Inequities in Children's Television... It's All About the Jellyfish.

It has become apparent to me that I watch all too much children's programming.
Between school and my own son, I've been steeped in children's shows the last two years.

Please don't get all high and mighty with me about children and TV. I know that there are limits, and I much prefer playing and laughing without the TV. However, in the early morning and later evening, when it's wind down time... it's been a nice respite from the mad chase that usually describes my home life with August.

So, here are a few things I've noticed about the inequities in children's programming.

The dogs never have their say.
There are a number of shows in which the dog is the only non-talking creature.
This is BS. In Word World, all the other animals, bugs, and creatures talk. - -If you have not seen it, all of the characters and things are made of words. I have a hard time with this only because if you have a talking duck, frog, sheep and ant as main characters who talk, why can't the dog also speak? It just grunts and whines, and it seems unfair.

Also, in Blue's Clues... an annoying show for parents to suffer through, but boy does the kid like it.... The darn dog doesn't talk. He leaves amazing clues all over the house and throughout the show - - clearly understanding language, but unable to speak. I'm not sure I understand why the nightstand can talk, the salt and pepper and mailbox talk, but not the dog. Even the cat talks for goodness sake.

So why all this discrimination towards dogs?
I have two particularly annoying dogs, but I'm sure they'd talk long before my mailbox would.

It's All About the Jellyfish.  Separately, I have an issue with Nick Jr. That's right Nick, I'm upset by your blatant advertising within other children's shows. I know that your "dancey-dance time," doing the "Jumping Jellyfish," with Hector Jimenez, although hysterical on Yo Gabba Gabba - was a clear advertisement for Spongebob Squarepants. Why? Oh, because in a week's time I heard "Jumping jellyfish" mentioned on no less than three times on separate shows - Blue's Clues, The Backyardigans, and Yo Gabba Gabba- -  All Nick Jr. shows.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4FrBRrVxJc

Here's the Dancey Dance for your perusal.

What is up with the Backyardigans? 

I like their dissonant singing and colorful illustrations, but find it odd that these backyard friends are not just people.  Instead, they are colorful make-believe creatures.  They are supposed to be your "backyard friends," but their adventures take them under the sea, and on dolphin races- - - in the backyard?
I just wish they were regular kids using their own brains to play make believe games.
I see why some of my students have issues determining real from make-believe.

The only saving grace of children's shows for me is Yo Gabba Gabba.
It makes me laugh.  http://yogabbagabba.com/#
August smiles huge as soon as DJ Lance Rock comes on screen, and Brobee is the coolest.

So there, now that I've shared some of the oddities I've noticed, maybe you can add to them?
August and I enjoy a good show, but right now, we're going to the beach.  That's what I'm talking about.... If he's going to see a jumping jellyfish, I want it to be a real one.

Peace.