Comments for The Achilles Effect

Comment on Balanced Books for Boys – Margaret Wise Brown by Writing Children’s Books: How to Write Bestselling Books for Kids of Any Age « shiyan

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:09:04 +0000

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Comment on Balanced Books for Boys – Margaret Wise Brown by admin

admin — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 18:58:45 +0000

I have downloaded the book and will read it. I admit that The Runaway Bunny is not one that we are overly familiar with, just the other titles I outlined here. I am looking forward to seeing your perspective. I will reply here once I have read your book, but it may take a while as I am in re-writes on my book. Thanks for your feedback.

Comment on Balanced Books for Boys – Margaret Wise Brown by Claudia

Claudia — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 13:49:52 +0000

I disagree that your all time favorites are gender neutral. You should read the analysis in Have a Carrot: Oedipal Theory and Symbolism in Margaret Wise Brown’s Runaway Bunny Trilogy. Birmingham, AL: Look Again Press 2010. ISBN 978-1-4524-5500-6 https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/21324

Comment on Balanced Books for Boys – Margaret Wise Brown by Tweets that mention Balanced Books for Boys – Margaret Wise Brown | The Achilles Effect -- Topsy.com

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:29:09 +0000

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Comment on Is it 1950 Again? Princess Camp for Girls, Adventure Camp for Boys by Shaping Youth » Kids Summer Camps & Niche Gender Marketing: Why?

Shaping Youth » Kids Summer Camps & Niche Gender Marketing: Why? — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 03:57:45 +0000

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Comment on Is it 1950 Again? Princess Camp for Girls, Adventure Camp for Boys by Melissa Wardy

Melissa Wardy — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:10:56 +0000

EXCELLENT post! I make these same points to all the parents who say to me, “Thank goodness I have boys” when I teach them about sexualization and gender stereotyping. I say two things:
1. Exactly who do you think your sons will eventually date and marry?
2. Your sons are picking up on and absorbing everything they are seeing.

I am excited for your book to come out! Keep plugging away!

Comment on Message to CIDA–Support International Planned Parenthood Federation by Silence is no answer for Planned Parenthood funding | equity loans

Silence is no answer for Planned Parenthood funding | equity loans — Tue, 18 May 2010 11:23:33 +0000

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Comment on Ponyo Review – Unhealthy Messages for Boys and Girls by admin

admin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:44:49 +0000

I have re-read my review of this film and I should apologize for the sarcasm and snarky tone. It was a bit of a knee-jerk reaction to a film that I was hoping to love but could not. That being said, there are good points about this film, as I mentioned. Sosuke is a rarity in children’s film because he is a caring and sensitive male character. And I was harsh in my judgment of the relationship between Ponyo and Sosuke. It begins with childhood innocence, and the fact that Ponyo nearly dies shows more of Sosuke’s natural tendency to be caring than it does a weakness in the female lead. However, I still think the messages are too subtle for young children and that the more obvious messages will be that of a girl being “saved” by the love of a boy.

Comment on Geronimo Stilton – Taking Stereotypes to New Depths by admin

admin — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:55:18 +0000

Thanks so much for your feedback!

Yes, Geronimo is certainly loyal and honourable. He also possesses a strong work ethic. But looking at various media aimed at children – TV, film and books – the “smart guy as loser” is a consistent theme. My concern is repeated exposure to such negative ideas across all media. Geronimo aids and abets the wimp imperative more than he combats it, in my opinion, but you have certainly given me another perspective. I should concede that he does stand out by being the protagonist, and not just a nerdy sidekick to some strong, manly man.

I’m not sure I’ve seen a lot of bravery. I see self-doubt, with circumstances forcing him to take on challenges he might not otherwise. I have read Race Across America and it was better than most. I will look for the other and give it a read too.

As far as Thea, she is adventurous, but she is unencumbered by the need to hold down a real job. It seems she doesn’t have as much responsibility as Geronimo. Of course, that is nitpicking. Most kids wouldn’t realize this and would just identify her as a reporter. I have read one of the Thea Stilton books and I wasn’t terribly impressed with the girls. They were okay, but certainly not trailblazers as far as gender roles.

As I said, I have not yet read Kingdom of Fantasy, but I certainly intend to do so soon to see if the content changes my initial vibe about the book, which seems to hew to common stereotypes.

Thanks again.

Comment on Geronimo Stilton – Taking Stereotypes to New Depths by Inger

Inger — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:21:14 +0000

Thanks for the post, as a fan it gives me something to think about.

I think Thea is quite a strong female character, her appearance is not exactly typical either, and her own series of books also show a varying range of female characters. Petunia Paws is also an uncommon mix of femme appearance with a strong brave side.

Its true Geronimo bears the brunt of his family’s issues but he always demonstrates bravery, a strong sense of ethics and is loyal and honourable with those he knows and also with people in trouble who he can help. If he was such a spineless mouse there would be no story. By the end of each book (particularly the later books) readers see another side to his character.
I’d recommend Race Across America, Mouse Island Marathon among others.

There is alot to be happy with in the series, despite certain obvious stereotypes you discuss, there are moments that allow the characters to demonstrate traits that transcend their initial appearance.

Thanks again for the opportunity to discuss.
Inger