Jamie Krug: What If It's Getting Better?
Daniel Donahoo: The Evolution of Parent-School Engagement
Overweight kids steroetyped in children's books?
Filed under: Newborns, Toddlers Preschoolers, Health & Safety: Babies, Development/Milestones: Babies, Day Care & Education, That's Entertainment, Feeding & Sleeping, Baby-sitting, Research Reveals: Babies, Nutrition: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Expert Advice: Babies, Health & Safety: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Development: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Behavior: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Gear Guides: Babies, Gear Guides: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Research Reveals: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Expert Advice: Toddlers & Preschoolers
Recently, I was reading to Ellie from an old storybook of mine when we came across a character named Fats. As I sometimes do when reading to her, I edited the story. I didn't like that his name was Fats and I didn't like how his weight was used to portray him negatively. In the story, he was Fats the the Bully , menacing other children and making them cry.
It kind of surprised me that a children's author would describe a child like that, but it was an old story, printed in a book that was published in 1960. But according to Professor Jean Webb of Worcester University, authors are still portraying overweight kids as the bad guys in children's stories. She says that writers of children's books are 'demonizing' overweight children and points to the Harry Potter series as an example.
Referring to Dudley Dursley, Harry's nemesis, she says "Dudley is a fat little rotter and his fatness is presented as a moral failing." She goes on to name several other books in which fat characters only become popular after losing weight. She thinks these types of stories reinforce a stereotype that contributes the bullying of overweight children.
I know that some people may think she is making a big deal out of nothing, but I agree with her. Trotting out the fat guy when you need a bully, or an angelic blond when you need a heroine does send a message to readers. I think things have definitely improved since Fats the Bully, but clearly some authors are still creating characters by drawing on these easy stereotypes.
It kind of surprised me that a children's author would describe a child like that, but it was an old story, printed in a book that was published in 1960. But according to Professor Jean Webb of Worcester University, authors are still portraying overweight kids as the bad guys in children's stories. She says that writers of children's books are 'demonizing' overweight children and points to the Harry Potter series as an example.
Referring to Dudley Dursley, Harry's nemesis, she says "Dudley is a fat little rotter and his fatness is presented as a moral failing." She goes on to name several other books in which fat characters only become popular after losing weight. She thinks these types of stories reinforce a stereotype that contributes the bullying of overweight children.
I know that some people may think she is making a big deal out of nothing, but I agree with her. Trotting out the fat guy when you need a bully, or an angelic blond when you need a heroine does send a message to readers. I think things have definitely improved since Fats the Bully, but clearly some authors are still creating characters by drawing on these easy stereotypes.
Your<span>Voice</span>
Ask Us Anything About Parenting
TheTalkies:RelatedVideos
-
New 9/11 Coloring Book Teaching Kids About Terrorism
A new coloring book is stirring controversy. It's not that the kids are coloring, but what they are coloring. The book is about 9/11 and teaches children about terrorism. It also features trading cards with the pictures of various terrorists from around the world.
-
Kasey's Guitar Jams For Kids iPad App Review
After trying several children's music books without much success, Kelly Weeks decided to create these books. He believes that learning to play music is similar to learning to speak - imitation should precede basic reading and writing skills. Kelly developed these books as an answer for children 4 and up who truly want to play instruments but may not be ready to read music notation.
-
McDonald's Launches Campaign to Give Kids Millions of Books
McDonald's is launching a long-term campaign backed by the National Literacy Trust to put millions of popular books into the hands of families. With research by the NLT showing that one in three children don't own a book and half don't enjoy reading, a key aim of the campaign is to encourage families to have fun reading together. The campaign will launch with a major nationwide promotion and key partnerships with retailers and publishers.
-
I Am Better Than Your Kids Book Trailer
Maddox, the New York Times bestselling author of The Alphabet of Manliness, is here to show you just how inferior your kids are. Not afraid to tell it like it is, Maddox promises to expose the terrible inadequacy of your children with I Am Better Than Your Kids.
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family
ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
5-15-2007 @ 1:12PM
Uncle Roger said...In the case of Dudley in the Harry Potter books, his weight is largely a symptom of his character failings, rather than the other way around.
Also, overweight kids are also the bullied, in addition to the bullies. In the movie Never Been Kissed, the protagonist was an overweight teen and was treated poorly for it.
But ideally, physical attributes should not be used to portray character traits. (Although, I remember the episode with The Golden Man on Lost in Space, where they did that and then proceded to show what a bad idea it is to judge by appearance.)
Reply
5-15-2007 @ 2:11PM
megan said...I concur with Uncle Roger. Dudders (as his mummy calles him) is fat because he is greedy and sneaky. He is big and mean to show how horribly the Dursleys treat Harry. There are many times in the story that it is pointed out who unfortunate for Dudley that his parents have let him become what he is.
Besides the angelic blond in the same story is Draco and is really the arch nemisis... Why do people continue to pick on Harry Potter and JK Rowling. She writes a fantastic book that has swept the world and people always nit pick it to death.
The world has lost it grip on reality when it comes to fat children (yes there are exceptions to the rule) but fat children are the parent's fault. Often eating to fill a void not filled or created by a parent. Stuck in front of tv and no real physical activity.
Instead of changing the story read it correctly and explain in simple terms that heavy people are sometimes mean and often very nice. It is not nice to make fun of anyone...and that I as your parent want you to eat healthy.
Reply
5-15-2007 @ 5:38PM
CLM said...Eh? Isn't the angelic blond kid the archnemesis in the Harry Potter books? Also, isn't there a chubby good guy sidekick?
Reply
5-15-2007 @ 10:02PM
Susana said...Overweight kids
Nearly one in four children are overweight in the U.S. If your child is one of
them, it’s time to do something about it. You as the parent have the responsibility to control your child’s eating habits and activities.
Not sure if your child is overweight, click the link below for free results.
Tips for Parents to help their overweight child:
· Reduce their time playing video games and watching television, which are both sedentary activities.
· Be active with your child whether it be bicycling, walking, bowling or a hike in the park.
· You be the role model by eating healthy foods and limiting unhealthy snacks in the house.
· Try to limit your eating out habits and make more nutritious meals at home.
· Give them healthy snacks like frozen yogurt, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, dried fruits, nuts, angel food cake topped with strawberries or breads and crackers made with enriched flour and whole grains, served with fruit spread or fat-free cheese
Now you can get your child’s weight on track and build their self-esteem, read more at the link below for great info.
http://naturalsupply.blogspot.com/2007/05/overweight-kids.html
Reply