Power+and+Superiority+Displayed+in+ICarly+by+Christin+St.Pierre

Topic: How Superiority is Displayed and Viewed in iCarly

Forms of Research: Content Analysis and Online and Library Research

Research Proposal/Step by Step: I want to explore how superiority is displayed in character traits in certain children’s television programming and also how viewers interpret the messages of such superiority. In iCarly, it is evident that Carly and Sam are the dominant characters over their friend Freddie and also Carly’s older brother Spencer. I want to analyze how Carly and Sam show their dominance over other characters. Here is the process for research:

1. View several iCarly episodes, carefully noting superior characteristics found in each character and how it is displayed in the character’s actions and dialogue. 2. Find patterns and motifs showing power and superiority. 3. Search for articles discussing the portrayal of superiority in children’s programming in iCarly and other shows. 4. Pick one episode that demonstrates evident superiority between characters. 5. Carefully document each superior characteristic found- as in the first step, but documenting in an excel sheet with categories. 6. Compare issues with power/superiority depicted in iCarly with issues raised in certain articles.

This topic is important in regards to studying children’s television programming because children often imitate their role models- role models include friends, family and also media icons. Mass media has often been critiqued for the messages it sends to young viewers. Learning through imitation can often be seen with children imitating what they see on the television screen. Because the show iCarly centers on social relationships of teens, it is important to study the social relationships it portrays. iCarly is such a popular program for Nickelodeon that it is important to understand how superiority and power are displayed in the social relationships of the main characters.