Disney Channel's New Show Is Set To Make Strides
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Disney Channel's New Show Is Set To Make Strides

Teen pregnancy, sexuality, and an Asian-American lead character. Sounds like an MTV drama.

10
Disney Channel's New Show Is Set To Make Strides
Angry Asian Man

When we think of classic Disney Channel sitcoms, we tend to think of "Lizzie McGuire," "That's so Raven," and maybe even "Even Stevens," or "Life with Derek." People my age may also think of shows such as "Hannah Montana" and "Wizards of Waverly Place."

What all of these shows have in common is they are lighthearted. They're fun little sitcoms that aim to make people laugh and even have a few life lessons thrown in there. However, the announcement of Disney Channel's new show could take the network in a different direction.

The comedic drama "Andi Mack" is about a 13-year-old girl who has her whole world turned upside down when she discovers a big secret about her older sister Bex. Not only that, but a classmate of hers starts to question his sexuality, and Andi may even have a little romance in her own life. The show is aimed at kids aged six to 14 and their parents, but the description sounds like the CW's next teen drama.

What caught my attention about this show is that it centers around an Asian-American character. Call me biased, but Asian representation, or any minority representation, in American media is highly lacking. Even though there are excellent Asian actors, casting directors will still cast white actors. I don't blame them, I blame American society as a whole.

Asian American representation aside, this show tackles some heavy topics. With heavy topics comes heavy critics, and I see why many parents would not want their children to watch this show. Some may argue that Disney Channel is a family network and that they should focus on family-oriented shows and sitcoms. To that, I say this: Children are going to learn about things such as sexuality and teen pregnancy as they grow up no matter what.

Sure, you may want to keep your children away from adult topics for as long as possible in order to keep them innocent. However, it is getting harder and harder to do just that. With improved technology comes more information, and the internet is making it easy for children to learn these things at an earlier age.

To me, Disney's aim is to introduce children to these topics in a way that can be both enjoyable and educational. It is also not the first time Disney has taken stabs at showing more progressive elements in their shows. "Good Luck Charlie" showcased a lesbian couple, and "That's So Raven" tackled racism in a pivotal episode.

Children should not be sheltered from the outside world, they should be exploring it. The more they are exposed to it in a healthy way, the better they will respect and understand it.

That's how I will be raising my children when I am older, and I hope others will do the same as well.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59240
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38301
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959749
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

197154
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments