"Frightened George: how the pediatric-educational complex ruined the curious George series".Daniel Greenstone green·stone n. Any of various altered basic igneous rocks colored green by chlorite, hornblende, or epidote. greenstone Noun NZ a type of green jade used for Maori carvings and ornaments , "Frightened George: How the Pediatric-Educational Complex Ruined the Curious George Curious George inquisitive, mischievous monkey. [Children’s Lit.: Curious George] See : Curiosity Series" This article examines the evolution of American child-rearing practices through the lens of the famous Curious George children's stories. As the title suggests, in contrast to the Victoria era, in which children were seen as hardy and resilient, parents in the post-World War II period began to view their children as fragile and besieged be·siege tr.v. be·sieged, be·sieg·ing, be·sieg·es 1. To surround with hostile forces. 2. To crowd around; hem in. 3. by threats. Because of the unusual background of its authors, the Curious George series offers an intriguing window into this transformation in American child-rearing practices. The early Curious George books are madcap adventures, reflecting the Victorian sensibility, but, as the series progressed, the pediatric-educational complex in Dr. Spock's America exerted pressure on the authors to write instructive, cautionary tales A cautionary tale is a traditional story told in folklore, to warn its hearer of a danger. There are three essential parts to a cautionary tale, though they can be introduced in a large variety of ways. . The shift in George's character, from adventurous and bold to frightened and meek meek adj. meek·er, meek·est 1. Showing patience and humility; gentle. 2. Easily imposed on; submissive. , mirrors the transformation in American child-rearing practices during the twentieth century. |
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