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What do you really want out of life? Now what's stopping you?

Monday, June 04, 2007

Shreck

There was an article published inTime magazine recently focusing on the success of the "Shreck" franchise related to the more traditional stereotypical 'hero prince and princess' type of older fairy tales. While it could be argued that the sucess lies in the extention of the 'rank-outsider' theme found in other literature (e.g. village girl or poor orphan gets a break and becomes the hero), it is also possible that the blurring of previous boundaries has something to do with it. The hero no longer has to be hansom, or the girl incapable of self defense. I have no problem with people breaking out of the stereotypes placed on them ,and in many cases actively encourage people to step out of their comfort zones.

That said, can one place any acceptable limits on behaviour and role. If behaviour is to be harmful is an example-I don't care how much of a mould you are attempting to break, but jumping off a cliff without a paracute or some other aviation device is plain dumb. What do we do about other boundaries though? How long will it be before we have mainstream homosexual cartoons being released-is that an exceptable boundary to break? For some it may be, for others not. What about increasing levels of television violence and it's potential efect on kids?How do you handle this as a parent? There was enough outrage at the Harry Potter series over the concept of wizardry and witchcraft to know that such an idea will produce some reaction.

Part of the solution has to do with parenting style. Raising children with their own set of values, where, ultimatly, they understand their own reasons for what they choose to watch and read, and are aware of any potential negative consequences. Rather than just saying "you can't watch that!!!" explain to them why, get them to talk about it. If you can't justify your stand on an issue, maybe you need to examine your own values?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hi Dennis!

Reading your blog - which I have been doing over the months from time to time - is like opening a window in the morning and expanding my lungs with all that lovely cool fresh air. It's great! It's invigorating and really puts a smile on the face! I'm looking forward to the book...

I totally agree with that bit about parenting at the end of the Shrek mention. It's important to instill in the minds and hearts of young ones to think for themselves. To step back a bit instead of installing (like we do our software onto the pc) your set of beliefs, desires, insecurities and all that goes with etc. To allow that they have their own personalities and a good healthy mind, all in a loving and caring environment(I stress this), is to set oneself free from having to curb every move or brain function they have and to let them be, and enjoy them.

I would be failing Mark if I didn't show him when to get out his parachute kit and likewise failing him if I didn't show him how to be patient and considerate. Nearly all behaviour is learned behaviour and where does this come from...the home.

He's growing up (with lots of other little people) in 2007 and not in the 80's like I did and I have to consider this, and in our discussions so does he. Yes, he does watch those horrible horror movies which I can't bring myself to, and some of those playstation games could really go in the bin, but, we've discussed these items and the issues around them. The difference between him being able to watch gore and me taking refuge in a pillow comes down to personality and the fact that he thinks it's a load of bollocks but its entertaining as it is not real. Me on the other hand will walk about paranoid for the next few days wondering when the alien is going to land. At the end of the day, we communicate well, can debate things which is vital in getting on with things everyday, and respect one another.

The key is love, mindfulness and communication-all good things that they can inherit.

Lots of Love
Ash