by Acosta Clenar Melina
Since its premiere, “Regular Show” has turned into a success. The programme has been watched by approximately 2.5 million viewers each week. Moreover, it has been nominated for several awards such as the Primetime Emmy awards. Regular Show, created by J.G Quintel for Cartoon Network, is a TV show directed to preadolescents. It revolves about the story of two friends, a blue jay called Mordecai and a brown racoon named Rigby. Both of them are the groundskeepers at a park and their attempts to avoid working lead them into very unreal situations. With a gumball machine as their boss, Mordecai and Rigby try to vulnerate their boss’ orders. Sometimes strange situations happen to them and that situations prevent them from working. In many episodes they are trapped by virtual video games. While discovering a way to go out of them, they escape from their daily routine and with that behaviour they shrink their unpleasant boss. Regular Show does not transmit values of responsibility to children and fosters lack of commitment.
There are many situations or even expressions that the characters use that might make children feel identified or attracted. Mordecai and Rigby use the vocabulary preadolescents speak. For example they say “hey dude, we have to get a job!” It’s like preadolescents and the characters speak the same jargon. What is more, there is a particular utterance similar to a shout these characters say when celebrating their “adventures” that is quite unbearable and it turns repetitive throughout the episodes.
In one of the episodes Rigby and Mordecai are in charge of mowing the park. Rigby is too lazy to do it so; he decides to look for a temporal replacement. Finally, he hires a replacement to do his job. As in this case, in many opportunities the characters solve their everyday duties by creating situations that are quite similar to those we may see in video games. In one of the episodes, Rigby is decided to ask for a rising of his salary to his boss. All of a sudden, he finds a magic keyboard which is the tool he needs to convince his boss, Gumball. After singing a song, the boss gives him some extra money but if we analize this, we might infer that this situation is quite ridiculous. It seems that the solution to their laziness is imagining unnatural contexts in which they win games and from one moment to another all their problems are solved as easily as singing a song. We know that this context is quite different from real life. When you turn into an adult you cannot say to your boss you don’t feel like working or that you have more important things to do than to earn a salary. Regular Show episodes represent an idea of life that does not reflect the reality which every children would have to face once grown ups. Although Mordecai and Rigby are 23 years old, they are not mature enough. They are lazy and childish. But what is worst, they are not respectful with their boss.
Regular show depicts its characters having irresponsible attitudes. As a result, we may see Rigby and Mordecai driving a car at high speed. It is common to all people that there are many victims caused by car accidents every year but still, this show promotes speed as something exciting and funny.
Although Regular Show has been censored in its Latin-American version, it still contains a big amount of obscene scenes and many examples of improper vocabulary. The characters talk to each other with the vocative “dude” which is extremely sticky so as a result we would have children who are talking about “dudes” and not Sir or Mrs. The fact that children may incorporate improper vocabulary would cause a problem with what parents teach and what “Regular Show” reproduces.
Regular Show TV programme might be appealing and funny for children, but in a deeper analysis; it’s just a promotion of a light management of life. Apart from creating very unreal situations in which the characters scamper from problems, they do not assume any responsibility. It’s probable that J.G Quintel did never grow up because of the behaviour he gives to his characters. Someday Rigby and Mordecai would have to maturate and act as responsible adults.
Monday, November 17, 2014
The Giant Nightmares
by Gabriel Castillo
“I grew up during the Cold War, when everything seemed tenuous. For many years, right up until the fall of the Berlin Wall, I had vivid nightmares of nuclear apocalypse,” tells American author John Cronin about his childhood during the Cold-War period. Let’s remember that the USA went through World War I in 1917 and World War II in 1941. Moreover, the country was involved in the Cold War which was a state of political and military tension between superpowers USA and the Soviet Union. Because of the USA involvement in war, the American society entered into a state of paranoia as regards any foreign affair. Not only can people tell about being affected by the country’s involvement in war, but also a film for children can narrate the everyday life that the American society was undergoing.
The right film to narrate that everyday life is The Iron Giant, an animated science-fiction film released in 1999 by Warner Bros. Animation, and based on the novel The Iron Man by Ted Hughes. The film tells the story of Hogarth Hughes, a nine-year old boy, who discovers a giant iron robot that falls from space. With the help of Dean McCoppin, a beatnik artist, they try to stop the U.S. military and Kent Mansley, a government agent, from finding and destroying the Giant.
Set in 1957 in the American state of Maine during the Cold War, the film does not only narrate the friendship between Hogarth and the Iron Giant, but also goes deep in its setting by showing how their characters´ behaviors and customs are affected by the USA involvement in war. In this sense, The Iron Giant criticizes the effects of the war by portraying a paranoid American society.
Having said this, we can look at Hogarth Hughes who is the main character in the film. When the boy sees that his tv antenna has been taken away, he looks around in his garden, trying to find some hint of the disappeared device. He sees that everything is a mess and gets scared. Immediately, he goes back into his house and prepares himself as if he were heading to a battle. He carries a helmet, a weapon, and what is more, he looks himself in a mirror and makes the military salute. Bear in mind that children were exposed to daily television and radio programs where war was the main issue to be treated. So many references to the war made people think that the best think they could do was being prepared for an attack. That is why, in any unusual situation, Hogarth sets himself ready for battle.
Now, look at the antagonist in the story, Kent Mansley. This government agent is told about the strange case of a giant robot in the city. Since neighbors said that a satellite fell from space, Mansley thinks that he is dealing with a menace for America. Then, he gets a picture of the robot and calls the US army to destroy it. Furthermore, when inquiring Hogarth about the giant robot, Mansley claims, “You think this metal man is fun, but who built it? The Russians? The Chinese? Martians? Canadians? I don't care! All I know is we didn't build it, and that's reason enough to assume the worst.” Exactly, the man has become extremely paranoid. It is worth mentioning that during the Cold War, Superpowers USA and the Soviet Union started creating new technological weapons which led countries to being suspicious of each other. In this way, Mansley is afraid of anything that comes from outside America, and can result in a possible threat to the country.
The film does not miss the opportunity of showing a common Hogarth’s day at school. In the classroom, Hogarth and the rest of the students are shown a video with a cartoon animal which sings: “Time to duck and cover, the bombs are comin' down. The radiation shower will pour throughout your town. Hands over your head; keep low to the ground. Time to duck and cover, the bombs are comin' down.” Pretty explicit and objective. The video is meant to teach children how to protect themselves in case of an atomic bomb falls. The paranoid created by the Cold war reached the American institutions, and made necessary some explanations about how the dropping of an atomic bomb was possible.
The Iron Giant depicts people who are not just afraid, but who become paranoid about a foreign attack on America at any time and at any place. On the other hand, the film shows us a certain moment in the character’s lives, but now, think about an altered life for many years, produced by the effects of the war. Similar to John Cronin’s comment on his childhood, Americans’ repeated nightmares about a nuclear catastrophe continued too.
“I grew up during the Cold War, when everything seemed tenuous. For many years, right up until the fall of the Berlin Wall, I had vivid nightmares of nuclear apocalypse,” tells American author John Cronin about his childhood during the Cold-War period. Let’s remember that the USA went through World War I in 1917 and World War II in 1941. Moreover, the country was involved in the Cold War which was a state of political and military tension between superpowers USA and the Soviet Union. Because of the USA involvement in war, the American society entered into a state of paranoia as regards any foreign affair. Not only can people tell about being affected by the country’s involvement in war, but also a film for children can narrate the everyday life that the American society was undergoing.
The right film to narrate that everyday life is The Iron Giant, an animated science-fiction film released in 1999 by Warner Bros. Animation, and based on the novel The Iron Man by Ted Hughes. The film tells the story of Hogarth Hughes, a nine-year old boy, who discovers a giant iron robot that falls from space. With the help of Dean McCoppin, a beatnik artist, they try to stop the U.S. military and Kent Mansley, a government agent, from finding and destroying the Giant.
Set in 1957 in the American state of Maine during the Cold War, the film does not only narrate the friendship between Hogarth and the Iron Giant, but also goes deep in its setting by showing how their characters´ behaviors and customs are affected by the USA involvement in war. In this sense, The Iron Giant criticizes the effects of the war by portraying a paranoid American society.
Having said this, we can look at Hogarth Hughes who is the main character in the film. When the boy sees that his tv antenna has been taken away, he looks around in his garden, trying to find some hint of the disappeared device. He sees that everything is a mess and gets scared. Immediately, he goes back into his house and prepares himself as if he were heading to a battle. He carries a helmet, a weapon, and what is more, he looks himself in a mirror and makes the military salute. Bear in mind that children were exposed to daily television and radio programs where war was the main issue to be treated. So many references to the war made people think that the best think they could do was being prepared for an attack. That is why, in any unusual situation, Hogarth sets himself ready for battle.
Now, look at the antagonist in the story, Kent Mansley. This government agent is told about the strange case of a giant robot in the city. Since neighbors said that a satellite fell from space, Mansley thinks that he is dealing with a menace for America. Then, he gets a picture of the robot and calls the US army to destroy it. Furthermore, when inquiring Hogarth about the giant robot, Mansley claims, “You think this metal man is fun, but who built it? The Russians? The Chinese? Martians? Canadians? I don't care! All I know is we didn't build it, and that's reason enough to assume the worst.” Exactly, the man has become extremely paranoid. It is worth mentioning that during the Cold War, Superpowers USA and the Soviet Union started creating new technological weapons which led countries to being suspicious of each other. In this way, Mansley is afraid of anything that comes from outside America, and can result in a possible threat to the country.
The film does not miss the opportunity of showing a common Hogarth’s day at school. In the classroom, Hogarth and the rest of the students are shown a video with a cartoon animal which sings: “Time to duck and cover, the bombs are comin' down. The radiation shower will pour throughout your town. Hands over your head; keep low to the ground. Time to duck and cover, the bombs are comin' down.” Pretty explicit and objective. The video is meant to teach children how to protect themselves in case of an atomic bomb falls. The paranoid created by the Cold war reached the American institutions, and made necessary some explanations about how the dropping of an atomic bomb was possible.
The Iron Giant depicts people who are not just afraid, but who become paranoid about a foreign attack on America at any time and at any place. On the other hand, the film shows us a certain moment in the character’s lives, but now, think about an altered life for many years, produced by the effects of the war. Similar to John Cronin’s comment on his childhood, Americans’ repeated nightmares about a nuclear catastrophe continued too.
Argentina’s goal!
by Chao María Paula
Juan José Campanella, the Argentinian film director, has scored a goal for his country with his 3-D animated movie “Metegol”. With very positive press opinion and over two millions of cinema-goers, it was the first national cartoon that threatened the giant Disney Pixar leadership in Argentina. A football player may say, “In your face, Mickey!”
The film, inspired in the Roberto Fontanarrosa’s tale “Memorias de un Wing Derecho”, won the Goya award from the Spanish Film Academy and many other prizes around the world. Its success is remarkable in most Spanish-speaking countries and it has been also dubbed into English with similar public acceptance. In the best way possible, Metegol presents Argentinian idiosyncrasy to the world.
Plenty of hilarious situations, the story depicts several characteristics of the average Argentinian. This melting pot society is portrayed by many different stereotypical characters, some of them not a whit exaggerated. For instance, “El Beto”, one of the funniest characters, is a mix of charm and arrogance, who speaks about himself in third person. This could be considered extremely weird by non Spanish- speakers who never listened to Maradona or Riquelme speaking about themselves in the same way.
One essential feature of the characters’ identity is the language they use. A noticeable local accent and lots of idiomatic expressions make them unmistakeably Argentinian. Idioms such as “pecho frio” or “lo tengo de hijo” may don´t find their equivalent in English, possibly missing the essence of some jokes in dubbed versions of the film. Nevertheless, its success in different countries is an indicator that the movie´s theme has overcome any cultural distance. The fanaticism of football supporters is shared by people of all nationalities, no matter their language.
Let´s reflect upon Carlos Tevez career. He was born in one of the poorest towns in Buenos Aires and twenty four years later, he was playing football in Manchester. Taking into account that both cities are like water and oil and that the only phrase in English he was able to produce was “It’s very difficult”, we arrive at the point of admitting that a kind of metaphysical force has operated on his life. Of course, that understanding between so different cultures has its origins in a millionaire business, but I prefer a more romantic explanation of the facts. At the very moment that Tevez scores a goal, the public vibrate with emotion. They communicate perfectly and no language is needed.
As a mosaic, Argentinian society has been built by immigrants from every corner of the globe that added their weaknesses as well as their strengths. This kind of pluralism could be found in any stadium of the world, where people congregate to watch a match putting aside any difference. In other words, football leads people to fraternize all around the world, because it has no other language than passion.
Why Metegol succeeded is the big question. Despite its good technical quality might have differentiated it from other local productions, it is not a convincing explanation on its own. Naturally, the presence of humour throughout the movie is one of its main attributes. But, there is something more important that makes the film attractive. Actually, different societies could identify with any of the characters embodying Argentinian idiosyncrasy.
Juan José Campanella, the Argentinian film director, has scored a goal for his country with his 3-D animated movie “Metegol”. With very positive press opinion and over two millions of cinema-goers, it was the first national cartoon that threatened the giant Disney Pixar leadership in Argentina. A football player may say, “In your face, Mickey!”
The film, inspired in the Roberto Fontanarrosa’s tale “Memorias de un Wing Derecho”, won the Goya award from the Spanish Film Academy and many other prizes around the world. Its success is remarkable in most Spanish-speaking countries and it has been also dubbed into English with similar public acceptance. In the best way possible, Metegol presents Argentinian idiosyncrasy to the world.
Plenty of hilarious situations, the story depicts several characteristics of the average Argentinian. This melting pot society is portrayed by many different stereotypical characters, some of them not a whit exaggerated. For instance, “El Beto”, one of the funniest characters, is a mix of charm and arrogance, who speaks about himself in third person. This could be considered extremely weird by non Spanish- speakers who never listened to Maradona or Riquelme speaking about themselves in the same way.
One essential feature of the characters’ identity is the language they use. A noticeable local accent and lots of idiomatic expressions make them unmistakeably Argentinian. Idioms such as “pecho frio” or “lo tengo de hijo” may don´t find their equivalent in English, possibly missing the essence of some jokes in dubbed versions of the film. Nevertheless, its success in different countries is an indicator that the movie´s theme has overcome any cultural distance. The fanaticism of football supporters is shared by people of all nationalities, no matter their language.
Let´s reflect upon Carlos Tevez career. He was born in one of the poorest towns in Buenos Aires and twenty four years later, he was playing football in Manchester. Taking into account that both cities are like water and oil and that the only phrase in English he was able to produce was “It’s very difficult”, we arrive at the point of admitting that a kind of metaphysical force has operated on his life. Of course, that understanding between so different cultures has its origins in a millionaire business, but I prefer a more romantic explanation of the facts. At the very moment that Tevez scores a goal, the public vibrate with emotion. They communicate perfectly and no language is needed.
As a mosaic, Argentinian society has been built by immigrants from every corner of the globe that added their weaknesses as well as their strengths. This kind of pluralism could be found in any stadium of the world, where people congregate to watch a match putting aside any difference. In other words, football leads people to fraternize all around the world, because it has no other language than passion.
Why Metegol succeeded is the big question. Despite its good technical quality might have differentiated it from other local productions, it is not a convincing explanation on its own. Naturally, the presence of humour throughout the movie is one of its main attributes. But, there is something more important that makes the film attractive. Actually, different societies could identify with any of the characters embodying Argentinian idiosyncrasy.
The Dammed Anime
by Alvarez Mariela
The Japanese anime, Dragon Ball Z, has been one of the most watched animated cartoon on TV. It was first televised in Japan, in 1989 by Fuji Television, and then it was rapidly distributed to the rest of the world through Cartoon Network. The name “Dragon Ball” comes from seven magic spheres that being together, they call a magic dragon who grants wishes to their possessor. Goku, the main character, uses the wishes to save humanity from evil.
However, the end not always justifies the means. Goku is extremely violent and he slams his fist with rage against his enemies exposing his darkest feelings of anger and wildness. Blood seems to exit the screen and the violent movements of martial arts are constantly repeated images along the duration of the program. Also in the fight scenes, one can observe a high content of savagery and brutality and is evident that Dragon Ball Z ´s aggressiveness negatively influences children´s behaviour.
Taking into account the hours that the kids are in front of the TV set, the exposure to violent cartoons is as inevitable as the fact that they copy the aggressive acts contained therein. In the case of Dragon Ball, the ferocity of the images attracts the audience ´s attention to the point that they repeat these cruel actions against to their friends, family members and sometimes to their classmates. For example, the fact that Goku wants to demonstrate that he has more power than his opponents is something that many children tend to reproduce. When they see so many bloody stages, the traits of hate in the characters’ face, and the darkness perceived in the atmosphere of the setting, where actions are developed, they behave like their favourite character.
Toddlers are vulnerable to the attack of harsh cartoons like Goku, Krilin, Vegeta, Piccolo or Freezer. All of them are personages that fight between good and evil, and their characterization is so wild that it is difficult to distinguish between them, it is not easy to identify the bad and the good one. Children do not have any chance to choose a pacific character to imitate, so they copy what they see. That is the reason why “Dragon Ball Z” encourages the youngest people to violence and disturbs their behaviour making them more aggressive and rude.
In other words, despite the fact that Goku fights to save the world from tyranny and madness, he is as rude as his enemies. That is what children see and repeat, the exposure to the Dragon Ball is so harmful that it poisons our children´s mind, and affects their behaviour in a negative way.
The Japanese anime, Dragon Ball Z, has been one of the most watched animated cartoon on TV. It was first televised in Japan, in 1989 by Fuji Television, and then it was rapidly distributed to the rest of the world through Cartoon Network. The name “Dragon Ball” comes from seven magic spheres that being together, they call a magic dragon who grants wishes to their possessor. Goku, the main character, uses the wishes to save humanity from evil.
However, the end not always justifies the means. Goku is extremely violent and he slams his fist with rage against his enemies exposing his darkest feelings of anger and wildness. Blood seems to exit the screen and the violent movements of martial arts are constantly repeated images along the duration of the program. Also in the fight scenes, one can observe a high content of savagery and brutality and is evident that Dragon Ball Z ´s aggressiveness negatively influences children´s behaviour.
Taking into account the hours that the kids are in front of the TV set, the exposure to violent cartoons is as inevitable as the fact that they copy the aggressive acts contained therein. In the case of Dragon Ball, the ferocity of the images attracts the audience ´s attention to the point that they repeat these cruel actions against to their friends, family members and sometimes to their classmates. For example, the fact that Goku wants to demonstrate that he has more power than his opponents is something that many children tend to reproduce. When they see so many bloody stages, the traits of hate in the characters’ face, and the darkness perceived in the atmosphere of the setting, where actions are developed, they behave like their favourite character.
Toddlers are vulnerable to the attack of harsh cartoons like Goku, Krilin, Vegeta, Piccolo or Freezer. All of them are personages that fight between good and evil, and their characterization is so wild that it is difficult to distinguish between them, it is not easy to identify the bad and the good one. Children do not have any chance to choose a pacific character to imitate, so they copy what they see. That is the reason why “Dragon Ball Z” encourages the youngest people to violence and disturbs their behaviour making them more aggressive and rude.
In other words, despite the fact that Goku fights to save the world from tyranny and madness, he is as rude as his enemies. That is what children see and repeat, the exposure to the Dragon Ball is so harmful that it poisons our children´s mind, and affects their behaviour in a negative way.
All Work and no Play Makes George a Submissive Monkey
by Evelyn Malaver
“I believe as long as man tortures and kill animals, he will torture and kill humans as well—and wars will be waged—for killing must be practiced and learned on a small scale.” Edgar Kupfer Koberwitz.
The previous significant extract was written by Edgar Kupfer Koberwitz. He was a Nazi prisoner and during his captivity he pretended to be not clever and got a clerk’s job. At that time, he wrote a journal describing his relevant experiences. Some of them, as the mentioned before, are related to his genuinely affection towards animals. Innumerable people were escaping from Nazi’s soldiers, one of them was Margaret Rey who was simultaneously writing a set of books, later called “Curious George.” The main character George is a curious monkey who lives in a big city and always tries to help his owner, a person who kidnapped him from the jungle and took him to civilization. This pitiful monkey is involved in highly unnatural situations for an animal. The books written by Margaret Rey naturalize animal’s slavery and portrait the alienation of its main character.
One point to highlight is the submission that the protagonist of the story, George, shows in the book titled “Curious George Rides a Bike”. This book seems to be didactic for children because it would give them a good message: to help others. In the text, a boy is delivering newspapers and suddenly sees George happily riding his new bike. After some flatter to the gorgeous bike, the young boy asks George if he could help him with his job. The monkey gently takes the boy’s bag full of periodicals, and the paperboy ends returning home without finishing his work. The book reads “George was very proud as he rode off with his bag”. Very proud? Read the following definition: “a state of depersonalization or loss of identity in which the self seems unreal; the state or experience of being separated from a group or an activity to which one should belong or in which one should be involved.” That’s it! Alienation. Taking into account this concept, it can be appreciated the fact that George is alienated from his jungle life.
For the great majority of people, the most common term associated with animals is “freedom.” It is known that animals which live in their natural environment are supposed to be free. If we look up the word “freedom” in the dictionary, we will find the following: “the condition of being free from restraints;” or “liberty of the person from slavery, detention or oppression.”
Comparing these definitions to George’s attitude, we realize that the main character of “Curious George” breaks the rules of freedom because of the way he is portrayed. A clear example of this can be observed by the manner in which the little monkey is dragged by two policemen on “Curious George” book’s cover. They create the impression to be very proud and decided. However, George seems to be having fun, since a big smile is drawn on his face. This illustration anticipates readers the main problematical issue of this book, that is to say, George is not free and he is alienated.
When reading “Race Day”, another “Curious George's” book, we can find that the protagonist of the story, the monkey, suffers from animal abuse. This issue is extremely connected to the fact that the monkey is a prisoner and that his owner does whatever he wants to him. A clear example is shown when the man of the yellow hat, his owner, orders George to train professor Wiseman for a race. George asks his boss for some pedagogical ideas as regards Professor Wiseman’s training, after perceiving her disinterest about running. A picture in that page, portrays him recalling his venerable moments when he used to run and play freely in the jungle. His sorrowful remembering is compensated with a visit to the zoo offered by the professor, where he meets his convict buddy, the elephant. As a result of his alienation, George seems to have forgotten his past, and he is really happy to visit the place where he used to live in the first book published.
Despite the fact that “Curious George” seems to be a didactic and enjoyable book for children, it can be affirmed that another message is hidden. George reflects an example of cruel treatment, animal abuse, submission and lack of freedom. These negative issues are frequently seen in zoos and in circus. It is surprising that a person that was about to be a prisoner, wrote a set of books where a monkey is kidnapped and enslaved. It is clear that her experiences were reflected in her writings. “Curious George” shows us that freedom is a submission state, in opposition to the idea that being free is the natural condition that animals need to live their lives.
“I believe as long as man tortures and kill animals, he will torture and kill humans as well—and wars will be waged—for killing must be practiced and learned on a small scale.” Edgar Kupfer Koberwitz.
The previous significant extract was written by Edgar Kupfer Koberwitz. He was a Nazi prisoner and during his captivity he pretended to be not clever and got a clerk’s job. At that time, he wrote a journal describing his relevant experiences. Some of them, as the mentioned before, are related to his genuinely affection towards animals. Innumerable people were escaping from Nazi’s soldiers, one of them was Margaret Rey who was simultaneously writing a set of books, later called “Curious George.” The main character George is a curious monkey who lives in a big city and always tries to help his owner, a person who kidnapped him from the jungle and took him to civilization. This pitiful monkey is involved in highly unnatural situations for an animal. The books written by Margaret Rey naturalize animal’s slavery and portrait the alienation of its main character.
One point to highlight is the submission that the protagonist of the story, George, shows in the book titled “Curious George Rides a Bike”. This book seems to be didactic for children because it would give them a good message: to help others. In the text, a boy is delivering newspapers and suddenly sees George happily riding his new bike. After some flatter to the gorgeous bike, the young boy asks George if he could help him with his job. The monkey gently takes the boy’s bag full of periodicals, and the paperboy ends returning home without finishing his work. The book reads “George was very proud as he rode off with his bag”. Very proud? Read the following definition: “a state of depersonalization or loss of identity in which the self seems unreal; the state or experience of being separated from a group or an activity to which one should belong or in which one should be involved.” That’s it! Alienation. Taking into account this concept, it can be appreciated the fact that George is alienated from his jungle life.
For the great majority of people, the most common term associated with animals is “freedom.” It is known that animals which live in their natural environment are supposed to be free. If we look up the word “freedom” in the dictionary, we will find the following: “the condition of being free from restraints;” or “liberty of the person from slavery, detention or oppression.”
Comparing these definitions to George’s attitude, we realize that the main character of “Curious George” breaks the rules of freedom because of the way he is portrayed. A clear example of this can be observed by the manner in which the little monkey is dragged by two policemen on “Curious George” book’s cover. They create the impression to be very proud and decided. However, George seems to be having fun, since a big smile is drawn on his face. This illustration anticipates readers the main problematical issue of this book, that is to say, George is not free and he is alienated.
When reading “Race Day”, another “Curious George's” book, we can find that the protagonist of the story, the monkey, suffers from animal abuse. This issue is extremely connected to the fact that the monkey is a prisoner and that his owner does whatever he wants to him. A clear example is shown when the man of the yellow hat, his owner, orders George to train professor Wiseman for a race. George asks his boss for some pedagogical ideas as regards Professor Wiseman’s training, after perceiving her disinterest about running. A picture in that page, portrays him recalling his venerable moments when he used to run and play freely in the jungle. His sorrowful remembering is compensated with a visit to the zoo offered by the professor, where he meets his convict buddy, the elephant. As a result of his alienation, George seems to have forgotten his past, and he is really happy to visit the place where he used to live in the first book published.
Despite the fact that “Curious George” seems to be a didactic and enjoyable book for children, it can be affirmed that another message is hidden. George reflects an example of cruel treatment, animal abuse, submission and lack of freedom. These negative issues are frequently seen in zoos and in circus. It is surprising that a person that was about to be a prisoner, wrote a set of books where a monkey is kidnapped and enslaved. It is clear that her experiences were reflected in her writings. “Curious George” shows us that freedom is a submission state, in opposition to the idea that being free is the natural condition that animals need to live their lives.
Thanks God for the Stars
by Roxana Borredá.
While walking on the streets of my beloved Argentina. I can see a lot of T-shirts of Captain America. Kids and some adults are carrying on their chest Captains America’s shield. Do they notice that they are carrying the US flag?
During World War II, Hitler invaded the world in a threatening way. The Führer put the world democracy in danger. This situation generated wars in all Europe. But at the last moment USA appeared to save the world with Steve Rogers, our hero.
Steve Rogers, a common boy from Brooklyn, tried to enlist in the US army in order to fight against the Nazis in Europe. He was refused because he was a weak and sick boy. But a scientist of the government selected him to be part of an experiment which would generate super soldiers. Those soldiers were going to be used as weapons to combat in the war.
During the last century, United States generated wars with invented causes against terrorism, a phantom which was spread all over the world, in order to invade countries and overthrow and take possession of governments with the purpose of domination and imperialism. With the objective of maintaining this position, it is necessary to produce continuous armed conflicts. Although the discourse that US government has is quite different: Wars are necessary to establish peace and liberate oppressed peoples.
It is ironic that in order to stop an armed conflict and to establish armistice, United States employs a bloody strategy: war. The movie Captain America supports actions that US takes about fighting and war policy. Steve Rogers, the brave soldier, was always trying to support the war. His patriotism and feelings about fighting were really strong and he was genuinely determined to be part of the conflict. At first, he used all the strategies that he had in order to be accepted in the army, although he was rejected many times. Steve initiated fights with guys who didn't care or were against the war. In some scenes we can see him asking people to show respect about the soldiers who are risking their lives in order to defend their country and restore peace in the world, a peace made by bloodshed. In this sense, there are some countries that are allowed to break out a war, something that Steve seems to support.
Captain America was the first of what it intended to be a litter of soldiers. He was created, initially we think, for the purpose of defeating Hitler, but later, we realize that he was used for the sake of war propaganda.
Steve has become a patriotic symbol and he was obliged to record some short films in order to persuade more young men to be enlisted in the US Army. Kids wanted to be like Captain America and when they grow up they wish their country is involved in some war to fight in it for it. He was also used in order to cause patriotism among citizens. Patriotism is necessary in order to not have people against the government policy that is mentioned before.
War propaganda was and will always be a powerful tool used by U S government in order to sustain its historical war policy. United States government needs this new Captain America to attract more young conscripts for future wars.
In order to win wars, technology has been developed. The US government is really concerned about that. The film shows us that the progress in war devices are favorable. Captain America himself is a gadget elaborated to win the fight. In the movie also all kind of weapons are improved with the same objective.
The world will always face wars. The interests of the most powerful country will not change and its tools will always be the same. But, if something's wrong in the world, if it seems to be threatened, don't worry the saver of humanity's peace and democracy is always looking for the safety of the "good ones" and the punishment of the "bad ones”. God bless America!
While walking on the streets of my beloved Argentina. I can see a lot of T-shirts of Captain America. Kids and some adults are carrying on their chest Captains America’s shield. Do they notice that they are carrying the US flag?
During World War II, Hitler invaded the world in a threatening way. The Führer put the world democracy in danger. This situation generated wars in all Europe. But at the last moment USA appeared to save the world with Steve Rogers, our hero.
Steve Rogers, a common boy from Brooklyn, tried to enlist in the US army in order to fight against the Nazis in Europe. He was refused because he was a weak and sick boy. But a scientist of the government selected him to be part of an experiment which would generate super soldiers. Those soldiers were going to be used as weapons to combat in the war.
During the last century, United States generated wars with invented causes against terrorism, a phantom which was spread all over the world, in order to invade countries and overthrow and take possession of governments with the purpose of domination and imperialism. With the objective of maintaining this position, it is necessary to produce continuous armed conflicts. Although the discourse that US government has is quite different: Wars are necessary to establish peace and liberate oppressed peoples.
It is ironic that in order to stop an armed conflict and to establish armistice, United States employs a bloody strategy: war. The movie Captain America supports actions that US takes about fighting and war policy. Steve Rogers, the brave soldier, was always trying to support the war. His patriotism and feelings about fighting were really strong and he was genuinely determined to be part of the conflict. At first, he used all the strategies that he had in order to be accepted in the army, although he was rejected many times. Steve initiated fights with guys who didn't care or were against the war. In some scenes we can see him asking people to show respect about the soldiers who are risking their lives in order to defend their country and restore peace in the world, a peace made by bloodshed. In this sense, there are some countries that are allowed to break out a war, something that Steve seems to support.
Captain America was the first of what it intended to be a litter of soldiers. He was created, initially we think, for the purpose of defeating Hitler, but later, we realize that he was used for the sake of war propaganda.
Steve has become a patriotic symbol and he was obliged to record some short films in order to persuade more young men to be enlisted in the US Army. Kids wanted to be like Captain America and when they grow up they wish their country is involved in some war to fight in it for it. He was also used in order to cause patriotism among citizens. Patriotism is necessary in order to not have people against the government policy that is mentioned before.
War propaganda was and will always be a powerful tool used by U S government in order to sustain its historical war policy. United States government needs this new Captain America to attract more young conscripts for future wars.
In order to win wars, technology has been developed. The US government is really concerned about that. The film shows us that the progress in war devices are favorable. Captain America himself is a gadget elaborated to win the fight. In the movie also all kind of weapons are improved with the same objective.
The world will always face wars. The interests of the most powerful country will not change and its tools will always be the same. But, if something's wrong in the world, if it seems to be threatened, don't worry the saver of humanity's peace and democracy is always looking for the safety of the "good ones" and the punishment of the "bad ones”. God bless America!
Time for your check-up!
by Patricia Albarracin
“Time for your check-up, time for your check-up! I'm gonna check your ears, check your eyes, find out how much you've grown...time for a check-up!”
This is the beginning of the song that Doc McStuffins sings while treating her patients. The charming tune can be heard in the well- known television series under the name of Doc McStuffins. The song has such a catchy melody that all of us might enjoy singing it time and time again.
This series is the production of an Irish company called Brown Bag Films which joined Disney to broadcast the chapters daily. The fiction has two seasons and more than 50 chapters which are divided in two 11-minute episodes each one.
Dottie McStuffins is a six-year-old girl who pretends to be a doctor. She mends toys and takes care of them in the clinic situated in the rear of her house. Furthermore, she works with several stuffed animals which are her best friends: Lambie is the pink lamb, Stuffy is the blue dragon, Chilly is the white snowman, and Hallie is the violet hippo. Thanks to the friendly treatment that she and her friends mix with their patients, young viewers are encouraged to go to the doctor´s without fear.
The sweet Doc, who has always good manners to deal with everybody, can communicate with the sick toys; when she uses her magic stethoscope, the toys come to life. She asks them different questions in order to figure out their health problems. After she obtains the answers, she starts the treatment according to each particular patient. That is so: Dottie supports health care.
This animated series transmits simple messages related to this topic, such as getting check-ups, washing hands, brushing teeth, having a bath and helping people feel better. In this way, Doc McStuffins gives advices to children about the importance of taking care of health. In the chapter called “Health check: bath time,” Dottie checks up a tiny toy and she has the diagnosis: sticky disease. The little toy asks her what it means and her answer is that he is not clean because of eating several sweets. She says to him that having a bath is the great funny solution for his problem. The chapter comes to the end with a song which transmits the lesson taught by her. In another chapter called “Health check: brush your teeth” Dottie explains to Stuffy that when he fells some stuff between his teeth, it starts to smell bad. This is why he has to brush his teeth daily. Over again, the chapter comes to the end with a song which transmits the lesson taught by her.
Each episode directly focuses on different situations that parents might face with their children in terms of health, hygiene and medical care, for example: when they do not go to the doctor´s, when they do not take medicines, when they do not brush teeth and so on.
The show is well written: it has got a clear message about health which is interesting for young viewers and adults as well. Her sweetness, when treating her patients, encourages children to see the doctor when feeling sick. Her positive attitude towards her patients also helps kids feel more comfortable when visiting the physician. By the way, is it time for YOUR check up right now?
“Time for your check-up, time for your check-up! I'm gonna check your ears, check your eyes, find out how much you've grown...time for a check-up!”
This is the beginning of the song that Doc McStuffins sings while treating her patients. The charming tune can be heard in the well- known television series under the name of Doc McStuffins. The song has such a catchy melody that all of us might enjoy singing it time and time again.
This series is the production of an Irish company called Brown Bag Films which joined Disney to broadcast the chapters daily. The fiction has two seasons and more than 50 chapters which are divided in two 11-minute episodes each one.
Dottie McStuffins is a six-year-old girl who pretends to be a doctor. She mends toys and takes care of them in the clinic situated in the rear of her house. Furthermore, she works with several stuffed animals which are her best friends: Lambie is the pink lamb, Stuffy is the blue dragon, Chilly is the white snowman, and Hallie is the violet hippo. Thanks to the friendly treatment that she and her friends mix with their patients, young viewers are encouraged to go to the doctor´s without fear.
The sweet Doc, who has always good manners to deal with everybody, can communicate with the sick toys; when she uses her magic stethoscope, the toys come to life. She asks them different questions in order to figure out their health problems. After she obtains the answers, she starts the treatment according to each particular patient. That is so: Dottie supports health care.
This animated series transmits simple messages related to this topic, such as getting check-ups, washing hands, brushing teeth, having a bath and helping people feel better. In this way, Doc McStuffins gives advices to children about the importance of taking care of health. In the chapter called “Health check: bath time,” Dottie checks up a tiny toy and she has the diagnosis: sticky disease. The little toy asks her what it means and her answer is that he is not clean because of eating several sweets. She says to him that having a bath is the great funny solution for his problem. The chapter comes to the end with a song which transmits the lesson taught by her. In another chapter called “Health check: brush your teeth” Dottie explains to Stuffy that when he fells some stuff between his teeth, it starts to smell bad. This is why he has to brush his teeth daily. Over again, the chapter comes to the end with a song which transmits the lesson taught by her.
Each episode directly focuses on different situations that parents might face with their children in terms of health, hygiene and medical care, for example: when they do not go to the doctor´s, when they do not take medicines, when they do not brush teeth and so on.
The show is well written: it has got a clear message about health which is interesting for young viewers and adults as well. Her sweetness, when treating her patients, encourages children to see the doctor when feeling sick. Her positive attitude towards her patients also helps kids feel more comfortable when visiting the physician. By the way, is it time for YOUR check up right now?
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