New Books in Critical Theory Whiteness, Accents, and Children's Media
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Dec 24, 2024 Dr. Laura Smith-Khan, a Senior Lecturer in Law and migration law scholar, delves into the surprising impact of accents in children's media. She discusses how shows like 'Octonauts' and 'Bluey' shape perceptions of race and inclusion through language representation. The conversation explores the shifting portrayal of accents and the implications for migrant identities. Laura critiques media narratives that influence public perceptions of language and highlights the importance of diverse portrayals for fostering a sense of belonging.
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Octonauts Accents
- Bryn Quick and Laura Smith-Khan discuss the accents of characters in the children's show Octonauts.
- Smith-Khan observes that the show initially had diverse accents, including Cockney, Scottish, Australian, and Indian English.
Captain's Accent
- Despite the diversity of accents, the captain has Received Pronunciation, a standard British accent.
- This raises questions about subtle social hierarchies.
Netflix Production Shift
- The Octonauts shifted from a British production to a Netflix production, impacting the voice cast and accents.
- The Netflix version features an Indian English voice actor of Indian origin, a positive change from potentially stereotypical portrayals.
