Banning Scooby Doo, am I losing it?

[bluerose]

This is partly why most of society laughs at pagens anyway.

Sorry, I must have missed this memo. This is the same society that is now making sure that Wicca (a form of paganism) is recognized as a religion and protected under the First Amendment. This is the same society that now touts all sorts of “new age” stuff in our public schools–no mention of God or Jesus, but it’s okay to talk about saving the earth and getting in touch with our bodies and nature (some of the stuff I’ve heard makes it sound like a whole new religion built around being “ecologically friendly”). This is the same society where feminism is now equated with “freeing the Goddess within us” (no, I’m not making this up… some of this stuff even comes from “Catholic” sources!)

So from where I stand, society isn’t laughing at paganism… and I’m not either. It’s deadly serious and I’m going to make sure my kids don’t treat it as a joke or a form of entertainment.

BlueRose

 

[Skribilo]

Hello, would you like to join us here on planet earth? Most of us are paranoid for just reasons i.e. environmental problems, modern life seemingly destroying us, war, you know those kinds of topics. But I suppose that banning “Scooby Doo” for its “propaganda” is a true first step in creating a better world. Good luck to you, and to your children.

 

[Scott_Waddell]

Hello, would you like to join us here on planet earth? Most of us are paranoid for just reasons i.e. environmental problems, modern life seemingly destroying us, war, you know those kinds of topics. But I suppose that banning “Scooby Doo” for its “propaganda” is a true first step in creating a better world. Good luck to you, and to your children.

I’m not sure it’s an either/or thing. That is, if I am concerned about the images and lessons my children in their most formative years get from TV, that it somehow means I’m not concerned with the destructiveness of war or modernity. In fact, I would suggest that the relativistic slop we got in our childhood has weakened our ability both to correctly employ moral reasoning, and act upon it. (Which of course contributes to the so-suggested realer problems we are faced with.)

 

[Saint_Michael]

Hello, would you like to join us here on planet earth? Most of us are paranoid for just reasons i.e. environmental problems, modern life seemingly destroying us, war, you know those kinds of topics. But I suppose that banning “Scooby Doo” for its “propaganda” is a true first step in creating a better world. Good luck to you, and to your children.

Is that attitude really needed? I’m not sure how you can come to the conclusion that I don’t care about war or environmental issues from reading this. Last I checked we can care about those things and try to safeguard impressionable children from things in direct conflict with our beliefs. Multitasking is a parents best friend…

Not to mention safeguarding what my child watches is something I can make an immediate impact on, War, the Middle East, and the energy crisis are not.

 

[bluerose]

Hello, would you like to join us here on planet earth? Most of us are paranoid for just reasons i.e. environmental problems, modern life seemingly destroying us, war, you know those kinds of topics. But I suppose that banning “Scooby Doo” for its “propaganda” is a true first step in creating a better world. Good luck to you, and to your children.

Actually, I am not exactly trying to “create a better world”. The idea that we humans have “the power” to do so is the superior attitude that paganism inflicts on us. We’re called to better ourselves, by living for God, regardless of what “the world” tells us. After all, “the world” tells us that humanity should strive for material success, that humans have less worth and dignity than a baby seal, that we should save the trees at the expense of an unborn child’s life, that truth is whatever feels comfortable to us.

The world won’t be here forever; Heaven is the eternity we should be striving for. So thanks for the invitation, but if denying my child the chance to have a “harmless” form of entertainment introduce him to paganism, then I would rather not join you on “earth”.

BlueRose

 

[mikew262]

After reading many of these posts, my first inclination was to say “My gosh, chill out!” While I think some of you IMO have gone a little overboard with the cartoon banning, after all, look at what we watched growing up (3 Stooges, Roadrunner, etc. - violence), the vast majority of us have turned out just fine. I do realize and know that parenting is a tough job, been there, done it, so I try very hard not to judge other parents. Most of us do the best we can and call it like we see it.

I just caution parents, that while it’s your responsibilty to protect your kids from negative outside influences, don’t forget to let them be kids (and watching some cartoons is part of that IMO), and not be so overprotective, that you smother them.

:twocents:

 

[DonProfondo]

Chicago had its own local kids’ programming

Remember Gigglesnort Hotel? Was that show weird, or what?

 

[maria29]

I grew up watching He-Man and She-ra, The Thundercats, Voltron, SPeedracer, Transformers, and Jem and the holograms…i know that i was able to tell fiction from reality…

I also use to love Scooby doo when i was little and if my child liked them now i don’t believe i’d have a problem letting him watch it…

I think by banning it you could also cause the child to become more interested in the occult by making it seem more mysterious than what it really is…

 

[Jennifer_G]

I grew up watching He-Man and She-ra, The Thundercats, Voltron, SPeedracer, Transformers, and Jem and the holograms…i know that i was able to tell fiction from reality…

I also use to love Scooby doo when i was little and if my child liked them now i don’t believe i’d have a problem letting him watch it…

I think by banning it you could also cause the child to become more interested in the occult by making it seem more mysterious than what it really is…

I remember those old cartoons, too. I don’t really like the new Scooby Doo though (haven’t seen it too much recently, since it’s probably on when I’m working).

 

[tnbella7]

After reading many of these posts, my first inclination was to say “My gosh, chill out!” While I think some of you IMO have gone a little overboard with the cartoon banning, after all, look at what we watched growing up (3 Stooges, Roadrunner, etc. - violence), the vast majority of us have turned out just fine. I do realize and know that parenting is a tough job, been there, done it, so I try very hard not to judge other parents. Most of us do the best we can and call it like we see it.

I just caution parents, that while it’s your responsibilty to protect your kids from negative outside influences, don’t forget to let them be kids (and watching some cartoons is part of that IMO), and not be so overprotective, that you smother them.

:twocents:

I don’t think this is a case of “over thinking” on parenting. Just the fact he lets his kids watch cartoons means he lets his kids “be kids”. Believe me I can recognize “over thinking” parenting as I can be one of them.

I think the difference in cartoons we grew up on and the current ones are a bit like how violence is depicted in older movies (man gets shot and falls down) and how it’s depicted in current movies (man gets shot, close up of the bullet going in, blood spewing, etc.).

It boils down to what you want in your house and what you want to expose your kids to. Do I think one program will turn my kids pagan? No. But I do hold the right to choose what programs they watch. And some I don’t want them to watch until they are older and we could discuss what they saw.

Currently my 4 year old loves Caillou and Little Bear and she just discovered Arthur (which is geared for a bit older audience as Arthur and his friends are in elementary school). We enjoy most of what is shown on Noggin, and I can’t abide the Disney channel anymore (the Doodlebops! Ugh!) and Nickelodeon is really for an older audience. We tape a lot of the episodes of her favorites so we can watch them at our leisure (snack time!). We also love Mr. Rogers and I saw where they are going to do a Curious George cartoon but I haven’t seen it yet.

 

[masondoggy]

We also love Mr. Rogers and I saw where they are going to do a Curious George cartoon but I haven’t seen it yet.

I think Curious George is now on PBS. DD was watching it a few days ago.

 

[darthsmozers]

I don’t let my kids watch anything. Shrek, Spongebob, Rugrats, and many, many other shows that “everyone else” is allowed to watch. Santa brought 2 seasons of Little House on the Prairie and that’s about it.

I hope this doesn’t come off as criticism, but instead as an honest question: What exactly is wrong with Rugrats? I remember my younger brothers watching that and it was actually pretty fantastic and innocent (yep, boogers are innocent ) Did I miss something about why this show is a problem? I haven’t watched t in a long time.

As a sidenote, I just want to say I remember being started off with Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers, Looney Tunes, Nick Jr., etc. They are still timeless. As I entered elementary school, I remember really getting into the “cool” stuff. Even then, some of that stuff generated complaints, but really were innocent. There were the Ghostbusters (hauntings, spirits, ghosts), Ninja Turtles (swords, aliens), Power Rangers (monsters, “gods” from other dimensions…), Superman (comic book violence) … and I turned out OK Even at the elementary school age, I knew it was simply silly stuff on TV. It was make believe. Man, I loooved pulling out my ninja weapons with that turtle shell, or strapping on that proton pack to “catch ghosts”, or reading about Superman handing it to the monsters and criminals of Metropolis. It never skewed my perception of learning about God. I believe it’s entirely possible to give children their sense of adventure in these types of TV shows/cartoons/comic books, without worrying that they will be somehow hurt by it. Even today, when I go for a run in the woods I remember gearing up with my plastic swords, getting on my bike, and riding down the path behind our house. Adventure is definitely crucial in boy-to-man process.

Again, not knocking anything. Just my 2 cents

 

[darthsmozers]

We also love Mr. Rogers and I saw where they are going to do a Curious George cartoon but I haven’t seen it yet.

Mr. Rogers was definitely a buddy of mine growing up. It was him, me, and a bag of cheerios They’ve released a few Mr. Rogers DVDs (some come with little trollies or trucks) in the last year or so. Might be worth checking out.

 

[Debbie]

I hope this doesn’t come off as criticism, but instead as an honest question: What exactly is wrong with Rugrats? I remember my younger brothers watching that and it was actually pretty fantastic and innocent (yep, boogers are innocent ) Did I miss something about why this show is a problem?

The problem with Rugrats, imho, is that they are:

1. Ugly. Animation that is. I can’t stand to look at them - same as Sponge Bob. I don’t want my DD desensitized to this type of talentless, again imho, offensive-to-the-eyes artwork.
2. Crude. They’re whiney, sassy, and I try to make sure boogers, etc. aren’t part of our daily conversation. Yes, boogers are innocent, I just don’t want to hear it 27 times a day!

What happens is that every generation pushes the envelope for something new. Someone earlier was describing the difference between watching Road Runner and today’s more graphic violent animation. Yes, we turned out alright, but if we keep letting it go, every generation will get a new “special effect” to keep them interested.

I want my DD to watch stuff I’d like her to imitate, not shows that if and when she imitates, I have to punish her for being sassy or disrespectful. If she has to stop watching regular TV, then so be it! I am makin an effort to find classic, watchable television videos and DVDs. Ones that don’t say stupid, butt, boogers, etc.

Stepping down off my soapbox now!

Debbie

p.s. Darth, this rant was not at you, rather at the sad state of children’s programming! God bless!

 

[darthsmozers]

I will admit, the animation in Rugrats is a bit odd. But, I have to say that compared to most cartoons, it’s veyr tame and actually pretty fun. However, your points do make sense, for sure.

Regarding Road Runner, I wish they would air it more often. I remember Nickelodeon used to have week-long Looney Tunes weekends. YEAH! The cool thing is that you can buy DVD volumes of Looney Tunes, Jetsons, Flinstones, Mr. Rogers, Sesame Streets, etc

 

[ecp007]

After reading many of these posts, my first inclination was to say “My gosh, chill out!” While I think some of you IMO have gone a little overboard with the cartoon banning, after all, look at what we watched growing up (3 Stooges, Roadrunner, etc. - violence), the vast majority of us have turned out just fine. I do realize and know that parenting is a tough job, been there, done it, so I try very hard not to judge other parents. Most of us do the best we can and call it like we see it.

I just caution parents, that while it’s your responsibilty to protect your kids from negative outside influences, don’t forget to let them be kids (and watching some cartoons is part of that IMO), and not be so overprotective, that you smother them.

:twocents:

I have banned The Cartoon Network, Nicholodian, and Half of the Disney channel. I agree there is too much underlying ocult messages and themes, and there is no benefit to this. But more importantly, is that children who are allowed to watch these shows speak coarsely. They have a whiny, bratty, mean, synical sounding voice, that I find quite unchildlike, and quite sad. I don’t want that for my kids.

My rule is, do the kids sound like brats? Change the channel.
Are they talking about witches, the ocult, or fairies? Time to Switch.
Are the parents divorced, or otherwise irresponsible, are the children more responsible than the parents? Turn it off.
Do the creatures look like they were made by God? - Keep watching. Most of the banned shows have unnatural creatures - ie sponge bob, monsters or children with crossed eyes, or disproportionate heads - not allowed on my TV.

There is simply no reason to provide an ugly roll model for my kids.

Just because we may have had a few bad roll models growing up (3 stooges), most of the kids we watched were soft spoken and educated and the adults were heroic (Buffy & Jody), My 3 sons, Andy & Oppie, etc.

My children do not sound bratty, and that is directly related to the fact that I don’t let them watch the bratty shows on TV.

 

[Ianjo99]

I understand what many of you are trying to do, and I commend you for being watchful parents. While the issue of whether it is the parent’s or the network’s responsibilty is a tricky problem, you all have done your part in letting your children watch what you think is appropriate.

Having said that, I have to say that I can’t help but think that perhaps a few of you have taken this to the extreme. Paganism, from what I’ve seen and heard, is far from the devilish attractor that many of you claim. All but a few of my friends regard paganism and new age babble as ridiculous to say the least. Anyone who we know that remotely believes in it is normally shrugged off. It’s a fad and a young fad at that. I don’t think that the sudden upstart of paganism is due to things like children’s programming. It is probably due as reaction to upbringing or a desire of some “mysterious secret of the universe” type thing. There is a very good reason why not too many new agers are very old. It’s a phase and a fad, not a serious threat as it stands.

As for banning shows in the house, it’s a two-sided coin. Anything you tell your children not to watch will make them want to watch it more. I grew up not being allowed to watch The Simpsons. I found ways, however, of sneaking in an episode here or there. As someone said, children will be children. It’s a hard thing to accept, but they will most likely not share your exact views regardless of how much you try to protect them. Part of the adventure of growing up is doing things your parents would probably not approve of.

I watch a variety of shows that most of you would find repugnant. Would I let my children watch South Park, Family Guy, or Adult Swim with me? Of course not. But, in my opinion, banning things like “the rugrats” or spongebob or similar things is merely trying to enforce your tastes on your children. They are not just little adults, they are kids. They like things like boogers and gas because it’s funny to them. I really see no immediate or long-lasting ramifications.

 

[Debbie]

I’m not always the best writer, Ianjo, but let me try to address some of the points you brought up.

whether it is the parent’s or the network’s responsibility is a tricky problem

Ultimately, it is MY responsibility as the parent to decide what I feel is appropriate (or inappropriate as the case may be) viewing material for my daughter. I wish the networks had more shows like Little Bear, but they don’t get my viewing or my money.

…Paganism

I’m glad that you don’t know many serious “New agers.” New Age and paganism, I believe, manifests itself as a person grows older and has to continually be making choices on how one lives one’s life. Where are priorities, what are his/her “gods,” who provides the “real” power - myself or God, etc. New Age and paganism is dangerous for the exact reason you state that it is basically non-existent and not a serious threat. (People believe that about the devil!) It is insidious and can filter into a person’s life and belief system.

As for banning shows in the house

When I was your age, Ianjo, I felt the same way - experience is the best teacher - experience everything! However, there are now so many “experiences” I wish I hadn’t experienced. Trust me, they did not all benefit me or enrich my life. Hopefully you will find that once you have children that you want to protect them from not just evil, but bad things. And it’s not just that you want them to stay away from certain things–crude language and actions, sexually implied or explicit materials, etc., but that you also want them to be drawn towards and exposed to certain *good *things–God, kindness, compassion, etc.

Like it or not, the “bad” stuff can change who you are and certainly influence decision making. Some things, like pornography (NOT just playboy, but on shows like South Park, Sex in the City, etc.), can stay with you a lifetime–no matter how much you change your views, lifestyle, etc. When a person’s life includes regular doses of the “bad” stuff, the decisions made will not have the best experience and wisdom to draw on. In fact, their decisions and actions will have a terribly distorted pool of information from which to draw.

I’m not only trying to protect my daughter, but trying to provide her good soil to grow in - not something tainted with pollutants like backtalk, disloyalty, crude humor, and so on. I want the bar raised for her!

Your “kids will be kids” philosophy is partially true - kids *will *be kids - but NOT under my watch! Just because someone does something does not mean it should be accepted. Another example - people will always steal - should we make it legal? They do it anyway. Murder? Abortion? Of course not! Those in authority have a God-given responsibility to see that those in their charge have good, moral choices and guidelines to follow. Otherwise, it’s a free for all. As we become desensitized to things like South Park, Sex ITC, it’s not long before someone else pushes the envelope and we roll even faster down the slippery slope.

…ramifications.

The ramifications of continually being exposed to crude and vulgar programming? It changes thoughts and actions! How many times have you found yourself thinking about a South Park phrase or repeating something “funny” (and off color) that a character said? Rude or “mouthy” phrases and lines from shows are bound to stick in a person’s mind. They shock our sensibilities (hopefully) and get burned in the memory for a little while, or longer. The crudeness and sexualization viewed will creep into how a person looks at the opposite sex and life in general. Upon seeing a good-looking member of the opposite sex, what’s the first thing that will pop into the mind of someone that has been watching “Sex ITC.” You can bet it’s not the same thing as someone who just finished reading “Theology of the Body.” Bottom line: Garbage In, Garbage Out. It seeps into all areas of your life if given time. Sadly, the more that gets let in, the harder it is to get it out and I’m not sure if it ever gets out permanently.

As a side note, I used to watch “Sex ITC” until I gave in to my conscience and took it to confession on a retreat. “Would you want Jesus to be sitting down next to you while you watched that show?” the priest asked. “Would you be embarrassed? Well, know that Jesus IS sitting there with you and THAT’S how you should judge your television viewing.” Very simple advice, but a real eye opener for me.

Ianjo, I am no fool, I know I cannot control what my daughter does when she is not with me or when she grows up and moves out. BUT, I need to know I did my best as her parent and gave her the “soil” needed for her to grow and be a kind, compassionate, God-loving person. Prayer and God will take care of the rest!

God bless you!
Debbie

 

[bluerose]

A lot of people laugh at me when I tell them I monitor my child’s programs, games and movies because I don’t want him exposed to bad infuences. They argue that kids aren’t THAT influenced by TV shows, games, music, etc.

Of course, they also get the “Baby Einstein” DVDs for their little ones and play classical music to their child in the womb and buy all sorts of educational games and movies. Using their own argument, aren’t they just throwing their money away?

How come the studies that show that kids can benefit from early exposure to educational materials and can be soothed by classical music are right and the ones that show that violent music, movies and games can cause problems are wrong?

Just wondering…

BlueRose

 

[Consecrated]

I think by banning it you could also cause the child to become more interested in the occult by making it seem more mysterious than what it really is…

I grew up in the eighties and nineties, and my parents were very very careful with what they let us watch. For example, they banned the Smurfs… b/c of more than just fairy-tale types of occultish themes. When they explained to us WHY they weren’t allowing it anymore, they took the mystery right out of the occult and showed it to us for what it is… of the devil, and NOT of God. We were very satisfied with this explanation, and never had an urge to investigate for ourselves…after all, who wants to mess with the devil when you have a proper understanding of who and what he is?? It was the same with their explanations of why no ouija board.

I think the idea that banning certain potentially unhealthy activities only encourages kids to investigate such activities further is a little lazy and shortsighted. The thing is to give the right explanation and then back it up with proper catechesis and the way your family lives life in general. In this way you stand a better chance of avoiding both exposing your children to potentially harmful things as children AND setting the stage for them to experiment with those things when they’re older.