst for CitizenLink, Jeff Johnston.
Even chief executive of The Hub, Margaret Loesch, had her doubts initially.
"When I first heard about the show, my reaction was 'Are you out of your minds'?" admitted Loesch.
"Then I looked at it, and I thought, 'This is just funny'."
Others have also risen to defend the never-before-seen cartoon series.
This. Is. Marvelous: A boy whose superhero powers are SheZow! I like this brave new world. io9.com/gender-swappin…H/t @miniver
— T. Thorn Coyle (@ThornCoyle) May 30, 2013
We all know of young men who were raised primarily by women. Richard Pryor? Women are their superheroes.The #shezow idea was inspired. — Avia Tafa (@AviaTafa) May 29, 2013
It sure is great that SheZow is coming to the United States. Yeah we've yet to have a cartoon with a strong LGBTQ lead, but sure, this'll do — Josh Ell (@superhappy) May 30, 2013
One thing is for sure, cartoon network's latest venture is creating much, if controversial, buzz. Check out the first episode of SheZow for free in the link below:
We're dedicated to providing quality shows for kids & families, so we'd like to offer #SheZow's 1st episode for free: bit.ly/19mGEtD — The Hub (@HubTVNetwork) May 29, 2013