Thomas the Train

We didn't allow Max to watch tv the first couple of years of his life--except the presidential inauguration, but that had historical significance.

Sesame Street was first.  Then we chugged on to Thomas the Train because he loved trains.

But I never really liked it.  It's not especially educational, although they do promote being nice to others. Sort of.

Actually, I find it a bit sexist.

Sexist?

Yes. 

Sure, trains traditionally appeal to little boys and the creator of the books wrote them for his son.  I get that.  However, of all the engines, there is only one who is female. And she's annoying. She possesses some stereotypical "female nag" traits.

Then, of course, Clarabel and Annie are the coaches.  In one of the books, they annoy Thomas with their excitement and giddiness and he has trouble "keeping them in line."

I wondered if I was the only person who thought these stories that promote hard work and honesty could be tinged with sexism.   Apparently not.  I Googled "Thomas the Train Sexist" and was amazed at how many responses I found.

Read for yourself.

The Week

What do you think?

Should authors who target children be aware of such messages?

TV Tuesday: White House Correspondents' Dinner

The White House Corresondents' Dinner was on CSPAN.  Seth Meyers, Saturday Night Live's head writer, was the comedian/host of the event. I laughed while reading about it, so I wanted to watch it.  I thought you might, too.

Didn't Donald Trump know the event is traditionally a roast? (Sure, it usually primarily roasts the president, but everyone is fair game.)  I'm a little concerned for the mogul because he seems to have lost his sense of humor. Sir, if you're going to run for office, you need thicker skin. You can't "fire" the American people when they displease you.

Our elected officials must keep many secrets and guard their emotions carefully. I marvel at how Mr. Obama flashed the big smile when Seth Meyers cracks the joke about his inability to locate Osama bin Ladin--especially since the president and a select few knew exactly where bin Laden was and had helped plan an attack for the following day that would result in the end of the terrorist's reign.

So, for a few political chuckles at everyone's expense....