Bloody Cross
I'm tendering these images as exhibits a through c in the case of Public School Children versus the State in The Inadequate Provision of Reading Materials.
Cute as the pictures are and I am loving the t-bar shoes and the rockin', heidiesque skirt number, this is NOT what I want my five year old to be coming home with for reading practice.
In 1967, the date of publishing, I was no more that a faint glimmer in my mother's eye. 41 years ago, people. Now I don't know about you, but I'm fairly certain that there have been some quantum leaps in language curriculum materials in the last 41 years. Not to mention a significant amount of bra-burning to overturn some of the gender stereotypes at play in the late 60's.
So why then does my daughter bring home as part of the school reading program a text that suggests to her that girls frock up and head to the shops with Mummy during which time boys kick back at home with Dad for a spot of tinkering under the bonnet? Good lord!
Some might consider I'm being overly critical but I spend good time trying to untangle some of the disney princess mythologies without having a school-mandated text contradicting me. And I haven't even mentioned issues such as contemporary relevance, critical literacy, and multi-cultural themes. Can you tell I'm a little cross?
The prosecution rests.
they're pretty cute pictures though :)
Posted by:charlotte | May 12, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Love the illustrations though.
Perhaps you could 'rewrite' the book with your wee one. Make up a new story and all...
Posted by:rebecca | May 13, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Love the illustrations though.
Perhaps you could 'rewrite' the book with your wee one. Make up a new story and all...
Posted by:rebecca | May 13, 2008 at 12:36 AM
They should be kept , in the archives for posterity (and cute pictures) - not sent home. They make my library full of old worn out books look almost contemporary.
Posted by:Jodie | May 13, 2008 at 02:27 AM
Love the girl in green polka-dot dress :)
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Posted by:benz | May 13, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Er, perhaps the teacher was hoping to raise cultural stereotypes and throw in a history lesson as well. Who knows, today, they could well be burning one of your bras. Did you check the school bag? There could be one taken from the laundry basket. Um, maybe today they'll be doing an analysis of this and Bladerunner? Melting down some Barbies and Gi-Joes?
Posted by:katiecrackernuts | May 13, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Oh, man, I thought you were kidding when I read it at first. I think you have a good case here, but don't tell them we all adore the pics. Seriously, I think you are entitled to an explanation, at least of what they're doing with the money supposed to go to new purchase of books!
Posted by:Anna of Helylle | May 14, 2008 at 02:32 AM
These are cute! And thank you for your sweet words, Nanette--- I hope I can get that knitter a shop soon! :)
Posted by:Design for Mankind | May 14, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Go get 'em lady.
You could turn it around; an opportunity to talk about gender roles; laugh at the pictures together. Draw new pictures for the words, and new words for the pictures? Send back the revised editions to the teacher. Though this should be what the teacher is doing, no?
Anyway I am right with you.
Posted by:Alix | May 15, 2008 at 02:51 AM
Hey, what are you talking about? This looks exactly like my life.
Obviously, I'm kidding. I think 5 is a little young for teaching critical media skills, and that is the only use (other than decoupage) I can come up with for these books.
I love the idea of revising the text and sending it back - but I'd send it to the principal!
Posted by:angelique | May 19, 2008 at 08:35 AM