DON’T
POLITICIZE MY GRANDKIDS NICK
Rather than watch the
Olympics last Friday evening, I sat down with my grandaughter to watch
Nickelodian (Time Warner), one of her
favorite shows. The episode was a series
called Sam and Cat, apparently geared toward pre-teens. My granddaughter is eight, but
precocious. I wound up watching three
episodes run consecutively but my remarks here are specifically directed toward
one titled :"Blue Dog Soda,”
I
found all the programs inane—Punch and Judy type slapstick, without any
educational merit and, in fact, without any redeeming qualities. I understand my sense of humor differs from
that of children aged eight to twelve.
So be it. My objections here are
the not so subtle attempt to interject conservative political philosophy into a
children’s program.
Sam and Cat are two attractive e girls, a
blond and brunette who star in a TV program for kids their age. Other kids play
supporting roles. In this episode the
girls have been surreptitiously manufacturing, bottling, and selling a soda
drink called Blue Dog. A policeman,
father to one of the characters, I think, enters and voices his frustration
about being unable to capture the persons selling the illegal soda. They will be severely punished when
apprehended. Sam and Cat, of course, do
not reveal that they are the culprits.
The policeman is portrayed as somewhat stupid.
Later the policeman returns, still empty handed. There is a loud crash from the basement and
when he investigates he lerns that this is the source of the contraband. Rather than appearing contrite, one of the
girls offers an argument that criticizes government regulations. ”What is wrong with the soda?” she asks. He responds that it has too much sugar, which
is unhealthy. (He leaves out that they
are not licensed to manufacture or sell the soda.) The girls present him with the argument that
just because some people abuse something is no excuse for needless
regulation. People should be allowed to
regulate themselves. Sounds straight out of a Teaparty handbook. The
policeman immediately capitulates, acknowledging the soundness of the girls’
position.
The appropriateness of this debate is questionable
for this audience but,, if it is introduced,
both sides of the argument should be prsented. The anti-government regulation message is
clear here. The ignorant, adult
policeman is defeated by the wiser pre-teen
girls, who apparently will be allowed to go on selling Blue Dog.
Come on, Nick. entertain kids but keep your politics to
yourself.
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