Dora the Explorer: Empowering Preschoolers, Girls, and Latinas

Abstract

“Dora the Explorer” is a highly successful animated program on Nickelodeon. This critique explored how Dora may change the “face” of children's television while empowering three traditionally powerless groups: preschoolers, girls, and Latinas. Two episodes were found to contain elements with the potential to empower young viewers, particularly female viewers of Latin heritage. Although the episodes appeared to communicate polar opposite portrayals of Dora (the savior vs. the damsel in distress), she ultimately functioned as the heroine of both stories. In addition, Dora's direct gaze and her appeals for help from viewers empower her biggest fans: the preschool audience.