So, I keep coming back to children’s literature when I think of what makes “me” the person I am. And sometimes it scares me.
Why do all the classics I can think of have imperialist themes?
- Doctor Doolittle is a “vegetarian” who really craves the flesh of his patients.
- Babar would be nothing if he didn’t learn western ways. He certainly wouldn’t be king!
- Is the conclusion that Ozma is a “fair and gentle” ruler enough justification to alter the way of life of the people in hidden countries of Oz?
- How do those Narnia kids have *any* real claim to the throne of the country?!
And as a postscript… do you ever have nightmares about being held up against Mary Poppins’ tape measure? I do.
It’s kind of hard to just lay the Bewitched template on top of Jeannie. Tony doesn’t have to explain to anyone why Jeannie’s a little wacky. He totally keeps her out of sight from everyone but his best friend, Roger. (Okay, later they get married and stuff, but I’m talking about the original concept for the show.) And while Jeannie’s fellow genies show up now and then, Tony’s not afraid that they won’t behave — he’s petrified they’ll be seen at all! Endora’s pretty eccentric at first glance, but anyone in puffy pants and a fez is pretty hard to take seriously.