Growing up in the early 2000s was good time— we had way better shows on television. Through there were not many shows based upon the lives of African Americans— those that were dealt with harder issues than the more mainstream television shows. Important shows to my childhood were
Kim Possible
Kim Possible came out June 7th, 2002. Possible is the average girl who in her spare time saves the world. Somehow she managed to graduate high school, have a social life— be on the cheer squad— and not die saving the world. She was focused on herself and being a hero. This made me as a young girl see that girls can do anything and manage a life.
That’s So Raven
That’s So Raven was released on January 17, 2003. The show followed Raven Baxter a teenager who had visions of the future. She was able to remain herself no matter what happened throughout each episode.In one episode, Raven had to deal with a racist fashion designer who would not hire her because she was African American. Instead of acting out Raven was grace under pressure and revealed the designers racist ways. She taught me the most because I could relate the most to Raven: she was a young girl of color and that made her life more closer to mine.
The Powerpuff Girls
The Powerpuff girls was released on November 18, 1998. Three sisters— Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup— who fight crime and go to school. Like Kim Possible, I felt like it is possible to do anything that I want to while doing what I must do. The fact that they could die in each episode and do not. That they bravely jump into fire without any concern for themselves but rather caring about the well being of the world around them. They were— and are— the most selfless heroes on kids television.
Lizzie McGuire
Lizzie McGuire was released on January 12, 2001. The show was based on Lizzie McGuire a young teenager who was trying to fit in and dealing with the experiences of growing up. Lizzie had two best friends, Miranda and Gordo. Lizzie was kind of a guide to me—such as Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide— but less as a rulebook. Lizzie was going through her life and I was too. Her cartooned version of herself made the show more comical and more like her inner voice during the situation.
As Told by Ginger
As Told by Ginger was released on October 25, 2000. Like Lizzie McGuire, Ginger Foutley was a teenager trying to find her place and learning as she goes. Her family was odd— mainly her brother, Carl. She somehow made it through ever crisis and was calm about everything. Like Raven Baxter I learned grace under pressure and comedy always helps hardships.
The Wild Thornberrys
The Wild Thornberrys was released on September 1, 1998. This show follows an eccentric family who lives in the wilderness but mainly follows Eliza Thornberry. Eliza has the gift to talk to animals and that helps her family through problems. Through Eliza I learned that it is okay to be weird and odd as long as you are being yourself.
I think that television today needs some 90’s- 2000’s influence. We should not be letting our children watches shows with no morals or directions. They need television shows that are not violence or are not diverse. Children— mostly in their young age— need to learn to be themselves and what characteristic are not good to follow.
