Discussion #8

The Disney channel’s Doc McStuffins features an African American girl in pigtails who runs a home clinic for her stuffed animals, toys and dolls. Her mom is a doctor and her dad stays at home! Doc McStuffins has been praised for being a positive role model for African American girls. According to the AMA (American Medical Association), in 2012, there were 18,533 Black female physicians, just 2% of all U.S. doctors (Elber 2012).

For this discussion I would like you to consider what role does media play in shaping gender? Can you explain the challenges to the gender norms presented by Doc McStuffins? Also, find an additional, more recent example in the media (link it in your post) that does what Doc McStuffins does- challenge the notions of gender, norms, roles (and/or race). Explain what it is you are using and how it challenges those things specifically. Be detailed in your answer. I want to know that you have a grasp of this notion.