Talking Points One

Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us by Linda Christensen

"When we read children's books, we aren't just reading cute little stories, we are discovering the tools with which a young society is manipulated." Children's cartoons, movies, and literature may seem innocent at first glance, but when you actually take a good look at them racism, sexism, and violence are displayed throughout all of them. This is a key issue in Disney movies. Many parents refuse to take their children today to view a Disney production. Another huge thing is the leading role is always a white female. Anyone of a different race or color always end up being the servants or are depicted as large and ugly, which think of how that would effect your self esteem if you were of that race or color. Of course the leading role is always beautiful with a perfect figure and she always gets the prince or the handsome rich man in the end. This is portraying to kids that beauty and men are everything and that this is what makes you happy in life.

Why are children's literature, movies, and cartoons made with all this racism, sexism, & violence?

Is this really what we want to be teaching our youths? we're supposed to be setting a good example and sending them down the right path; letting children watch these cartoons and movies is doing the exact opposite of that.

A huge issue I have is that they have every kind of Barbie doll out there, but they don't have a bigger sized Barbie. Im sure the makers or many people would say that it's because it would be portraying to the children that it's all right to be overweight. Well so what; every Barbie made now screams eating disorder and causes more problems with self esteem and dieting than any overweight Barbie every would.

Parts of this reading relate to the posters were making. "The Barbie syndrome" is so small compared to the problems teens and many women encounter due to the images of celebrities and what they're wearing. It's really a huge issue.

"When I was thirteen"

When I was thirteen... I was in seventh grade at Roosevelt Intermediate School and I carpooled with my two cousins who still live up the street from me at home. One thing I remember about school was the lockers; mine always used to get stuck and I would have to kick it to get it open. A few days a week I would go to the lawn mower shop my grandpa owns after school to see if I could make any money by helping out. Of course there was always homework to be done. I would have a snack and then my mom would always make me do my homework right away before I could go anywhere.

"When I was thirteen"

When I was thirteen... I was in seventh grade at Roosevelt Intermediate School and I carpooled with my two cousins who still live up the street from me at home. One thing I remember about school was the lockers; mine always used to get stuck and I would have to kick it to get it open. A few days a week I would go to the lawn mower shop my grandpa owns after school to see if I could make any money by helping out. Of course there was always homework to be done. I would have a snack and then my mom would always make me do my homework right away before I could go anywhere.