Exposing children to positive images of diverse characters in the shows they watch is an easy and great way to begin anti-bias in children. Seeing multicultural characters featured in storybooks and shows help kids see the value and have appreciation for people who are different from them.
Remember that ultimately, what our children learn from the most is through what we model for them as parents. It is important that as parents we pray and ask God to show us hidden areas of racism, glean from a wide variety of people of color (POC) and educate ourselves as well.
Here’s a list of shows featuring diverse characters to help you create a culturally diverse Chinese learning environment.
Super Wings
Age: 3+
Where to Watch: Netflix
Fun show where the air planes goes on adventures all over the world learning about different cultures. One of my daughter’s favorites when she was younger.
Motown Magic/摩城的音樂魔法
Age: 4+
Where to Watch: Netflix
This fun Motown classic-filled show features Ben as the protagonist. He uses his magic paintbrush bringing street arts to life. It’s important for kids to see Black people portrayed in a positive light and this show does just that.
Julie’s Greenroom/茱莉的小舞台
Age: 4+
Where to Watch: Netflix
This show features puppets from diverse backgrounds, teaching preschoolers about performing arts. Different performers and celebrities come on the show as well to teach on the topic.
Doc McStuffins/小醫生大玩偶
Age: 4+
Where to Watch: Qiyi, DVD
A great show that features a Black family as the main characters in a positive light. Unfortunately this series is harder to find in Chinese. I bought the DVDs at Eslite in Taiwan. You can also purchase it on YesAsia.com in America or order it from Books.com.tw if you’re in Asia.
The Magic School Bus Rides Again/神奇校巴
Age: 5+
Where to Watch: Netflix
Revamp of the popular 90’s cartoon where kids go on adventures on the school bus to learn about science. The main characters which are the students are diverse.
Project Mc2
Age: 7+
Where to Watch: Netflix
This show serves a dual purpose of aiming to dismantle stereotypes associated with STEM while featuring intelligent diverse characters. Great to help young girls have good role models.
The Deep
Age：7+
Where to Watch: Netflix
Another show with diverse characters that Aime of Trilingual Expats shared with me that her kids love is The Deep. The show is about a family of scientists who work together as they go on adventures in the ocean. Kids will not only be exposed to Black protagonists displayed in a positive light but also learn a lot of fun things about the ocean.
Spirit Riding Free/小馬王：自由馳騁
Age: 7+
Where to Watch: Netflix
This is another one of my daughter’s favorites. The cartoon features diverse characters (three young girls) going on adventures during the expansion of the American West. Great for kids who love horses.
Back of the Net
Age: 8+
Where to Watch: Netflix
Feel good sports movie about a girl’s experience at soccer camp. Features a Black female protagonist who comes from a good family and intelligent. A great role model for all girls.
The Inbestigators/超棒少年偵探所
Age: 8+
Where to Watch: Netflix
This Aussie show features a racially diverse cast using their observation skills to solve mysteries. I really like how the show has a Asian boy as one of the main characters.
Family Reunion
Age: 10+
Where to Watch: Netflix
Show about a family that moves to the South from the Pacific Northwest. Show touches on Black history from civil rights movement to Black Lives Matters.
What Shows with Diverse Characters do Your Kids Enjoy?
What about you? What shows with diverse characters do your kids enjoy? Please share below so I can keep updating and including more great shows to help other families.
More Ways to Discuss Diversity at Home
- Fun Ways to Teach Diversity at Home from Multicultural Kid Blog
- World Love Wednesdays from Baby Devotions
- Representation Matters: 35 Black Kids TV Shows You can Watch Right Now from Mater Mea
- An open letter to family members and loved ones on Black Lives Matters in Chinese from Taiwanese American Film Fest
- Talking with kids about racism: your questions answered from Raising Prayerful Kids
- The role of language in raising global citizens from Multicultural Kid Blog
- 與非洲有關的中文兒童繪本 (Children’s books on Africa) from Chance Loves Travel (site is entirely in Chinese)
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