What This Blog Won't Be

Once I put up my first post, I thought and thought and thought about it. And I want to make a few things clear about how I am going to approach talking about the kids' shows I am subjected to.

1) I am not going to be like this:

http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/story/2009/12/11/thomas-the-tank-engine-is-sexist-study/

This is why people don't like academics. Apparently, depending on where you read the article, Thomas is also responsible for the dominance of conservative politics in Canada. Now, I could just go around deconstructing the kids shows in order to expose how they are all sexist, homonormative, capitalist exploitation shows. And it would probably mean a lot more traffic and/or tenure if I ever get a job again. But, really? Come on.

Example: I could say that Little Einsteins promotes normative gender and racial roles, as the leader of the group is clearly Leo, the white boy, who is also a conductor. Quincy, the African-American character plays all of the instruments, but is clearly beneath Leo in the hierarchy. Then, we have June and Annie, a dancer and a singer respectively. This could mark a type of "gay panic," not allowing a male character have an interest in more "female" activities such as dance and singing.

Then again, I could shut the f- up about it and enjoy that the show teaches my kids about music.

2) I am not going to be like this:

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/sright/2009/11/03/l-is-for-leftist-thats-good-enough-for-me/

Or this:

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/abaldwin/2009/11/03/sesame-street-all-monsters-are-equal/

This is why people don't like conservatives. It's freaking Sesame Street!

Did you see the video he embedded? It's from the 1970's. I watched that song when I was my daughter's age. Couldn't find anything more current to illustrate your point? Promoting equality? Which message would you prefer? You're better than everyone, everyone, everyone, you're better than ever-y-one, because you happen to be white, middle-class and Christian! Kids get jaded soon enough in life that we don't need Sesame Street (or any other show, for that matter) teaching them that there are terrible injustices, mean people and so, so many inequalities in the world. I have The Incredibles for that message, thanks.

Again, this is why people don't like conservatives very much. At least the complaint doesn't go as far as criticizing the show for promoting sharing because it encourages socialism. Sharing = Marx, BEWARE! I'm getting way off topic here, but I can't help imagine what a "conservative" Sesame Street would look like. Every image I have suffers from the very worst of the "crazy conservative" stereotypes, and I hate that that happens. I move in conservative circles, and few, if any, of the people I know and love dearly who are conservative fit any of the stereotypes. I have no doubt I could come up with a decent parody/satire, but really, what's the use? I've gotten enough cheap laughs at conservatives expense for today. Comedy Central doesn't have me on the payroll. My integrity has a price. And, it would be just as easy (and cheap) to come up with a parody/satire of a hard left kids show. Wait, the USSR beat me to it. (Ba-dum-dum)

On either side, I would say this: if the TV is the only place where your children are getting their values and world view from, then it's your own damn fault if they don't turn out the way you were hoping in terms of how they vote in their first election. Or their second.

In conclusion, my Blog won't be like either of those commentaries on kids' TV.