Another thing is that I think it’s problematic to over-criticize books that are products of their times. For example, my ancestral heritage is Chinese and so much of it and many other East Asian cultures is shaped by Confucianism. Confucius, who wrote like 2,500 years ago would be considered sexist and classist by today’s standards. But it would be a mistake to cancel him outright (they tried during the Chinese Cultural Revolution). It’s just how things were. Most people probably thought just like him, anyway (though I’m sure he, too, had his critics). It’s kind of like how I’m now avoiding some so-called anti-diet influencers and podcast hosts because they seem to imply that anyone who eats what mainstream society calls healthy as being on a “diet.” It’s very toxic.
I'm so excited for this series! I appreciate your thoughts on this topic. The more I read classic children's books as an adult, the more I realize they are centered around colonialism. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth. If you've seen the Paddington movies it's more clear to me than in the books that he's taken from Peru. I think it's important to see them as a product of their time and hopefully, we can do better. Speaking of, one of my favorites growing up was Babar. I'm particularly interested in your perspective on that series!
I think you should compare Madeline with Eloise. For Madeline, look at how old she’s supposed to be and maybe hypothesis why she is at boarding school (I personally don’t have issues with boarding school - I almost went to one but changed to day student status. I did spend short stints in boarding when my parent had to go away, however). She’s very young. I wouldn’t even send someone her age to sleep away camp.
Sri, this Paddington post is excellent! I really like how you discuss the problematic issues with Paddington AND ways to talk with your kids about these issues while still enjoying the book. As a kid, I vividly remember wondering something along the lines of "wait, why is Peru 'the darkest'??" but never having the opportunity to talk about it. My daughter was Eloise for Halloween this year, and I'd love to see a post on that series!!
I loved Paddington as a child and had a little stuffy of him, too. I think I liked him and his stories for a lot of the reasons you mentioned, his adventures and mishaps - and I was also a big proponent of giving my toys personalities, voices, names. I could talk to them and they were friends, so Paddington fit right in. Love your idea for this series!
You just knocked this out of the park and I’m so excited for this series. I love how you found parts that leave a bad taste in your mouth (and for valid reasons) but still manage to find the lens that props up the lesson a child would see through the story, reframing the conversation in a positive light. Am I getting weepy about this? Maybe. Definitely learning my own lessons here from your take and it’s such a gift. THANK YOU!
This is wonderful, Sri. I admit to having the softest spot in my heart for Paddington (my father grew up in a British territory, technically still a colony, and I had a lot of little Anglophile things in my life, including him), and I just really loved his stories.
I still think, despite their flaws, they are very well-written.
Another thing is that I think it’s problematic to over-criticize books that are products of their times. For example, my ancestral heritage is Chinese and so much of it and many other East Asian cultures is shaped by Confucianism. Confucius, who wrote like 2,500 years ago would be considered sexist and classist by today’s standards. But it would be a mistake to cancel him outright (they tried during the Chinese Cultural Revolution). It’s just how things were. Most people probably thought just like him, anyway (though I’m sure he, too, had his critics). It’s kind of like how I’m now avoiding some so-called anti-diet influencers and podcast hosts because they seem to imply that anyone who eats what mainstream society calls healthy as being on a “diet.” It’s very toxic.
I'm so excited for this series! I appreciate your thoughts on this topic. The more I read classic children's books as an adult, the more I realize they are centered around colonialism. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth. If you've seen the Paddington movies it's more clear to me than in the books that he's taken from Peru. I think it's important to see them as a product of their time and hopefully, we can do better. Speaking of, one of my favorites growing up was Babar. I'm particularly interested in your perspective on that series!
I think you should compare Madeline with Eloise. For Madeline, look at how old she’s supposed to be and maybe hypothesis why she is at boarding school (I personally don’t have issues with boarding school - I almost went to one but changed to day student status. I did spend short stints in boarding when my parent had to go away, however). She’s very young. I wouldn’t even send someone her age to sleep away camp.
This was such an excellent post! Loved your analysis and discussion points ❤️
This is such a great idea for a series! We are big Paddington fans here. I wish I had your talking points when we read these books years ago.
I never read this classic but I feel like I am now reading it through you. Thank you, the classics corner will be a hit!
LOVE the idea of revisiting the classics…are they as good as we remember?! I have doubts.
Sri, this Paddington post is excellent! I really like how you discuss the problematic issues with Paddington AND ways to talk with your kids about these issues while still enjoying the book. As a kid, I vividly remember wondering something along the lines of "wait, why is Peru 'the darkest'??" but never having the opportunity to talk about it. My daughter was Eloise for Halloween this year, and I'd love to see a post on that series!!
I absolutely love this idea! Thanks for doing this so thoughtfully.
I loved Paddington as a child and had a little stuffy of him, too. I think I liked him and his stories for a lot of the reasons you mentioned, his adventures and mishaps - and I was also a big proponent of giving my toys personalities, voices, names. I could talk to them and they were friends, so Paddington fit right in. Love your idea for this series!
You just knocked this out of the park and I’m so excited for this series. I love how you found parts that leave a bad taste in your mouth (and for valid reasons) but still manage to find the lens that props up the lesson a child would see through the story, reframing the conversation in a positive light. Am I getting weepy about this? Maybe. Definitely learning my own lessons here from your take and it’s such a gift. THANK YOU!
This is wonderful, Sri. I admit to having the softest spot in my heart for Paddington (my father grew up in a British territory, technically still a colony, and I had a lot of little Anglophile things in my life, including him), and I just really loved his stories.
I still think, despite their flaws, they are very well-written.
I love this new series Sri!