I like Dora The Explorer, the show, but Dora herself is a weak link. She tries to interact with you, but she can’t, of course, and the result is this perverse relationship in which everyone is talking and no one is listening. I have begun to wonder if kids’ shows like this have something to do with why Jenny is the way she is. Jenny asks questions in order to get a certain answer, and she proceeds as though the expected answer was given even if it was not.
Jenny: I think that Harry Potter is the best thing in the universe, ever. Don’t you think so, Daddy?
Me: I don’t think that at all. Maybe if you read something else, anything else, you would have a basis for comparison.
Jenny: Mmm-hmm.
Me: Did you ask me that for a reason? Did you listen to anything I said?
Jenny: Can I use your computer? I need to check my gmail.
I have a similar conversation with Dora at the end of every episode I watch with Brinkley.
Dora: We had lots of fun today. What was your favorite part?
Me: The part where I laced Boots’ banana with a slow-acting poison. It should be taking effect right now.
Dora: I liked that too.
Boots: [dead]
Dora: My favorite part was when we shared our cookies with Swiper.
Me: Banana wing damage.
Dora: We couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks for helping!
I think Dora shouldn’t ask questions if she’s not going to listen to the answers. Although maybe I should be asking myself why I always answer.
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Pingback by Bad Dora « Mr. Sensitive | Your Girls and Boys — July 16, 2011 @ 13:06 |
But Harry Potter is the best thing in the universe.
Comment by Sis — July 17, 2011 @ 23:19 |