Something about Princesses

I've been on a Disney kick lately, listening to "classic" Aladdin soundtracks and the like. For some reason, everywhere I look I see toys, books, and movies about "Disney Princesses". Now, this may be occurring because I work in a bookstore (hence, the books), frequent DVD stores, and am keeping an eye out for toys for my niece. Or it may be happening because the stores are flagrantly gearing up for Christmas (Hallowe'en isn't over yet people!). And if you're looking for girl toys, the Disney Princesses will figure in somehow.

I wouldn't claim to be a feminist, and I certainly liked playing with Barbie and the gang when I was a child, but are we doing a disservice to our young children by reading them the Princess stories? I mean, take Cinderella - nice girl, worked hard - she could have done anything. Maybe left home, wrote the SAT's or taken a few university transfer classes and got herself a business degree from "Magical University". She could have started her own cleaning business - become an entrepreneur. Instead, she waited for a guy to check out her shoes, marry her, and make her a princess (probably with a lot of closet space).

I bought into this as a kid, but thankfully I got myself an education, because all the guys that check out my shoes are gay. Put that in a Disney story and see what happens!

I'm not advocating that we get rid of these stories, but what about having beautiful handy-women instead of princesses? Or educated, employed women of some description? I only suggest this as I might have been inspired to pick up a hammer if Ariel or Belle had acted as role models in this manner.

I've used a powerdrill twice in my life, and both times (both times!) I kept my eyes shut the whole time. Does this sound safe? Maybe if I'd read this type of story as a kid and learned something handy, I wouldn't be at risk for electrocution/death by powerdrill when I hang heavy items on my wall.

Don't denounce me as a Disney story-killer here, as I will enthusiastically watch Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, or The Little Mermaid (without or without children present) and the Princess theme had a role in my childhood too. I'm just saying that we should teach out little girls that powertools aren't scary, and they can have toy hammers just like the boys. Well, someone else can teach them that...I'm in the living room with my eyes closed.

Moments in a bookstore

I've started working at a bookstore, which I've always wanted to do, and I'm really enjoying it. There isn't the pressure that comes with working in clothing retail, but I still get out of my apartment and interact with actual people. There are many frustrations of course, but a great staff and lots of opportunities to judge people - always fun. Every once in a while I see things that really stand out for me.

First, there was an adorable little girl, about 8, who was sitting and reading a chapter book. She was quietly reading in a corner, sitting on the floor, and totally absorbed in her book. My first thought was, "she totally reminds me of myself at that age". Eventually her mom came to collect her and take her home. The girl was all excited about the book and asked/whined that she wanted to take it home with her. Mom said, "not today". Adorable little girl threw a temper tantrum. My next thought: "Yup, just like me as a kid". I'm now scared of a potential child with my genetic material. Who can afford the books?

Second, if you're a creepy old guy, just stay away from the semi-pornographic magazines. I don't want to be standing in the "travel section" and see your icky quivering self not-so-surreptitiously evaluating the topless women through the plastic covering. Just step away from the magazines. Or cough up the $5 and quiver at home. Either way, don't manhandle it and put it back. And if I can't see both of your hands: I'm calling security.

And to wrap up the day we have issue number three. Boisterous, annoying parents of a teenage boy came in to buy him a book about "that Hamlet crap, or something" (Annoying Parents, 2006). Excellent. I helped them find the Cliff's notes, and then they asked (very accusingly), "why the hell should kids have to read this garbage anyway?" Good question Sir. Maybe so they turn out better than you?

I politely inquired if they had a frequent reader card (I know, I know, fuel for the fire!), and they didn't. As Dad happily pointed out "our family doesn't read books!". If I give you my personal card will you encourage your kids to read so they don't end up completely illiterate and useless? But thanks for criticizing what they read and happily keeping them away from books. As their possible future teacher, I thank you. When I'm pulling my hair out and failing them, I'll remember this moment. But don't worry, you can go ahead and criticize the school system.

Only in Saskatchewan...

This morning I got told this (very Saskatchewan) joke, and I have to put it up here so all Sasky-ish people can appreciate it and all non-Sasky's can say, "what on Earth is she doing in that province?!?"

Apparently this is the definitive answer to:

"Why did the chicken cross the road?"


Answer:
"Someone has to show those retarded gophers how it's done".

If you don't live here you won't think this is funny. My first thought was "hey, that's true, the gophers are dumb!". Which just goes to show - Saskatchewan does get to you after a while. Someone rescue me!

And we have snow

I just got back from another week up North, where I'm teaching a course. Thanks go to various friends of mine, particularly Viper, for his extensive knowledge of European and World history. Somehow I managed to get through highschool and 8 years of university without ever taking a history class. Apparently that was an oversight on my part. Oops.

So now I read the news (more carefully) and I'm collecting academic documentaries to show in class. Life just keeps getting more interesting! This is also midterm week, which was stressful as a student, and still somewhat stressful as an instructor. Somehow it never occurred to me that the exams would have to be marked (by ME).

In other news, the first snow has arrived (and stayed), and as of today my motorcycle is off the road. Riding it to the bike shop to be stored was only slightly sketchy, with one patch of ice and an oncoming semi. Thankfully I put my foot down, slipped, and realized the tires wouldn't have traction either. It all worked out in the end. I need some sort of Batman type spikes that stick out of the tires. And Christian Bale to ride with me.

I have found out that if you're ever caught without a proper icescraper you can use either a DVD case or a breadboard to clear off the snow and ice. Neither are ideal, but both will work. See...living in Saskatchewan teaches you things.