Juvenile Propaganda

As a Mum of a young toddler, I am constantly exposed to adult-created propaganda which aims to teach children about appropriate behaviour - you know in children's books, cartoons and tv shows.  Often I just take it in my stride and think to myself, "Yes it would be nice if Cassie can learn to be generous and caring like the character in this book" but yesterday I found myself ODing.  We were watching Sesame Street and, of all characters, Oscar the Grouch was delivering a sermon to his pet worm about not pushing or bullying another worm.  (I know, I need to get out more!)  Oscar gave the worm the opportunity to apologise for his inappropriate behaviour and as the worm approached the other worm, I found myself thinking to myself, "C'mon you don't have to say sorry.  Give him a smack on the head!"  I don't know what this says about me but I hope it's no more than the cry of my heart for more subtlety in juvenile propaganda!

Exploiting Children for Art - Part 2

Earlier I posted a blog about furore caused in Australia over an artist who publicly displayed naked pictures of a 12 year old.  The furore erupted when the police closed his exhibition and considered laying charges.  Many prominent figures in the art and entertainment communities were horrified that he wasn't being extended "artistic licence".  Well, it turns out that the artist in question actually visited a primary school, with the permission of the school's Head, in search of models for his art.  It was bad enough when I thought that the artist must have known his young model and had the consent of the child and her parents.  Instead it seems that he found his model when visiting a primary school.  Who knows whether her parents were aware and gave their consent?  One can only hope so but once again I have to say that I can't see any justification whatsoever for the artist's actions.  The Head Teacher protested that he wasn't fully aware of the purpose of the artist's visit so perhaps he can be excused but on the other hand it is a good example of how careful everyone entrusted with children need to be to ensure that they don't expose them to exploitative adults.