Dora Debunked

Today I woke up with a mission. I was going to weed my garden. The poor corn and squash plants were being choked out. That was all. Just pulling up the carpet of green that covered the ground meant for producing veggie plants. With only one item on my to-do list, I still had the problem of entertainment of a 5 year-old and 2 year-old with the goal of keeping the house standing while I weeded.

Enter Dora. Thank you Amazon Prime! I turned it on, handed out otter pops and left the door open while I went outside. It lasted about half an episode. Maybe even less. Out of the house came bounding an energetic 5 year old. Without any fanfare or lead-in she said "Mom, what if Swiper just wants a turn? What if they just gave him a turn? Then maybe he would stop trying to take all their stuff. If I was Dora, I would give him a turn and tell him to give my stuff back to me after his turn was over and not throw it away. He probably throws it because he wants a turn and isn't getting it."

Mind.Is.Blown. Here is bullying, wrapped in pretty colors and tied with a bow of fun music and chants. She is always smiling. Has an answer to every problem. A special backpack that is kind of like Mary Poppins carpet bag, and talking map. A best friend. (Who happens to be a monkey.) Freedom to roam a rather large area (as indicated by the numerous areas the talking map covers). All this, yet fear of loss keeps a continual cycle of run-ins with Swiper. Fear. Because of fear, an offer isn't extended to Swiper. A chance to change isn't made. Fear of loss, of change, prevents an outsider from being part of the group. And he acts out. All this handed out in an educational cartoon. And yet, it can't brainwash my kid. Take that world.

Hang in there Swiper. One day you'll be given a chance. If not by Dora, then maybe by my 5 year-old, by other children. By pure hearts that hold no hate or fear, but faith, hope and charity.

Lead on young ones, lead on.