Greg's... Glory Days

I just read an article on one of my favorite shows from Nickelodeon simply entitled "Doug." If you haven't seen it then I pity your childhood. This show was so fabulous. In the days where there were very few television stations and one of them (the insidious, corporate giant referred to as Disney) ruled the cartoon world; some talented people created a new network and in the process created a wonderful show that would change my life for the better.

"Doug" had everything that I wanted including adventure, philosophy, and love. I always pictured myself as the protagonist, Douglas Yancy Funnie. I've dressed up a few times as a Quailman, bought a journal because of him, and when I get my own dog I will name it Porkchop...regardless of sex.

The only reason I bring this up is because the creator of the show, Jim Jinkins, recently chatted about the production of the show. He mentioned how the writers of "Doug" would always have a theme or purpose for each episode. They wrote with the plain intent of getting a message across to their audience. I've learned many lessons from watching this show and I feel I'm better for it. I still remember the day Doug graduated from middle school and learned that it's okay to be fearful of the unknown and that others are probably feeling the same. I also learned that despite our challenges we need to focus on our personal gifts, talents, and strengths to accomplish great things.

What is it kids these days are learning? Jim says that they aren't making cartoons with morals or life lessons anymore. That is unless you count living in a pineapple under the sea and catching jellyfish while flipping Krabby Patties a life lesson. After talking and interacting with my students I get the feeling that they are watching more television than my generation ever did. I would be fine with that if I felt they got something from it. I remember learning all of states in the U.S. with the intent of winning the final challenge on "Where in the World is Carmen San Diego" just so I could say, "Do it Rockapella," as the sirens sang my praise of accomplishment. I remember enjoying the fantastic world of Bill Nye in the comfort of my home.

What I see today is a generation that calls the t.v. "babysitter" and that babysitter isn't helping our kids. Parents are busy, I understand that, but let us be responsible enough to find programs that are uplifting, informative, and morally good. This sounds like a soapbox about bad parenting, but it's not. Parents are doing the best they can...for the most part. This is a soapbox on nostalgia and the great things I remember about growing up. I know that every generation has their "thing" they remember, but I feel like the new "thing" is merely entertainment value. This sucks as a teacher because it's hard for me to constantly keep my students' attention because they are used to a fast paced and energetic entertainment system. I really try to keep their attention, but it's gotten really ridiculous.