Canadian researchers have found that children who watch cartoons featuring villains with foreign-accented English may develop language biases. The use of “non-standard and foreign accents” to depict negative characters has long been a common practice in popular children’s films and TV shows.
A recent study led by University of Toronto psychology professor Elizabeth Johnson analyzed over 100 animated films and programs and revealed the detrimental impact of associating accents with villainous characters. The study, published in the Child Development journal, observed that children as young as three start internalizing these biases, which intensify with age.
Johnson emphasized the significance of these findings, as stereotypes linked to certain accents, such as being perceived as less trustworthy or intelligent, can have adverse effects on individuals’ lives, influencing judgments in contexts like job interviews and housing.
The research involved 95 children aged seven to nine from the Greater Toronto Area and their parents, who identified their favorite animated shows. The study noted a tendency to portray non-standard accents as negative traits or associated with villainous roles. In subsequent experiments, participants preferred foreign accents for villainous characters, indicating a growing bias with age.
Johnson’s ongoing research aims to explore whether exposure to positive portrayals of accents in cartoons can mitigate these biases. Shows like “Octonauts” and “Peppa Pig” were highlighted for their diverse accent representation, featuring characters with British, American, and Australian accents, as well as accents common across England.
The study author was surprised by the results, expecting bias to be more prevalent in less diverse environments. The findings underscored the need to address accent biases early on to promote inclusivity and understanding among children.
