Representation, Diversity, and Role Models in PJ Masks
The children’s TV show PJ Masks presents a classical superhero narrative wrapped in a child-friendly approach. At the center of the story are three children, each of whom has unique animal-related superpowers that they use to fight evil, which is also represented by kids every night. The group of masked heroes consists of two boys and a girl: Connor the Catboy, Greg the Gekko, and Amaya the Owlette.
The show’s representation is rather good, and it promotes diversity by positively depicting children of various races and backgrounds. Vega-Barriga and Maldonado-Espinosa (2021) state that “the semiotic codes, visual codes, and discursive strategies used in children’s programs are linked to the message they want to transmit to boys and girls” (p. 83). Thus, it is essential to review the show’s potential influence on children and their perception of gender roles portrayed in the media. The main characters can be considered good role models for children, both regarding teaching important lessons about teamwork and overcoming one’s flaws, and defying gender stereotypes. According to Vega-Barriga and Maldonado-Espinosa (2021), “through the different variables, presented in both heroes and villains, psychological situations are expressed, including jitters, impatience, fear, or selfishness” (p. 95).
Character Analysis: Catboy, Gekko, and Owlette
An important aspect to consider is that while being a superhero and demonstrating great qualities, each main character still has consistent and relevant personality flaws that affect their performance. This approach teaches children that no one is perfect, but one can still be good if one consciously tries to improve. Vega-Barriga and Maldonado-Espinosa (2021) add that “the show demonstrates attitudes such as patience, perseverance, courage, forgiveness, self-esteem, caution, humility, consideration, responsibility, solidarity, tolerance, listening, self-care, trust, which enable personal change and human development” (p. 93). It is a well-thought-out strategy to develop impactful role models for children. Rather than showing always impeccable, kind, humble, and unrealistic heroes, the show offers more life-like characters that grow through learning from their mistakes and dealing with the consequences of their actions.
Catboy
While the team leader—Catboy—is still male, he is Black/Color-coded, which removes the “white supremacy” narrative that has been dominant in the industry for a long time. Catboy has a strong personality that boys can associate with, but he lacks traits of toxic masculinity and freely shows his emotions, both positive and negative. Thus, he can be considered a good male role model, especially for children who struggle with expressing their feelings or show narcissistic tendencies.
Gekko
Another male character of the team is Gekko – he is the youngest of the three and is shown to have the least influence over the team’s decisions. Gekko is a calm, kind, slightly shy, and laid-back boy who does not mind his teammates taking the lead. However, despite his relaxed attitude and compliance with the others’ instructions, he is still a vital team member and the strongest among them. This narrative shows children that kindness and compassion should not be associated with weakness, and that even if one does not come off as leading and decisive, they are still important and valid.
Owlette
Finally, the team’s female member, Owlette, is another person of color portrayed by the show. Owlette might be considered one of the best female representations in children’s media, as she is depicted as non-conforming to gender stereotypes. She is strong, smart, has her opinions, and is not afraid to express them. She rejects traditional gender roles and is actually Catboy’s second-in-command.
While Owlette has shown flaws throughout the show, such as a slight ego, impatience, and selfishness, she is also kind, helpful, friendly, and values her friends. Her character can encourage girls to be more confident and decisive and demonstrate to boys that a female can be strong and calm without undermining their own sense of self-worth. Thus, Owlette is a very well-developed and portrayed role model for children, and a fantastic example of female representation in media.
Reference
Vega-Barriga, B. D., & Maldonado-Espinosa, M. (2021). Semiotic and discourse analysis of the children’s program PJ Masks or Héroes en Pijamas. Universitas, (35), 83–102. Web.