Dora the Explorer, Cultural Change Agent?
by Andrés T. Tapia —
The Associated Press reports that it’s been 10 years since the Latina Dora the Explorer made her debut on TV. Credited with being the first bilingual heroine for children’s TV, Dora has become a multibillion-dollar franchise, viewed in 151 markets around the world and translated into 30 languages. Depending on the dominant language of a particular market, Dora teaches either English or Spanish to her preschool fans. In English speaking countries such as in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and Canada, youngsters learn Spanish. In other markets, Dora teaches English.
According to Nickelodeon, “Dora” has generated over $11 billion in worldwide sales since 2002. While originally slated to be a forest animal, as Nickelodeon paid more attention to the growing diversity of their audiences and a study reported on the lack of bilingual characters on children’s television, the network suggested that creators consider making the title character a Latina. But more than just being bilingual, the producers worked with experts in history and multiculturalism to make sure that Dora and her friends reflect a distinctly Latin flavor through the show’s family values, culture, and settings.
Dora’s unintended influence extends far beyond her preschool audience, having crossed over to other larger issues, like the immigration debate. A drawing by Sarasota, Florida resident Debbie Groben of Dora’s mug shot as a suspected illegal immigrant went viral on the Internet with the announcement of the recent Arizona law.
Will Dora’s fans be more enlightened about different cultures and people as they grow up? “I think that the fact that kids are identifying with a kid with darker color skin that speaks another language (shows they are more open),” said Chris Gifford, one of the show’s creators and executive producers.
“I am delighted with the way ‘Dora’ has come out, particularly the impact it seems to be having in young people,” Carlos Cortes, who served as cultural consultant to the show, told AP. Cortes, who is also professor emeritus of history at the University of California, Riverside and author of “The Children Are Watching,” added, “The Latino kids take pride having Dora as a lead character and non-Latino kids can embrace someone different.”
Because a 5-year-old viewer in 2000 is now 15, Cortes believes that fans could affect America’s political future. “You can’t be certain, but our hope is that young people of all backgrounds will be more open. If Dora can do that, her impact is unimaginable,” he said.
That’s a lot to expect from any 10-year-old. Still, we should not underestimate the power of a Latina. Happy Birthday, Dora!
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