Great post on “Happy Feet.” Here are my thoughts.

As a grandfather of three, I’m now facing the same dilemma as you. What to expose the grandkids to and what not to. So far, I’ve avoided all of the movies for two basic reasons – too many are PC propaganda for someone’s social agenda (much of which I personally don’t agree) – like Happy Feet, or they are so removed from reality as to be worthless as a learning experience – also like Happy Feet. What I have chosen to do is expose them to real life out here in the country. And as part of that exposure, I try to set the example as best as I can. In the long run, it’s those examples that they will rely on as adults.

What are some of the things I’m trying to teach them?

People die. It’s inevitable so understand it and deal with it like adults should.

Not all people are nice, some are selfish, some are sick, and for some there’s no telling why. Learn to discern which is which.

Trust is important. You need to be able to trust me, and I need to be able to trust you. If you tell me something that is not true, you break that trust, and you are diminished by it.

Family is important, not just brother or sister, mom and dad, and Grammy and Pop-Pop, but all the aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives you come in contact with. Family helps define who you are. Family sustains you in times of need. I try to get them together with relatives as often as possible.

Animals die. That’s the natural scheme of things. And when they do, all is not lost. Their remains sustain other living things, whether man or other animals or plants. Understanding that is essential for understanding the natural world.

Animals are animals, not people. Some have marvelous traits and abilities. They do not have higher-order emotions like people do. They don’t talk like people do. They don’t reason like people do. They react to their environment. Reasoning is God’s gift to people.

Respect all that is natural. Help sustain it – personally in all that you do.

Only take what you plan to consume, and leave the rest alone to sustain others – whether that’s fishing, hunting, at a grocery store, or at the dinner table.

Most of what you see on TV and in the movies is not real – it’s someone’s fantasy.

Hunting and fishing, done right, is a great way to learn about nature and the environment. Come with me and I will show you.

All that is fine…but yes, there was a bait and switch. While not offended by the content (mostly), I think that since these movies probably have a huge influence on the development of values in young, hungry, growing minds - it would be nice if there ought to be truth in advertising. Also, I need to research the movies I take my son to a bit more.

I did not watch the trailers, as I like to be somewhat surprised, so I assume responsiblity for taking kids to a movie without proper research. I was truly dissappointed in the movie, but the kids loved it and can’t wait to own the DVD. Go Figure!

http://www.commonsensemedia.org

is a great resource for parents looking for kid and family friendly movies. I love that includes age guidelines, which are tremendous since, in my opinion, the current rating system is useless to me as a parent.
Case in point: I recall taking my 6 year old son, whom I thought to be quite mature for his age, to see “Huck Finn” a number of years ago. To say that the movie was a little over his head would be an understatement. The questions about slavery began as I stopped at the gas station on the way home. What. was. I. Thinking? ugh.
And, Y.R. is absolutely right! Can anyone even think of a Disney movie that doesn’t deal with the issues of abandonment, loss, fear, monsters, separation or death. Think about it!
Great topic Merrill - thanks!
kath