Thursday 6 June 2013

My Love Hate Relationship With Dora the Explorer – Role Models For Girls


Polgara the Sorceress

I hate Dora.

There’s the mind-numbing, repetitive songs – ‘I’m a map, I’m a map’ and ‘We did it, we did it’, for those who are blessed enough to not know. These things will drill their way into your mind like a bad advertising jingle and lodge there at 2am in the morning while you are desperately praying for sleep.

There’s the annoying fact that Dora keeps getting lost, even going to places she – should know, like her cousin’s house. I’m down with dragons and unicorns, but there’s, you know, a talking monkey, a blue bull, and the weird insectoid orchestra.

My husband and I are convinced she’s smuggling drugs across the border and sampling the wares, which would account for the way she roams around the countryside, her poor memory and the hallucinations.  

On the other hand, it was recently pointed out to me that once little girls outgrow Dora, they are stuck with role models like Miley Cyrus and Bratz. I have two little girls, and the thought mortifies me.
Dora, whatever else you say about her, is a good role model (provided, of course, that her drug-taking habits aren’t evident to the average child…). She’s bold, brave, curious, generous, independent, a leader, and a thinker. Everything many of us would like our little girls to be. On the other hand, the only values Miley Cyrus and Bratz appear to be advocating is a disturbing lack of clothes and an obsession with physical appearance.

Kahlan Amnell, the Mother Confessor
Don’t get me wrong, I take pride in my appearance. But I value many other characteristics much more than my appearance, such as my brain and my independence, and those things have gotten me a lot further in life than the way I look.

This revelation got me thinking about who the female role models in my life were. I spent the vast majority of my childhood with my nose in a book, so my role models (apart from my mother)were almost certainly there as well. 

Here are the ones I think were probably most influential:

  • At age ten, Polgara the Sorceress from The Belgariad by David Eddings – almost the very definition of a poised, powerful and above all indomitable woman;
  • At age twelve, Lessa of Pern (from Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonflight), who was nothing if not strong, determined, and single-minded. What Lessa wanted, she generally got, and through her own efforts, not because someone handed it to her on a platter;
  • At age fourteen:
    • Kahlan Amnell, from Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth, a woman who would lead men into battle at risk of her own life for justice, who fought for the freedom of people who reviled her for what she was, who stood for the weak, and the voiceless, and who above all stood for truth and justice.
    • Nynaeve al’meara, Egwene al’Vere, Elayne Trakand, and Aviendha from Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time, all women who faced their fears and fought against terrible odds and dreadful evil at great personal expense to do what they thought was right.
Far more inspiring than the average fare available to young girls and teenagers these days. Some of these books I was considering giving away or donating. Now I think I should go and pack them away and hope that I can get my daughters to read them when they are a little older, because if there is one thing I hope for my girls right now, it’s strong female role models. 

What do you think of today’s role models, for girls and boys? Who were your role models? 

Aviendha, Elayne Trakand, and Min

20 comments:

Dianne Solberg said...

YES! The cold, hard, unvarnished truth. I won't tell you you forgot the Swiper Fox litany that your child happily chirps, nor will I go into the Barney, Wiggles, and the other plethora of shows with tunes that will leave you slightly insane. Needless to say, the books you mention are ALL on my shelves, and my children read them already...much to my delight. I can only say I'm grateful they don't go for the popular teen/pre-teen artists today because face it...I couldn't keep from Harry Karry if I had to listen to Boober, er Bieber.

Marina Sofia said...

It's a depressing thought, isn't it? The Fairy books really filled me (and my friends who were mums of girls) with despair. My role models? I liked Jo in Little Women and also Jo (no coincidence, methinks) in the Chalet School series - both feisty, boyish and with a love of words. Roald Dahl's Matilda. And, to a certain extent, Nancy Drew.

Thomas Paine said...

Genre
change may be in order and yet not short change flights of fantasy with two
obvious examples: Anne Of Green Gables (L. M. Montgomery) and Nancy Drew series
(created by publisher Edward Stratenmeyer); this last has claimed formative
influence on Supreme Court Justices and First Ladies. This combined with classic
fables and having daughters, nieces and their daughters start creatively
writing (I have found that seven is a good age to begin) has produced
accomplished women with admirable qualities for two generations.

Ciara Ballintyne said...

Dee, this is hysterical! I am sincerely hoping I don't have to listen to Boober or One Direction or Miley Cyrus or whoever takes their place. I think the Wiggles and Dora have to be better than that.

Ciara Ballintyne said...

Ah, Nancy drew, yes I'd forgotten her. I started with Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys (OK, not girls, but one of my first forays into fiction) and the Dana Sisters, also the Famous Five, the Secret Seven, and the Silver Brumby series.

Ciara Ballintyne said...

I started with Nancy Drew when I was 8 but had outgrown her by about 9. Anne of Green Gables has always made me cringe a little. I've never read her, but listened to a friend wax lyrical about her. There's plenty to learn in fantasy, I think, although many think it's just children's stories. Reading almost nothing but fantasy certainly didn't stop me becoming a lawyer.

Gabriel Marian said...

TESTIMONY

Hello my name is Marian I never believe in love spells until I experience Dr. Samuel Oduduwa temple, and after he cast a love spell for me my Ex called me to apologize for the pain that she has caused me and till today we are living a happy family, if you need a right place to solve your problems contact DR ODUDUWA SAMUEL is the right choice. he is a great man that have been casting spells with years of experience. he cast spells for different purposes like :dr.ododuwasamuel@yahoo.com

(1)If you want your ex back.
(2) if you always have bad dreams.
(3)You want to be promoted in your office.
(4)You want women/men to run after you.
(5)If you want a child.
(6)[You want to be rich.
(7)You want to tie your husband/wife to be yours forever.
(8)If you need financial assistance.
(9)Herbal care

Contact him today on: dr.ododuwasamuel@yahoo.com

Gabriel Marian said...

I never believe in love spells until I experience Oduduwa high temple, and after he cast a love spell for me, my friend called me to apologize for the pain that he has caused me and till today we are living a happy family, and she brought joy to my relationship. once again thanks to Dr. Samuel for the wonderful works that he has done for me.And if you are experiencing any problem with your partner, I will advise that you contact oduduwa spell caster and I assure you that she will help you. Email: dr.ododuwasamuel@yahoo.com

mohammedraman said...

WHANGANUI RING OF LOVE YOU NEED THIS RING.
If you want a relationship with someone. you will be a Controller of your dating men or Ladies,I want you to consider that your problem has been solved with the spiritual power of this Ring. It is a great powerful Ring of love that when you fix it in your finger, whoever sights you or you shake hands with must automatically fall in love with you faithful,kind,loving. This Ring has been existing for over 10 years now. The gem stone that mounted on top of it is found in a River called Whanganui River.The Ring is called the WHANGANUI RING OF LOVE. If you approach anybody with this Ring, he or she must surely obey your command and your request. If you are looking for a new job, fix the ring in your finger and proceed to the office where you are looking for the job. You will be so surprised how you will be welcomed and received in the office.If you are contesting for any election post, the power of this ring will attract the heart of the people to you. You can also consider yourself to be rich because of the power of love of people towards you.it is great treasures.whoever connected with you or meet you will starting favoring you it very powerful love Ring for the attract the love ones.

CONTACT.Mohammed Rahman For catalogue list of RINGS AND TALISMAN Email: mohammedraman3@yahoo.com
YOUR PROBLEM HAS BEEN SOLVE SPIRITUAL STRENGTH TALISMAN,SECRET OF MAKING MONEY
MAGICAL POWERS OF INVISIBILITY.BARBUELIS MAGNETIC MONEY DRAWING TALISMAN

CONTACT. Mohammed Rahman
Phone: +234-803-064-9883
Email: mohammedraman3@yahoo.com
International Astrologer and Psychic Adviser
CALL ME OR SEND TEXT MESSAGE

hoo said...

Glad to see Lessa mentioned. :)
Anne of green gables yes.
Pippy longstocking.
Goodluck with the girls

Ciara Ballintyne said...

I still love Lessa. Thanks! :-)

lee marie said...

My Name is Lee Marie, From United Kingdom. I wish
to share my testimonies with the general public
about what this man called Dr.Sambola has just
done for me , this man has just brought back my lost
Ex husband to me with his great spell, I was married
to this man called Steven we were together for a
long time and we loved our self's but when I was
unable to give him a child for 9years he left me and
told me he can't continue anymore then I was now
looking for ways to get him back until a friend of
mine told me about this man and gave his contact
Email: greatsambolaspiritualtemple@gmail.com then
you won't believe this when I contacted this man on
my problems he prepared this spell cast and bring
my lost husband back, and after a month I miss my
month and go for a test and the result stated am
pregnant am happy today am a mother of a baby girl,
thank you once again the great Dr.Sambola for
what you have done for me, if you are out there
passing through any of this problems listed below:
(1) If you want your ex back.
(2) if you always have bad dreams.
(3) You want to be promoted in your office.
(4) You want women/men to run after you.
(5) If you want a child.
(6) You want to be rich.
(7) You want to tie your husband/wife to be yours
forever.
(8) If you need financial assistance.
(9) Herbal care.
(10)stop Divorce
(11)human invisibility
then contact him with his email address
greatsambolaspiritualtemple@gmail.com
and see his great work.

Paul said...

My Name is paul.I will love to share my testimony to all the people in the
forum cos i never thought i will have my girlfriend back and she means so much
to me..The girl i want to get marry to left me 4 weeks to our wedding for
another man..,When i called her she never picked my calls,She deleted me on her
facebook and she changed her facebook status from engage to Single…when i went
to her place of work she told her boss she never want to see me..I lost my job
as a result of this cos i cant get myself anymore,my life was upside down and
everything did not go smooth with my life…I tried all i could do to have her
back to all did not work out until i met a Man when i Travel to Africa to
execute some business have been developing some years back..I told him my
problem and all have passed through in getting her back and how i lost my
job…he told me he gonna help me…i don’t believe that in the first place.but he
swore he will help me out and he told me the reason why my girlfriend left me
and also told me some hidden secrets.i was amazed when i heard that from
him..he said he will cast a spell for me and i will see the results in the next
couple of days..then i travel back to Germany the following day and i called
him when i got home and he said he’s busy casting those spells and he has
bought all the materials needed for the spells,he said am gonna see positive
results in the next 2 days that is Thursday.My girlfriend called me at exactly
12:35pm on Thursday and apologies for all she had done ..she said,she never knew
what she’s doing and her sudden behavior was not intentional and she promised
not to do that again.it was like am dreaming when i heard that from her and
when we ended the call,i called the man and told him my my girl friend called
and he said i haven’t seen anything yet… he said i will also get my job back in
3 days time..and when its Sunday,they called me at my place of work that i
should resume work on Monday and they gonna compensate me for the time limit i
have spent at home without working..My life is back into shape,i have my
girlfriend back and we are happily married now with a baby boy and i have my
job back too.This man is really powerful..if we have up to 20 people like him
in the world,the world would have been a better place..he has also helped many
of my friends to solve many problems and they are all happy now..Am posting
this to the forum for anybody that is interested in meeting the man for
help.you can mail him to priest_gbenga.magic_temple@priest.com, I cant give out
his number cos he told me he don’t want to be disturbed by many people across
the world..he said his email is okay and he also have a web site if you want to
visit him there’ he will replied to any emails asap..hope he helped u out
too..good luck. his web site is http://www.priestgbengamagictemple.webs.com

PAUL MULLER

Honest said...

I am Cannon Shelly i lives in New Zealand and i was in a serious relationship with my Ex Guy for 3 good years.. One day we were in a dinner party, we had a little misunderstanding which lead to a Quarrel and he stood up and left me at the dinner party. i try to call him but he was not picking my calls so after than i contacted my brother and told him about it,my brother so much love me that he had to see him on my behalf,he told my brother that it is over between us.. Then i contacted a friend of mine that had this similar experience and she directed me to His Majesty Okosisi and i contacted him on templeofpermanentsolution@gmail.com, at first i thought it was not going to be possible and i contacted him i was ask to come up with a little requirement information of me and my Ex Guy,so i did what i was ask to do, after 24Hours after the spell was cast i was in my office when my Ex Guy called me and was asking me to forgive him and come back to him. i was very surprise it was like a dream to me,so ever since we have been happily married with one kid my lovely baby(Anita)...i wish you the best of luck... friends you can contact His Majesty Okosisi on his email, templeofpermanentsolution@gmail.com. I know you will Thank me later.

Dr. Odudu said...

POWERFUL MONEY SPELLS, call: +91-9582785746

Email:odudutemple.spiritualist@gmail.com

SPIRITUALLY YOUR PROBLEM HAS BEEN SOLVED,

This is the season and the hour of your total transformation and perfection.As the resurrection power manifests in your life today,the world shall see and marvel at the awakening in your life. Resurrection is a supernatural and glorious change of position no matter the depressing and nu-dignifying position the enemy has placed in your life you are arising out of that position today you will experience a dramatic change.

You need money and you need it now. There are bills to pay, things you want in life. This powerful money spell can bring them to you. Tired of having to wait because you have bills to pay and no money to do it? This no debt, more money spell is powerful enough to influence your financial freedom.

Want to be able to live the life you want? Not be restricted by money? Using powerful money spells has significant increase in the stimulus around you to attract more money. You want this spell so you can stop worrying about having nothing in the bank. Many have used this to gain their financial edge.

Money Spells: Truth You don’t have to live life this way. There is more to life then stressing out over buying food, paying bills and wishing you had more money for the movies. Use my powerful money spell towards gaining the power to do more in life!

Facts about the money spell;

• Powerful Money Spell for getting out of debt

• Money spells will allow you more freedom to do activities, hobbies and fun

• Own a car and a house

• Buy new clothes and accessories

• Show family and friends you have a successful life

• Request spell and submit your details for casting at the end.

• This spell will be completely customized to your situation.

• My spells are completely safe and will not backfire or cause any harm.

• This spell is a 100% Guarantee for your situation.

• I believe in providing a very personalize service and I offer full customer support.

• All information will remain confidential.

• Best satisfaction policy and highest success rate.

• This spell is permanent and will not fade over time

If you are interested in Money Rituals,You will get a wooden box that can contain $10,000.00 dollars OR $20,000.00 dollars when you receive the MAGNETIC MONEY DRAWING TALISMAN from me then you put it inside the box and place $100.00 on top of it and you now place the box under your bed where you will sleep and you resits the magical word i will give to you.Then the next morning the $100 dollars will be multiply to $10,000,00 dollars

please note in the morning if you take the multiplied money from the box you must leave the initial placed $100 dollars inside the box for you to know it you will copy the number of the first dollar you placed on the MAGNETIC MONEY DRAWING TALISMAN.The money will multiply only when you place the box under your bed where you will sleep that night and you resits the magical word.if you don't want it to multiply then do not put it under the bed where you will sleep.NOTE if you want the money to multiply to $20,000,00 dollars every morning you let me know the cost price of the talisman is different from multiply of $10,000,00 dollars every morning.or $100,000,00. when we look at a luxury vehicle we see success, you worked hard to get where you are.you will get peace of mind when it comes to your possessions.

Dr. Odudu Spiritualist

Email: odudutemple.spiritualist@yahoo.com or odudutemple.spiritualist@gmail.com

Shakes Spear said...

My Name is Peace..I never believed in Love Spells or Magics until I met this special spell caster once when i went to Africa to Execute some business..He is really powerful.The woman i wanted to marry left me 3 weeks to our weeding ceremony and my life was upside down.she was with me for 3 years and i really love her so much..she left me for another man with no reason..when i called her she never picked up my calls and she don’t want to see me around her…so,when i told the man what happened.he helped me to do some readings,and after the readings he made me to realize that the other man has done some spells over my wife and that is the reason why she left me..he told me he will help me to cast a spell that bring her back.At first i was skeptical but i just gave it a try…In 2 days,she called me herself and came to me apologizing..I cant believe she can ever come back to me again EMAIL: shakesspear23@yahoo.com OR shakesspear23@gmail.com .... CONTACT HIM TODAY VIA THIS EMAIL ADDRESS: shakesspear23@yahoo.com OR shakesspear23@gmail.com AS HIS POWERS ARE SO STRONG AND VERY EFFECTIVE AND HAS NO BAD EFFECT INSTEAD IT HAVE A VERY GOOD RESULT AFTER CASTING THE SPELL.

Shakes Spear said...

Hello I am AKPAMU,I am out here to spreed this good news to the entire world on how I got my ex lover back.I was going crazy when my love left me for another girl last month, But when i meet a friend that introduce me to DR SHAKES SPEAR the great messenger to the oracle that he serve,I narrated my problem to DR SHAKES SPEAR about how my ex love left me and also how i needed to get a job in a very big company.He only said to me that i have come to the right place were i will be getting my heart desire without any side effect.He told me what i need to do,After it has been done,In the next 2 days,My love called me on the phone and was saying sorry for living me before now and also in the next one week after my love called me to be pleading for forgiveness,I was called for interview in my desired company were i needed to work as the managing director..I am so happy and overwhelmed that i have to tell this to the entire world to contact DR Duck at the following email address and get all your problem solve..No problem is too big for him to solve.. Contact him direct on: shakesspear23@yahoo.com OR shakesspear23@gmail.com and get your problems solve like me..... ONCE AGAIN HIS EMAIL ADDRESS IS: shakesspear23@yahoo.com OR shakesspear23@gmail.com

Shakes Spear said...

Hello I am Angella Ikpoi ,I am out here to spreed this good news to the entire world on how I got my ex love back.I was going crazy when my love left me for another girl last month, But when i meet a friend that introduce me to Prophet SHAKES SPEAR the great messenger to the oracle that he serve,I narrated my problem to Prophet DR SHAKES SPEAR about how my ex love left me and also how i needed to get a job in a very big company.He only said to me that i have come to the right place were i will be getting my heart desire without any side effect.He told me what i need to do,After it was been done,In the next 2 days,My love called me on the phone and was saying sorry for living me before now and also in the next one week after my love called me to be pleading for forgiveness,I was called for interview in my desired company were i needed to work as the managing director..I am so happy and overwhelmed that i have to tell this to the entire world to contact Prophet SHAKES SPEAR at the following email address and get all your problem solve.. No problem is too big for him to solve.. Contact him direct on: shakesspear23@yahoo.com OR shakesspear23@gmail.com. and get your problems solve like me..... ONCE AGAIN HIS EMAIL ADDRESS IS: shakesspear23@yahoo.com OR shakesspear23@gmail.com

Shakes Spear said...

Shakira Elliot Says

Am giving this testimony cos am happy

My name is Shakira Elliot from Houston,taxes.i never believed in love spells or magic until i met this spell caster once. when i went to Africa in June 28th 2013 this year on a business summit. i ment a man called DR SHAKES SPEAR. He is powerful he could help you cast a spells to bring back my love’s gone,misbehaving lover looking for some one to love you, bring back lost money and magic money spell or spell for a good job.i’m now happy & a living testimony cos the man i had wanted to marry left me 3 weeks before our wedding and my life was upside down cos our relationship has been on for 2 years… i really loved him, but his mother was against me and he had no good paying job. so when i met this spell caster, i told him what happened and explained the situation of things to him..at first i was undecided,skeptical and doubtful, but i just gave it a try. and in 6 days when i returned to taxes, my boyfriend (is now my husband ) he called me by himself and came to me apologizing that everything had been settled with his mom and family and he got a new job interview so we should get married..i didn’t believe it cos the spell caster only asked for my name and my boyfriends name and all i wanted him to do… well we are happily married now and we are expecting our little kid,and my husband also got a new job and our lives became much better. in case anyone needs the spell caster for some help, email address: shakesspear23@yahoo.com OR shakesspear23@gmail.com

GREAT SHAKES SPEAR i thank you very much thank you in 1000000 times.. if not you i would have been losted and wasted thank you. Email Him Through his email address... shakesspear23@yahoo.com OR shakesspear23@gmail.com

please make sure you contact him for any financial difficulties okay..

What a powerful man such as DR SHAKES SPEAR.. he is so much powerful..\\ email him for any difficulties.. shakesspear23@yahoo.com OR shakesspear23@gmail.com

Emiliano Babarah said...

Oh my God, I'm so glad to tell everyone the real thing that happen to me...My name is EMILIANO BABARAH. If i refuse to share this testimony it means i am selfish to my self and to people i love so much whom might have similar problems, March 16th about something 7:23pm after taken our dinner my husband got crazy started calling a lady name Melisa I love you, i was so mad and started crying like a baby...then my husband left home for the idiot called Melisa, and never return back home then i believed when he uthen nderstand his self he will surly come back to apology, but instead he left me So i complained to my friend she told me she was having such problems in her marriage until she was introduce to DR ORIOMON who specializes in bringing back broken homes and broken marriages DR ORIOMON cast a spell for me in May 4th surprisingly my husband came home May 6th apologizing that i should forgive him that it will never happen again, i was so glad and gave the thanks to DR ORIOMON who save my marriage, if you are having similar problem you can contact him and His email address is (oriomonspiritualtemple@yahoo.com) you can still save your marriage if u really love your husband.

Thanks EMILIANO BABARAH_USA

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