Subversive Children's Programing Analysis

We're big on TV in this house, no matter what the experts say.   I pay attention the the kids shows I let Zuul watch, and the good majority are either quite educational or encourage physical activity, but, I admit, some I am giving the side eye of judgement to.  Here's why.

Toopy and Binoo:

Normally, I'd be very excited about an openly gay interracial couple on Treehouse, but Toopy's a bit of a self centered ego maniac, and 90% of the stories would end quickly if Toopy would just let Binoo talk. I can't help but believe this is an unhealthy, controlling relationship. Nothing I want my daughter influenced by.

Handy Manny

As a Latina woman, I had my issues with this show at the beginning. Really, Disney Jr.? A Mexican handyman? Not the town lawyer or doctor? HOW STEREOTYPICAL!!! But then their song "Hop Up, Jump In" came on and made me jump up and salsa, so all is forgiven.

Max and Ruby / Stella and Sam

OMG, Where are the parents? And, more importantly, where's the adult supervision?

I guess I might be projecting a bit. My brother and I were latch key kids. He is also almost 7 years younger than me, so I did a lot of "watching my brother". And, by watching, I mean I stayed in and watched TV while he ran around the neighbourhood.

 I developed bratty brother senses though. I always knew when he was up to no good and ran to his rescue as one in charge should be, but it doesn't take away that we were both far too young to be left at home without any adult supervision many a time.  But, enough about me being a shitty underage babysitter and my parents making terrible child care choices.

In the case of Max and Ruby, Ruby is clearly raising her little brother. The grandma appears every once in a while, but Ruby has obviously been thrown into a parental role at a very early age.  I assume her parents are doing time for running a meth lab.

As for Stella, does anyone else find her weirdly obsessed with her little brother?  Why doesn't she have friends her own age?  I find her isolation from her peer group to be concerning and sad.

Thomas and Friends

It's not you, it's me.  OK, it is you.  See, you have caused delays and confusion, so I need to move on.

Where Max, Ruby, Stella and Sam reminded far too much of my childhood, Thomas reminds me of an ex-boyfriend (or two). 

What a bunch of hypersensitive, whiny and overly competitive bunch.  (Never mind the creepy factor).   I wish I could dump the show, but Zuul has taken quite a liking to it, and her cousins are obsessed.  At least it's not Twilight.

Maybe Thomas & Friends are preparing them for the hostile work environments of their futures?  Maybe Zuul will realize they're not that great and throw a drink in their creepy train faces.  A mom can dream.