I just read Olivia some nursery rhymes and put her down for a nap. She really likes the sing-song rythm and the pictures. However, these fun and catchy verses belie a more violent nature. Have you ever noticed that? Let me give you some examples (some of you may have to reach back in your childhood to remember these)...
First, you have a dog ridiculing a cow for jumping over the moon. The same poem encourages partying hard (the cat & the fiddle) and condones radical behavior in the elopement of the dish and spoon. It sounds like the rowdy kids vs. the overachievers to me. Personally, I would rather Olivia be a cow and be proud of it.
Second, when the King of Hearts found out the Knave of Hearts stole the tarts from the Queen of Hearts, he kicked the Knave's hearty little caboose. Effective? Yes, he returned the hearts and vowed to never steal again. Legal? This rhyme may have prompted the formation of DHR and foster homes.
Third, a woman living in a shoe with a million kids. She practically starves them, whips them and sends them to bed. Translation: grandma raising 10 grandkids in a two-bedroom house. Some do a good job, some are like the shoe lady. This rhyme makes the shoe lady sound more exciting.
There are others, like Goosey Goosey Gander who drags a man down the stairs for not praying, but those three are the most atrocious ones in my book. I can only guess that Mother Goose must be a title similar to The Godfather. I vote we censor them.
More philisophically, I ask you, what is the real reason for society's problems? Deterioration of the family? You bet. But I submit to you that it's not the family you're thinking of (unless you're thinking of your own). I'm afraid the blame lies with all of us well-meaning mothers who diligently read to our children each night stories that send subliminal messages of irresponsibility and violence. Nursery rhymes clearly support these qualities as acceptable, even desirable, as long as they are accompanied by a sing-song, lilting voice.
And, finally, if anyone leaves a comment that even hints that you take this diatribe seriously, please, don't bother coming back. You obviously don't appreciate my blog.
6 comments:
Fabulous entry! You know, I love reading up on the history of these nursery rhymes, it is quite fascinating to me.
Cheyenne, what happened to all the paint chips?
Thank you for your wonderful insight, but now that I am traumatized that my child will turnout crazy, a mass murder, a bigot, and oh lets not forget an abuser...I will not be reading to her ever again...it's cartoons from here on out!
I have always thought nursery ryhmes were a little shady. Who bakes a pie with live birds in it and how did they sing after that? I am seriously shocked at all of the things that are in those when I read them to my kids. Very funny, I hope Olivia isn't traumatized too much, my kids seem to think all the violence is funny.
quite interesting cheyenne... too bad that nursery rhymes are the detriment of society. Perhaps cartoons where it is a more visual assault would be more appropriate.. ah well, seems reality television will be the only outlet that Olivia can see an honest reaction of people - oh wait - no that won't work either unless you want her to dance on a pole for Bret Michaels one day... Remember Chris Rock: The only thing in life that a dad has to do for his daughter is KEEP HER OFF THE POLE! hmm. Guess she will have to live with blinders and ear plugs :o)loved the blog!
I love reading your blog. you're so funny and I can just visualize you really saying it speaking very quickly with hand on hip! I have thought that nursery rhymes are kind of morbid myself. Even Jack & Jill, Humpty Dumpty, & Hush a bye baby (I mean talking about the cradle falling from a tree is morbid don't ya think?) Check out this website! http://www.zelo.com/family/nursery/
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