The seven deadly sins of kid culture
I was in Atlanta over the weekend and picked up a copy of their alternative weekly, Creative Loafing. Inside was an interesting article on something I haven’t thought much about as I don’t have any kids yet. Kids entertainment usually commits many of the following sins:
1) INSIPIDNESS
2) BRATTINESS
3) “PRINCESS-NESS”
4) STEREO-TYPING
5) VIOLENCE
6) VULGARITY
7) SLUTTINESS
It was a revelation to me that even innocuous, insipid shows on PBS Kids might not all be equal, particularly when I compared “Clifford the Big Red Dog” with “Dragon Tales.” At first I preferred “Clifford,” because I liked the books when I was young, and the late John Ritter voiced the pachyderm-size pooch. More shrill and saccharine is “Dragon Tales,” the maddeningly inane adventures of human kids in candy-color Dragonland, featuring guests such as Princess Kidoodle of the Doodle Fairies.
It slowly dawned on me, however, that a high proportion of the “Clifford” stories involved characters behaving foolishly and receiving correction, while “Dragon Tales” emphasized working together to overcome phobia or accomplish a goal. “Clifford” seems more interested in shame as a motivation, while “Dragon Tales” rewarded achievement. Sometimes banality has a purpose, so it’s back to Dragonland for us.
June 25th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
As a parent, #1 and #2 drive me nuts. #7 will be a concern at some point down the road.
I have to say that I didn’t appreciate how good “The Backyardigans” is until my daughter started expanding her viewing habits. Compared to “Blue’s Clue’s,” “Wonder Pets,” and the new CGI Pooh show, it’s masterwork.
I keep meaning to see if any of the DirecTV stations rerun Mr. Rogers.
June 26th, 2007 at 9:04 am
Keep her away from Bratz, that combines #2 and #7.
I never knew Mr Rogers was such a stand-up guy until after he died. From everything I’ve read, he should be sainted. Unless of course it comes out that he was molesting Daniel or banging Mr. Feeley.