The Wiggles are just really good people

by Melissa Summers (Subscribe to Melissa Summers's posts) Apr 3rd 2006 5:02PM

The New York Times tried, they really did, to make me appreciate the Wiggles. They told me how kind they are and how giving they are and really down to earth. They take their responsibility to their fans, the kids, seriously.

When the curtain falls, they don't put on a different persona. They're just all around good guys. In fact, Greg at Daddy Types goes as far as to say "Only bad parents hate them."

And still, I think I'm okay with that.

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Comments (20)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

GameFam 4-03-2006 @ 10:03PM

They may well be princes among men, but at the end of the day, The Wiggles are musical performers.

This is most unfortunate, seeing as they lack both charisma and any discernable musical talent, so count me among those who are not fans of their work.

And like you, I'm okay with that, too.

Nora 4-04-2006 @ 12:57AM

I can dislike them as much as the next person, but my 2 year old loves them, therefore I must put my own feelings aside, bite the bullet and let him watch them!

Marz 4-04-2006 @ 2:03AM

Well, we (my husband & I) might be the worst parents over the face of the earth. But to me, and I hope I'm wrong, they are just wrong!!! Only one can "kinda" sing, and the rest just make themselves look bad, trying to convince little children that they are good at playing instruments, or at anything!! I'm sorry, I don't like them!!

MelissaS 4-04-2006 @ 8:04AM

Nora, my kids have (thankfully) outgrown them but I even took them to a concert. So yes, I understand putting aside our own feelings. I understand it in a painful way.

Jenny 4-04-2006 @ 8:41AM

When I was 4 my favorite band was The Monkees, and they weren't any better musicians.

Jen 4-04-2006 @ 8:59AM

One of the proudest moments of my parenting career was when my daughter turned to me and said, 'The Wiggles really don't belong on tv, do they mommy?'

I'm sure they are fine fellows, but I'll be damned if they don't hit me like nails on a chalkboard.

Mama M 4-04-2006 @ 11:29AM

Thank you for this post! I guess we are bad parents too, then, because my husband and I cannot stand the Wiggles. We've tried, but we wince everytime we see them. Thankfully, my son has watched the show and hasn't become attached to them in any way. He doesn't seem remotely interested, even though he loves music.

GameFam 4-04-2006 @ 1:35PM

Jenny, I realize that The Monkees aren't a great band, but you're actually comparing their music to whatever it is the Wiggles do?

In the greater universe of music, neither is great, but in the smaller world of made-for-TV-bands, The Monkees are the freaking Beatles compared to The Wiggles.

Belinda 4-04-2006 @ 9:44PM

I am sorry, they just SCARE me! I think there is something wrong with them. They can't sing, can't play, and they are four grown men called "The Wiggles" that just strikes me as a scary show. I have let my daughter see it, she watched it for about five minutes before she bust out crying and came running at me pointing at the TV. When I changed it to something else, even though it was only a commercial, she was again happy! My fourteen month old is SCARED of them too. I tested it a week later, to see if I was correct. She didn't even watch them for five minutes this time before she started crying again and that day my fiance was there. He laughed and begged me to turn it off all at the same time. She loves music, but she DOESN'T love "The Wiggles".

Ms Sisyphus 4-04-2006 @ 11:08PM

I like them. They'er all ECEs. 2 of them were Aussie popstars who decided to do this instead. Their songs are inoffensive, non-violent, and catchy (although that last one is maybe not so much a plus). They combine movement with the muskc to encourage children to be physical. And in concert, man, do they work to put on a show--they were pouring down sweat by the end of the one we caught. Plus, I don't know many other children's performers who come down off the stage and interact with the audience, even pausing to take pics with them, during the show.

Nope, no problem with The Wiggles here.

GameFam 4-05-2006 @ 12:39AM

I appreciate the fact that they work hard to entertain, but I just don't enjoy the sounds they produce.

I prefer musicians like Laurie Berkner, Justin Roberts, They Might Be Giants, Jessica Harper, etc.

All of them are talented musicians who happen to make songs for kids, as opposed to the many no-talent hacks who try to exploit what they see as a less-discriminating audience.

Stacia 4-05-2006 @ 8:49AM

My son & daughter adore The Wiggles and we do too. We attended the concert the writer of the article wrote about. It is sad that we live in a society where people are automatically suspicious and creeped out because of the fact that they are "four grown men" performing for children. These four family men obviously love children as they've dedicated their education and careers to children. The lessons in their simple songs & movements (meant to appeal to CHILDREN)are all positive and reinforce simple life lessons. Singing these songs with my son helps him remember things like looking before crossing the street and eating his fruit every day. The Wiggles are not a made for TV band. They write thier own music, insist on using real, unscrpited children in their shows and are 100% self made. They show ZERO violence, selfishness or rudeness. We love the Wiggles and are grateful for something positive for our kids to watch with us.

MelissaS 4-05-2006 @ 8:53AM

Stacia, I don't think they're creepy because they're four grown men.

I find them intensely grating on my nerves. Thank God my kids outgrew them.

Stacia 4-05-2006 @ 9:42AM

I can understand that Melissa. Barney grates on my nerves for sure, and he/she/is is certainly harmless enough!

Belinda 4-05-2006 @ 10:27AM

Again I am just greatful that my daughter doesn't like them either. She likes sesame street, clifford, Gerald McBoing Boing among other shows we enjoy watching. When the TV isn't on (as background noise, she rarely sits in front of it, maybe for elmo) we have music on and she still doesn't like the Wiggles, she prefers Sharon Lois and Bram!

Danigirl 4-05-2006 @ 12:49PM

I agree with Ms Sisyphus... they're harmless, they put on a decent show and the kids love them. Well, my youngest (2) loves them. The four year old says, "The Wiggles are for babies" in a contemptuous tone any teen would admire - and then sits transfixed to the TV as we watch yet another replay of Wiggly Dance Party.

Now the Doodlebops - they're scary!

Michelle 4-05-2006 @ 1:31PM

B.C. (Before Children) I had friends who would freak out and say, I HAVE to get these Wiggles tickets for my kids! And I would say "Who the hell are the Wiggles?" Well, now, I have kids and I GET IT! My 3 year old has been a die-hard fan since she was old enough to understand what a Wiggle was. My husband and I find ourselves watching the episode long after she has left the room, even though we've already seen it several time, because, we've just GOT to see how it ends! The Wiggles get our daughter moving, and some days, it's the only excercise I get, we pop in the video ( yes, usually the Christmas one,even though it is almost Easter and we dance, dance, dance!)
I would much rather welcome the Wiggles into my house than the Teletubbies, Elmo or the wretched purple dinosaur! Yes, they are a little cheesy, but it is impossible to just sit in your bottom while they are on. Their tunes are catchy.
And, Danigirl, The Doodlebops are TOTALLY SCARY! They give ME nightmares! The new ones are even scarier than the old ones! Go Wiggles!

Just Jess 4-24-2006 @ 6:02PM

I noticed a comment earlier that went as follows:

"I prefer musicians like Laurie Berkner, Justin Roberts, They Might Be Giants, Jessica Harper, etc. All of them are talented musicians who happen to make songs for kids, as opposed to the many no-talent hacks who try to exploit what they see as a less-discriminating audience."

Of all the artists that person mentioned, the earliest is Jessica Harper with her album in 1995. The Wiggles first album was released in 1991, and have been going strong ever since.

In my opinion the others are simply following on the heels of The Wiggles, and following their lead. Taking understandable advantage of a growing musical audience. And NONE of them are no talent Hacks.

I'm just making it clear that after 15 years, The Wiggles must be doing SOMETHING right.

Jo Ann 5-01-2006 @ 8:40AM

3 members of the wiggles have degrees in early childhood development. They are teachers trying to educate young children in musical environment. They are not musicians who have just moved to the young children market. I love Laurie Berkner too and Dan Zane but please do not compare apples to oranges. The wiggles can get annoying but in my opinion they all can be annoying. We just have to provide educational programming our children enjoy. (not too much, of course)

Jessica 5-07-2006 @ 2:50AM

I really don't understand how the Wiggles can "creep people out." Annoy those who don't prefer them, yes, but creep out?? That would mean any male elementary music teacher should freak them out, and that's really a shame, not to mention, narrow-minded.

Here's my question: would these other parents watch them if they were better looking and sang better? If so, that's sending a GREAT message to our kids, doesn't it? They're not as passionate and fun as the Wiggles, but at least they look and sound better. Pffft! And I have to laugh at people that say they are horrible actors. Um, they do a KIDS SHOW, where being silly and corny is just part of it. They must be doing something right to be as popular as they are.

Are parents "bad" for not watching the Wiggles? NO. To each their own. Just because their kids don't like them, doesn't mean there is anything wrong with them as entertainers. I was one to those I-will-NEVER-let-my-kids-watch-the-Wiggles parents, until my daughter started dancing along with it one day before I could change the channel. 6 months later, I'm now browsing E-bay and doing searches for Wiggle gear for her birthday.

To all critics, just remember that it's not their singing ability, acting, or good looks that make them popular. It's the fun and the learning experience. And if you still can't get into 'em, change the channel.

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