In my current summer class, on the topic of society's stereotypes, I was assigned an unusual task. I was to watch a Nickelodeon or Disney show (obviously intended for children) and see if I could identify certain stereotypes in an attempt to see how children's shows may be shaping their views of diversity and stereotyped roles.

In beginning my search of stereotypes “hidden” in TV shows directed toward children, I decided to throw it back to the 90's. A show that I watched incessantly as a child was Rugrats. I was curious to see if there were any typecasting that may have impacted my mind and way of thinking growing up, considering I literally watched it all the time.

As I was searching hard for negative stereotypes that were pointed out in the show, I was pleasantly surprised. That is because the show actually proves several stereotypes wrong, especially on the topic of gender roles, while encouraging deviations from biased thinking.

The show defies several "roles" that are assigned to certain groups. Remember Chuckie? Two defiances of these roles existed within JUST his family. Chuckie’s father, being a single parent, bucks the commonality of single parents being mothers, showing that men can just as adequately handle single parenthood.

That is, until he eventually finds a wife, Kira. Kira is a young Japanese woman in the show, illustrating a positive interracial marriage.

Once they become married, her daughter, raised in a Japanese family, joins the closely knit friend group of babies. She blends into the babies' friend group extremely well, as does Susie, who is African American, with no discrimination.

Another character that bucks common stereotypes is the mother of Angelica. Angelica's mom is seen constantly having her phone to her ear, being a boss of a major corporation. Her holding such a high position flouts the expectation that only men do.

Another example is yet another parental dynamic, this time between the parents of Phil and Lil. The mother is an outspoken, gregarious woman who is always seen in an outfit displaying the female symbol, while her husband remains more tame and timid.

Overall, I would applaud the producers for incorporating all of these examples that so obviously defied commonly held stereotypes. More specifically, they did an excellent job challenging gender roles. Whether we knew it or not, we were being exposed early on to the idea of acceptance towards diversity and the courage to defy societal expectations. We need more shows like this to continue positively reinforcing that way of thinking.....or let's just bring Rugratz back.