The Wasteland of political correctness: Children's Television.

[ronuva]

Remember the good old days when Moe could staple Larry's nose on an episode of the 3 Stooges? It was harmless fun and none of us stapled anybody. Now children's telivision is littered with political correct message-based episodes. I will throw up if I see one more episode about we must all work as a team. As a parent, I take it upon myself to give my son guidance. I don't let TV do the job for me. Kids look upon TV as entertainment and they should receive some without a message that hits them over the head. Look at Dora the Explorer(I know it's depressing but bear with me). If ever there was a propaganda cartoon here it is! All the key phrases in English and Spanish. How are immigrants(legal or illegal) going to get assimilated if they never are encouraged to learn English? I have a good idea for a Dora episode. Have Dora arrested as an illegal immigrant and search backpack and find drugs. I know that some will find it harsh, I make the point to point out the fallacy of preaching political correctness in Children's programming. Let kids be kids without having to deal with politics. They will deal with that soon enough

[EmmanuelGoldstein]

There's this really cool invention called the "off switch"... and another that actually changes the channels!!!

Oh, the wonders of technology.

[NascarGirl2448]

Oh come on!!! In a country where Spanish is a, let's face it, essential language, teaching kids early when they can learn another language a lot easier is not being "politically correct." Learning a second language is going to be an asset to the kids as they get older, and then when they are in the working world eventually. A lot of companies are looking for bilingual employees, given the "smallness" of our world in the 21st century.

[USAF Medic]

Oh come on!!! In a country where Spanish is a, let's face it, essential language, teaching kids early when they can learn another language a lot easier is not being "politically correct." Learning a second language is going to be an asset to the kids as they get older, and then when they are in the working world eventually. A lot of companies are looking for bilingual employees, given the "smallness" of our world in the 21st century.

Spanish is "essential" only for those spanish speaking unwilling to learn English.

[Buffalo]

Remember the good old days when Moe could staple Larry's nose on an episode of the 3 Stooges? It was harmless fun and none of us stapled anybody. Now children's telivision is littered with political correct message-based episodes. I will throw up if I see one more episode about we must all work as a team. As a parent, I take it upon myself to give my son guidance. I don't let TV do the job for me. Kids look upon TV as entertainment and they should receive some without a message that hits them over the head. Look at Dora the Explorer(I know it's depressing but bear with me). If ever there was a propaganda cartoon here it is! All the key phrases in English and Spanish. How are immigrants(legal or illegal) going to get assimilated if they never are encouraged to learn English? I have a good idea for a Dora episode. Have Dora arrested as an illegal immigrant and search backpack and find drugs. I know that some will find it harsh, I make the point to point out the fallacy of preaching political correctness in Children's programming. Let kids be kids without having to deal with politics. They will deal with that soon enough

I learned my first Spanish words on sesame street in the seventies. I went on to take Spanish from 6th grade through senior year (AP Spanish) I learned a valuable skill which I have since let lapse due to inactivity, unfortunately. Learning other languages = more skills! Keep your kids stupid, I prefer mine and my family's to be as broadly educated as possible.

Your drug episode is super duper classy. All those Latinos carry are drug dealers.

[mgifford]

Remember the good old days when Moe could staple Larry's nose on an episode of the 3 Stooges? It was harmless fun and none of us stapled anybody. Now children's telivision is littered with political correct message-based episodes. I will throw up if I see one more episode about we must all work as a team. As a parent, I take it upon myself to give my son guidance. I don't let TV do the job for me. Kids look upon TV as entertainment and they should receive some without a message that hits them over the head. Look at Dora the Explorer(I know it's depressing but bear with me). If ever there was a propaganda cartoon here it is! All the key phrases in English and Spanish. How are immigrants(legal or illegal) going to get assimilated if they never are encouraged to learn English? I have a good idea for a Dora episode. Have Dora arrested as an illegal immigrant and search backpack and find drugs. I know that some will find it harsh, I make the point to point out the fallacy of preaching political correctness in Children's programming. Let kids be kids without having to deal with politics. They will deal with that soon enough

And a mouthful of important words you did say! Ever thought about the "Alarm Company" commercial that is on tv every day of the world, how they never use anyone but a white intruder for the burglar's part? If you live to be 100 you'll never see it portrayed differently.

[NascarGirl2448]

Spanish is "essential" only for those spanish speaking unwilling to learn English.

You haven't spent much time in Florida, have you? I'm glad I took Spanish in school every time I go visit my uncle in Miami.

Also, if you ever go to Spain, or Mexico, or Costa Rica, or Chile, or any other Spanish speaking country, you will be very glad you know the language. Knowing the language helps a great deal when in a foreign land. Sure you can find people who do speak English, but when all the signs and menus and whatnot are in a foreign language, only knowing English isn't gonna help matters.

Face it, this world isn't as isolated as it used to be. It never ceases to amaze me that kids in other countries are learning 2 or 3 languages, including English, but if anyone dares to teach American kids another language, people get their noses out of joint.

[NascarGirl2448]

And a mouthful of important words you did say! Ever thought about the "Alarm Company" commercial that is on tv every day of the world, how they never use anyone but a white intruder for the burglar's part? If you live to be 100 you'll never see it portrayed differently.

What does an alarm company commercial have to do with expanding people's horizons? If its the commercial I'm thinking of, did you notice how the guy who tosses out the intruder looks like an NFL lineman?

[Buffalo]

You haven't spent much time in Florida, have you? I'm glad I took Spanish in school every time I go visit my uncle in Miami.

Also, if you ever go to Spain, or Mexico, or Costa Rica, or Chile, or any other Spanish speaking country, you will be very glad you know the language. Knowing the language helps a great deal when in a foreign land. Sure you can find people who do speak English, but when all the signs and menus and whatnot are in a foreign language, only knowing English isn't gonna help matters.

Face it, this world isn't as isolated as it used to be. It never ceases to amaze me that kids in other countries are learning 2 or 3 languages, including English, but if anyone dares to teach American kids another language, people get their noses out of joint.
Well said. Our second largest border and most of our neighbors speak Spanish. Most of the world learns English as well as their native language. Makes sense. Add to that the fact that learning multiple languages engages the brain and makes you smarter and better able to learn.

[ronuva]

I know about the off switch and the channel changer. I use it often to cut off Hardball, Rachel Maddow, and The Ed Show!

[EmmanuelGoldstein]

Your drug episode is super duper classy. All those Latinos carry are drug dealers.
I didn't read the rant past the first few sentences. Sorry I read that. What stupid tripe.

[angelicmadrigal]

Oh come on!!! In a country where Spanish is a, let's face it, essential language, teaching kids early when they can learn another language a lot easier is not being "politically correct." Learning a second language is going to be an asset to the kids as they get older, and then when they are in the working world eventually. A lot of companies are looking for bilingual employees, given the "smallness" of our world in the 21st century.

No kidding, we teach spanish and sign language at the school i work at. We must be double anti-American. ::eyeroll::

[EmmanuelGoldstein]

Since when did learning other languages equate to being "politically correct" or anti-American or pro-illegal immigration? Good Lord people.

[EmmanuelGoldstein]

No kidding, we teach spanish and sign language at the school i work at. We must be double anti-American. ::eyeroll::

Both my daughters taught their boys to speak in sign before they could even talk (simple stuff, not too complex). I guess they both Hate America™.

[angelicmadrigal]

Since when did learning other languages equate to being "politically correct" or anti-American or pro-illegal immigration? Good Lord people.

Don't ask me, that's what some people think. How am I supposed to know where they get it from. Hell, they probably don't even know.

[angelicmadrigal]

Both my daughters taught their boys to speak in sign before they could talk (simple stuff, not too complex). I guess they both Hate America.

Yup they're vile evil America haters. Those deaf/mute people should have to learn regular english like the rest of us.

We have a kid in the nursery at my work that signs. Normally it doesn't cause issues with kids learning to talk, but this kid is a stubborn non talker. though when he was 10 months old it made life easier for us because he could tell us what he wanted.

I've dabbled in languages for years. I speak English (obviously) and French, and a little of: Japanese, Spanish, and ASL I must be the most un-American person ever.

[mgifford]

What does an alarm company commercial have to do with expanding people's horizons? If its the commercial I'm thinking of, did you notice how the guy who tosses out the intruder looks like an NFL lineman?

Wasn't a minority, was he? I say, he never will be.

[NascarGirl2448]

Wasn't a minority, was he? I say, he never will be.

Actually I believe there is one black guy and one white guy (both the size of linebackers) who toss the intruder out before he gets licked to death by the dog! Kills the "no minority" theory in that commercial.

[mgifford]

Actually I believe there is one black guy and one white guy (both the size of linebackers) who toss the intruder out before he gets licked to death by the dog! Kills the "no minority" theory in that commercial.

Work with me here. No perp. that's black and never will on tv.

[NascarGirl2448]

Work with me here. No perp. that's black and never will on tv.

Hmmm watch some of the cop shows on TruTV. You know, the ones that come straight from the dashcam itself? Perps of every color on those.

[mgifford]

Hmmm watch some of the cop shows on TruTV. You know, the ones that come straight from the dashcam itself? Perps of every color on those.

NOT on commercials!

[King Cantona]

I can say 'hola'.......

Is that any good to me?.......

[NascarGirl2448]

NOT on commercials!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Commercials aren't all that are on TV. Besides that, you can't look at a staged ad as representative of society itself.

[mgifford]

Commercials aren't all that are on TV. Besides that, you can't look at a staged ad as representative of society itself.

Forgive me for getting into this argument. I'll refrain now.

[EmmanuelGoldstein]

NOT on commercials!

The Brinks' commercials seem to use the same burglar over and over again. I guess he just keeps running from house to house, smashing in doors and windows. Persistent cuss.

[JenyEliza]

You haven't spent much time in Florida, have you? I'm glad I took Spanish in school every time I go visit my uncle in Miami.

Also, if you ever go to Spain, or Mexico, or Costa Rica, or Chile, or any other Spanish speaking country, you will be very glad you know the language. Knowing the language helps a great deal when in a foreign land. Sure you can find people who do speak English, but when all the signs and menus and whatnot are in a foreign language, only knowing English isn't gonna help matters.

Face it, this world isn't as isolated as it used to be. It never ceases to amaze me that kids in other countries are learning 2 or 3 languages, including English, but if anyone dares to teach American kids another language, people get their noses out of joint.

It never ceases to amaze me that spanish speaking people would move to the USA--ILLEGALLY, no less--and FAIL to learn English.

Instead, they expect Americans to learn Spanish.

Sorry, Hombre. You are in America. We speak English here. Our lives, businesses and government matters are conducted in English. You will need to learn OUR language if you want to live the American dream here, not the other way around.

Now, if move to any of those countries you mentioned (which is highly highly unlikely), I will brush up my Spanish and become fluent. I WILL NOT expect the natives to speak MY language. I will speak THEIRS.

Capiche?

[JenyEliza]

I can say 'hola'.......

Is that any good to me?.......

Yo quiero Taco Bell! :mrgreen:

[NascarGirl2448]

It never ceases to amaze me that spanish speaking people would move to the USA--ILLEGALLY, no less--and FAIL to learn English.

Instead, they expect Americans to learn Spanish.

Sorry, Hombre. You are in America. We speak English here. Our lives, businesses and government matters are conducted in English. You will need to learn OUR language if you want to live the American dream here, not the other way around.

Now, if move to any of those countries you mentioned (which is highly highly unlikely), I will brush up my Spanish and become fluent. I WILL NOT expect the natives to speak MY language. I will speak THEIRS.

Capiche?

Actually even going to the American territory of Puerto Rico would require you to be somewhat fluent in the Spanish language. Its probably the only place in the world (with the possible exception of Guam and our other territories) where you do not need a passport to visit anymore, due to it being considered part of the US.

[curtis123]

Remember the good old days when Moe could staple Larry's nose on an episode of the 3 Stooges? It was harmless fun and none of us stapled anybody. Now children's telivision is littered with political correct message-based episodes. I will throw up if I see one more episode about we must all work as a team. As a parent, I take it upon myself to give my son guidance. I don't let TV do the job for me. Kids look upon TV as entertainment and they should receive some without a message that hits them over the head. Look at Dora the Explorer(I know it's depressing but bear with me). If ever there was a propaganda cartoon here it is! All the key phrases in English and Spanish. How are immigrants(legal or illegal) going to get assimilated if they never are encouraged to learn English? I have a good idea for a Dora episode. Have Dora arrested as an illegal immigrant and search backpack and find drugs. I know that some will find it harsh, I make the point to point out the fallacy of preaching political correctness in Children's programming. Let kids be kids without having to deal with politics. They will deal with that soon enough


I learned French by watching a Canadian version of Sesame Street when I was a kid and we lived near the Canadian Border.

So what? It's called broadening the mind, and it's actually a good thing.

[Army Wife]

I always go back to this one thing...when stationed in Germany for 6 years Germany did NOT put their advertising, labels, highway signs, newspapers, restaurants menus, soda machines, gas pumps, or what ever else you can think of in English. We were expected to make time to go to HeadStart learn some German and to NOT look to the German people to change THEIR language and culture to suit the Americans who were stationed there to help protect their country. So WHY should Americans have to do that for those who come to this country and not only expect but DEMAND that we cater to them in their language.

I have no problem with learning a second language (I learned enough German to be basically functional and The Daughter was in AP French) what I do have a problem with is going in the the local Hicksville Wal-Mart/Lowes/Kroger and having to search for English on a label. Sorry, learn the language and don't look to us to cater to your wants to have a label, sign or whatever in your home language.

[AeroEngineer]

Remember the good old days when Moe could staple Larry's nose on an episode of the 3 Stooges? It was harmless fun and none of us stapled anybody. Now children's telivision is littered with political correct message-based episodes. I will throw up if I see one more episode about we must all work as a team. As a parent, I take it upon myself to give my son guidance. I don't let TV do the job for me. Kids look upon TV as entertainment and they should receive some without a message that hits them over the head. Look at Dora the Explorer(I know it's depressing but bear with me). If ever there was a propaganda cartoon here it is! All the key phrases in English and Spanish. How are immigrants(legal or illegal) going to get assimilated if they never are encouraged to learn English? I have a good idea for a Dora episode. Have Dora arrested as an illegal immigrant and search backpack and find drugs. I know that some will find it harsh, I make the point to point out the fallacy of preaching political correctness in Children's programming. Let kids be kids without having to deal with politics. They will deal with that soon enough


The US will be 1/3 hispanic by 2050. These kids are going to need to know both languages.

[AeroEngineer]

Work with me here. No perp. that's black and never will on tv.

Freeze it at 11 seconds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28o21UFsmO0&feature=related

^that guy looks pretty black to me. Hispanic at least.

Next?

[NascarGirl2448]

Freeze it at 11 seconds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28o21UFsmO0&feature=related

^that guy looks pretty black to me. Hispanic at least.

Next?

Does to me too. So much for non-minority perps in commercials.

[StoneScratcher]

PBS's Arthur show had a contest for kids to enter. Kids could create their own character and Mark Brown (author of the Arthur series) would use the winning entry as a new character.

Can you guess which was chosen?

A character in a wheelchair. Okay, we get it.

So then, Sesame Street is going to introduce a new character (maybe they did already).

Can you guess what it is?

An orange fur ball who has AIDS.

Last year they made one of the characters' father die. He was killed in Iraq.

[AeroEngineer]

Last year they made one of the characters' father die. He was killed in Iraq.

Why was that a bad thing?

Some kids actually lose parents at a young age.

[sgdp]

PBS's Arthur show had a contest for kids to enter. Kids could create their own character and Mark Brown (author of the Arthur series) would use the winning entry as a new character.

Can you guess which was chosen?

A character in a wheelchair. Okay, we get it.

So then, Sesame Street is going to introduce a new character (maybe they did already).

Can you guess what it is?

An orange fur ball who has AIDS.

Last year they made one of the characters' father die. He was killed in Iraq.

"Arthur" is a fantastic program, IMHO.

[StoneScratcher]

Why was that a bad thing?

Some kids actually lose parents at a young age.

Never said it was a bad thing, but I look at it this way:

Suppose a child did have a parent die in Iraq? Do I want Sesame Street to bring it up when my kid is sitting in front of the TV?

Sesame Street isn't just about ABC and 123 anymore. They have so much "think" like this crap in it.

[StoneScratcher]

"Arthur" is a fantastic program, IMHO.

I agree.

[CID_0687]

Spanish is "essential" only for those spanish speaking unwilling to learn English.
Yep.

[BrittleBullet]

Remember the good old days when Moe could staple Larry's nose on an episode of the 3 Stooges? It was harmless fun and none of us stapled anybody. Now children's telivision is littered with political correct message-based episodes. I will throw up if I see one more episode about we must all work as a team. As a parent, I take it upon myself to give my son guidance. I don't let TV do the job for me. Kids look upon TV as entertainment and they should receive some without a message that hits them over the head. Look at Dora the Explorer(I know it's depressing but bear with me). If ever there was a propaganda cartoon here it is! All the key phrases in English and Spanish. How are immigrants(legal or illegal) going to get assimilated if they never are encouraged to learn English? I have a good idea for a Dora episode. Have Dora arrested as an illegal immigrant and search backpack and find drugs. I know that some will find it harsh, I make the point to point out the fallacy of preaching political correctness in Children's programming. Let kids be kids without having to deal with politics. They will deal with that soon enough


Sounds like you're the one making it political.
Some of us grew up with a lot of Spanish spoken in the home.
Apparently that also makes me a drug dealing/using illegal immigrant....

[CID_0687]

I always go back to this one thing...when stationed in Germany for 6 years Germany did NOT put their advertising, labels, highway signs, newspapers, restaurants menus, soda machines, gas pumps, or what ever else you can think of in English. We were expected to make time to go to HeadStart learn some German and to NOT look to the German people to change THEIR language and culture to suit the Americans who were stationed there to help protect their country. So WHY should Americans have to do that for those who come to this country and not only expect but DEMAND that we cater to them in their language.

I have no problem with learning a second language (I learned enough German to be basically functional and The Daughter was in AP French) what I do have a problem with is going in the the local Hicksville Wal-Mart/Lowes/Kroger and having to search for English on a label. Sorry, learn the language and don't look to us to cater to your wants to have a label, sign or whatever in your home language.
Yep squared.