Malice in Wonderland: The Misuse of Classic Children's Lit

"Let me begin by pointing out the painfully obvious: We are living in odd, tumultuous, relentlessly transgressive times. As this year closes, we are poised to expect more disturbing revelations, more transgressions. From this strange year, here are two recent, notorious examples. Both emerge from a variety of wondrous play-storytelling-and from the subset of children's literature. Both thrive on boorish misappropriation. I'll take them in reverse chronological order."

"The first revolves around the helpful, compassionate, considerate, empathetic Franklin the Turtle-a paragon of welcoming play and fairness-who, in books and television storybooks that branched into video games, has helped kids learn lessons of courage, kindness, and understanding since he first appeared in 1986. Franklin, somewhere near 4 years old, lives in a close-knit, lively village called "Woodland." Looking a little like Manitoba, Woodland is populated by his family and a large group of helpful friends of various species."

"In another, a group of friends-Polar Bear, Bird, Duck, and Lion-help Franklin overcome his fear of the dark. (This despite their own worries.) When in another tale, Franklin is so frightened by a thunderstorm that he retreats into his shell, his friend Beaver coaxes him out by patiently explaining lightning and thunder. Owl, wise despite his years, supplies the reassuring scientific details. It's electricity that causes a giant pop! A rainbow appears at the end!"

Times are odd, tumultuous, and relentlessly transgressive, with expectations of further disturbing revelations and transgressions. Two recent, notorious examples arise from play, storytelling, and the subset of children's literature, both flourishing through boorish misappropriation. Franklin the Turtle exemplifies helpfulness, compassion, and fairness across books, television, and video games since 1986. Franklin is about four years old and lives in Woodland, a close-knit village resembling Manitoba, with family and diverse animal friends. Stories teach growth: patient skills-building, facing darkness, understanding thunderstorms via Beaver and Owl's explanations, and easing first-day-of-school anxieties with parental reassurance and comforting endings.

Read at Psychology Today