Here I was open-minded as ever, prepared to see something great, also prepared to scold at misogynistic crowd because there were hints in some comments that there is such crowd here... and then I watched the video.
Everything that can go in other direction related to stereotypes and gender roles - DID. It went so overboard that I think it's a part of marketing strategy for it. This is just sad, because I think the product could've done without it as well as it did.
I thought the same for a moment, until I realized I was basically watching a kids show. The colors, the enthusiasm, the fast cuts, this video was made by someone who knows how to get kids (we're talking 4-6 here) interested in something. If that's the sensibility she brings to her storytelling and illustrating, this book is going to be a wild success.
If it was a Kickstarter for an invention or a software product, I'd expect the presenters to be a bit more sedate. But given what she's selling, I think showcasing her personality helped make it clear that she's the right person for this job.
Had a similar initial reaction and came to the kid show conclusion too but it didn't make it okay in my book. Loved the idea of the book(s) and it's well put forward but her overacting this 'over the top happy go far' personality in the video was just distracting from the point of the whole thing. The video is targeting sponsors on kickstarter not kids who will read this. I think it would have been better to tone it down a bit and then just go all outboard in the promotional material after the book is done.
I have nothing against it, although it wasn't my personal taste. I just want to point out that being exaggerated and semi-crazy is not the only way to get kids excited. It is maybe the "TV show for kids" way. I often cringe inside when I witness that way of dealing with kids, because to me it seems not very genuine.
Again, if people like it, and kids like it, fine. I just wanted to comment because I think it would be sad if everything for kids would be converted into that kind of format.
Actually the whole premise of "getting kids interested" already points to a problem. Kids are naturally interested. You don't have to go into manic mode to get them interested.
Too bad we don't have an example of this to look at. I, regretfully, agree with the OP. It would probably seem kind of weird, and then male presenter would seem more than a bit childish.
Have you seen girls playing with kids? Would you say it's “over the top” when some of them act in a similar way doing so? When a girl plays with a kid in such a way, does it “reinforce some gender stereotype”?
What KeyFrame said. Even if the video were intended to be viewed by children, her body language and behaviour would still be a bit over the top, and as it is,the intended audience is people donating to Kickstarter. So yeah, I think it reinforces gender stereotypes. Which, I mean, I'm unsure if it's a good or a bad thing, but, well, shrug.
Everything that can go in other direction related to stereotypes and gender roles - DID. It went so overboard that I think it's a part of marketing strategy for it. This is just sad, because I think the product could've done without it as well as it did.