tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post1925832086800603902..comments2024-03-15T23:39:29.134-08:00Comments on Scribbit | Motherhood in Alaska: Comic Books and KidsScribbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178711182424809035noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-51832831726387008592008-06-24T01:13:00.000-08:002008-06-24T01:13:00.000-08:00Mostly i read books diffrent type of becoues books...Mostly i read books diffrent type of becoues books take us lots of knowledge.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-37717399384513197472008-06-21T13:43:00.000-08:002008-06-21T13:43:00.000-08:00I can see the concern of racy materials. But comi...I can see the concern of racy materials. But comic book sketches of women have been like that for years. Think also that the artists tend to be young male (or maybe middle age). But hey, video games can be worse - no reading involved, all point and clicks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-39341796014191470882007-03-19T11:07:00.000-08:002007-03-19T11:07:00.000-08:00I can see the concern of what you want to expose y...I can see the concern of what you want to expose your son to, but how can you protect him from the whole world? I might consider telling my son that these images aren't age appropriate for him. Let the company know that you don't want kids seeing oversized parts in children's stories.<BR/>AKA AnchorageYoungMOMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-60065850737810035752007-02-19T14:44:00.000-09:002007-02-19T14:44:00.000-09:00what's ridiculous is the fact nobody commented on ...what's ridiculous is the fact nobody commented on the bulging muscles on the guy heroesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-59623533955807463272007-02-09T22:57:00.000-09:002007-02-09T22:57:00.000-09:00Well my problem with it isn't so much the unnatura...Well my problem with it isn't so much the unnatural proportions, but the overt sexualization of a child's book. It's published for young boys and is blatantly appeals to sexual interests which, however prevalent in our society, I still refuse to permit in my home. <BR/><BR/>Yes, you could use that old argument about "they're going to see it anyway so why stop it now" but that's the biggest fallacy every given as a reason for poor parenting.<BR/><BR/>Just because our society is obsessed with sex doesn't mean I should turn a blind eye to what my children bring home.Scribbithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03178711182424809035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-23420198724748813022007-02-09T06:16:00.000-09:002007-02-09T06:16:00.000-09:00I'm not clear on what the issue is. Is it that th...I'm not clear on what the issue is. Is it that there are breasts prominently featured, or just that they are too large/unrealistic?<BR/><BR/>If it's the prominent featuring then I can't identify with your complaints. 8 year olds are halfway between breast feeding and make-out sessions, so it seems futile, but it's a parent's decision. <BR/><BR/>If it's just that they are too large then I think you should reevaluate your logic. Are you going to shield their eyes will a large, well endowed woman walks by in real life? Obviously not, but I guess the standard "it's not polite to stare" is appropriate! <BR/><BR/>Good luck!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01084081224335002341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-46340997273847211622007-02-07T10:20:00.000-09:002007-02-07T10:20:00.000-09:00I don't know, I'm kind of a comic book lover mysel...I don't know, I'm kind of a comic book lover myself. Yes, most of the women are drawn that way (though even the same charater's body type could change depending on the illustrator). That being said, the male superheroes are equally overdrawn with brawny torsos and muscular legs that would put Magnuim PI to shame. Superheroes, as a whole, are larger than life. That's why they're superheroes. I think children get that they're not real too. Everything about that picture of Storm is pretty over the top, not just her cleavage -- her mountain of white hair, her glowing eyes, the lightning in her hand. And truthfully, she's smart superhero, and a good guy, and has the power to control the weather but knows how to harness her power. She's actually quite an admirable superhero. If your son is still begging you to look through the book, maybe you could look through it with him and try to draw his attention away from their bodies and use the picture to hit on the other more imaginative aspects of comic book heroes, like their ethical dilemmas. Okay, I may have taken this too far. Sorry for the long comment. I should also say my son is only 4 and I may be singing a different tune by the time he is 8.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-3883678929900349682007-02-07T01:34:00.000-09:002007-02-07T01:34:00.000-09:00I tend to disagree with the last comment. Marvel ...I tend to disagree with the last comment. Marvel has some excellent technical illustrators and not all of them are dirty old men; some of them are quite famous. <br /><br />In fact, comics are becoming more and more of a booming business. In Paris many auction houses are scrambling for comic books and original story boards... and it isn't because of the marketing execs... it's because of the "artwork". <br /><br />Like it or not, Comic books are an art form. As such, it is not necessarily appropriate for everyone.<br /><br />Trusting your instincts is what matters Michelle, so I do think you did the right thing for you and your family.JChevaishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02683339168047479228noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-38966382208879655692007-02-06T07:07:00.000-09:002007-02-06T07:07:00.000-09:00I agree that the big boobs are inappropriate for 8...I agree that the big boobs are inappropriate for 8yos. Had to say that right up front. BUT,,,,, do you guys know who the artists are that are drawing these things? They are middle aged old men with disillusions of grandure. Have you ever tried to convince a dirty old man not to be a dirty old man? Rarely successful. Do you know who the marketing execs. are that decided to place a big set of boobies in a book aimed at 8 year olds? Yeah,, same guys. Some 45-55 year old man who thinks with his you know what. I'm not a man hater but let's call a spade a spade. I would say that a HUGE percentage of the money spent on the super hero products come out of the pockets of men like the geek I live next door to and the one I live with (my husband). Not 8yo boys. You can control what an 8 yo buys. Fisher Price tried to make non sexual super heros (like rescue heros but spider man, hulk, etc etc) and from what I can tell, they didn't sell that well. I bought one for my 4 yo at the time and he didn't care for it! Yes, I don't like my boys oogling boobs, but it's hard wired into them and I don't see a way around them seeing some boobies every once in a while. This is a battle that I cannot fathom how to fight.crystalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10371575741404107710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-34151636521355412332007-02-05T21:08:00.000-09:002007-02-05T21:08:00.000-09:00Hmmm... I grew up on comic books as a kid. I loved...Hmmm... I grew up on comic books as a kid. I loved Rogue and Storm the most, and always dreamed that Gambit would come sweep me off my feet.<br /><br />15 years later I have fake boobs. <br /><br />I have no idea if there is a correlation between idolizing a cartoon character and getting plastic surgery, but it's one of those things to make you think ;)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-85108060449899481432007-02-05T19:00:00.000-09:002007-02-05T19:00:00.000-09:00Well, I do have to weigh in on this discussion, si...Well, I do have to weigh in on this discussion, since it is a pet peeve of mine. As my DH gets ready to go off to “real school” next year, this is on my mind.<br /><br /> I did a little research awhile ago, on movies actually and of course got sidetracked and found some information that encompasses all sorts of kids’ products. The bad news is that adult themes are purposefully being marketed to younger and younger kids. <br /><br />Movies and books that were targeted to 9-year-olds are now targeted to 4-year-olds – our suspicions were right. As kids move at younger and younger ages to electronics, - toy and book marketers and all the licensees along for the ride, look to younger and younger children for a market. This is unregulated, so there is nothing to stop it.<br /><br />OK- there’s the rant (BTW – I’m an ex-toy-marketer – yikes, I’m like an ex-smoker).<br /><br /> I haven’t had to deal too much with this yet but, I do try to keep things age appropriate. That means lots of vigilance and previewing, as well as, a skeptical eye on “suggested ages’ listed on packages. In general, I stay away from most licensed products, relatively easy as my DS doesn’t watch TV – though I will let him have a Thomas or Bob the Builder something or other from time to time. <br /><br />I could go on about this subject for awhile but I don’t want to take over scribbit’s (who has been kind enough to become a regular reader of my fledgling blog) site. So, I’ll write more on this on my own later.<br /><br />Thanks for bringing up this topic!Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04349247004635678939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-86812574760861176082007-02-05T18:45:00.000-09:002007-02-05T18:45:00.000-09:00I wouldn't even try to take a stab at that questio...I wouldn't even try to take a stab at that question :)wheresmymindhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06773597023205510781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-14487774170461192392007-02-05T17:14:00.000-09:002007-02-05T17:14:00.000-09:00Really good question, Michelle! I've never thought...Really good question, Michelle! I've never thought about it before. They're all so...Pam Anderson. And, they definitely contribute to warped notions of women's power, women's beauty....Problematic, for sure. But, I guess traditional. I doubt they'll be changing it any time soon....Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07516203764767040649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-68367470840043829302007-02-05T16:24:00.000-09:002007-02-05T16:24:00.000-09:00Tintin comics are great entertainment, not pornogr...Tintin comics are great entertainment, not pornographic, and available in many languages. I have 5 sons and 6 daughters from ages 8-26 and they all agree that these are wonderful. I also let them use Captain Haddock's (a marvelous Tintin character) curses when they are angry with one another. Good, clean fun.<br /><br />Marie sent me and I'll enjoy reading on down. My family lives outside of Seattle.Babettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10857857884713869970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-65454938008049692062007-02-05T13:15:00.000-09:002007-02-05T13:15:00.000-09:00More good points . . . thanks so much
I guess I'd...More good points . . . thanks so much<br /><br />I guess I'd add that I wasn't necessarily offended by the picture, but I just felt it was a little graphic for my children. <br /><br />And yes, I'll be having a talk with him about the whys and wherefores right away.Scribbithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03178711182424809035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-40146116825854368802007-02-05T12:23:00.000-09:002007-02-05T12:23:00.000-09:00We have no children and live in Europe. Just to s...We have no children and live in Europe. Just to set the scene. I'm not offended by the picture, but it's the parent's responsibility to decide what is appropriate for their children to see. If I had a concern, it would be that your son won't understand why you took the book back. That might make a bigger impression on him than what he was looking at.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-14372950800364088402007-02-05T12:05:00.000-09:002007-02-05T12:05:00.000-09:00I think that comic books like that really are for ...I think that comic books like that really are for older kids and aging geeksters. As Carinne said, they shouldn't be marketed to small children, because there is usually an undercurrent - or overcurrent - of sex and violence.<br /><br />My 2cents.Her Bad Motherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03535958887714152413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-29216802949660715552007-02-05T11:23:00.000-09:002007-02-05T11:23:00.000-09:00i agree with you. i wish i know the right way to t...i agree with you. i wish i know the right way to take deal with it when the time comes... <br /><br />i love comic books too, but, my childhood days seem so naive and innocent in comparison. today's kids are exposed to so much and get desensitized very early to violence and porn... <br /><br />my hope is that i do not censor blindly, but manage to guide them about what i consider appropriate for their age, as their mommy; and perhaps have a "Why i think this is not right for you" response that they can relate to and understand.Sheelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01892316117026334238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-51412709836176437892007-02-05T10:43:00.000-09:002007-02-05T10:43:00.000-09:00Yea, I would have taken that out of his little han...Yea, I would have taken that out of his little hands too. I've noticed that a lot of the comic books and what not portray heroines with big heaving bosoms, tiny waists, short skirts and high heels. Ummm, ya can't fight crime like that you know.<br /><br />I think it's demeaning.Chickadeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05014499736486393658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-72980277984544211522007-02-05T10:37:00.000-09:002007-02-05T10:37:00.000-09:00No, I agree with you. That is definitely NOT age a...No, I agree with you. That is definitely NOT age appropriate. But I have to say that I had to laugh at your description of him looking at it. Definite boy. :)Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14644291489793513637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-82064787547819894452007-02-05T10:33:00.000-09:002007-02-05T10:33:00.000-09:00I left a comment, but it seems it got eaten in cyb...I left a comment, but it seems it got eaten in cyber space.<br /><br />I definitely think you did the right thing. Now all you need to do is tell him why you feel the way you do. My kids respond so much better to "no" when they understand where I am coming from.<br /><br />Is it possible to give him back the book minus the one page?An Ordinary Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05497066145696617241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-91391548920381841542007-02-05T10:26:00.000-09:002007-02-05T10:26:00.000-09:00If/When I come across this situation (my son is ju...If/When I come across this situation (my son is just 5 now) I'll be deferring to Dad too. <br /><br />I am curious to know what kind of feedback you plan to give to the company who sent the book to you in the first place.<br /><br />Maybe submitting your comments would add weight to your single voice? -- just a thought.Marie N.https://www.blogger.com/profile/02358976552469177345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-86510213214267143722007-02-05T10:18:00.000-09:002007-02-05T10:18:00.000-09:00I've NEVER understood why these artists need to dr...I've NEVER understood why these artists need to draw huge boobies on the women in comic books.... Some of photos are quite bizarre... So yeah, I think you did the right thing...Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08527762200993175239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-21054106995449299472007-02-05T09:28:00.000-09:002007-02-05T09:28:00.000-09:00I am a huge comic book fan so I may be a little bi...I am a huge comic book fan so I may be a little biased, but I still would like to add my $.04 (people always add their $.02, but I think that should be increased with inflation and all). The picture doesn't seem too bad on the screen, but it may be worse in person. That said, I agree they probably should have toned it down a little for a "kid's version". <br /><br />However, don't get turned off of comics completely. I think it's great you son has shown such interest in reading, even comics. <br /><br />The Franklin Richards (son of Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman) comics, such as this one http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?id=4505<br />were fun and completely kid friendly.<br /><br />I guess the whole point of this was to say that if you were uncomfortable with the comic, then you definitely did the right thing, but there are many comics out there that are great for young kids.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-59085191650000265092007-02-05T09:25:00.001-09:002007-02-05T09:25:00.001-09:00If the other pictures are better (and if I owned t...If the other pictures are better (and if I owned the book, rather than it being a library book) I might glue that page shut. Or if the poster can be ripped out, I would take it out, but maybe let him have the rest.<br /><br />I had a friend once talk about her husband teaching her sons to avert their eyes. Even standing in a grocery check-out isn't safe. <br /><br />I agree that I wouldn't let my son keep that page (the figure and the eyes, both, I don't like that magic-power look in the eyes) but I would also make sure he understood that it was a modesty issue and that the Bible teaches us to guard our hearts and keep them pure.<br /><br />But my husband loves comic books, and so I might be overruled, personally, on ditching the whole book. That's where the glue comes in handy. Just use a glue that would really damage the pages if it were to be peeled apart. <br /><br />We had a spiderman toy that came with some comics that were very much aimed at teens - in fact, the high school 'bad boys' in the plot were smoking pot. I threw those out promptly. My son was 5 at the time and had no clue about that sort of stuff. Why learn it from a superhero book?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com