I grew up reading the wonderful books by Stan and Jan Berenstain. They were great stories, beautifully illustrated and always with an important moral or lesson.
In reading through one of the books in the series the other day — The Berenstain’ Bears’ Trouble with Money — I grew concerned for the safety and welfare of Brother and Sister.
Consider the following excerpts from the story:
Note that Papa Bear shouts repeatedly, uses “figures of speech” and knocks furniture over. And all this is happening when we, the readers, can see. Imagine what he must be like when no one is looking.
No. I just think modern children are under abused. We have discussions with children, these days. Children are not adults. This does not work. Now, I’m not talking about hitting or spanking. I’m just saying, maturity requires structure. Actions require consequenses. Sorry, I just get so frustrated with how stupid we are today. All because we feel we are some how better than the last few generations. We are fooling ourselves.
I bet real bears toughen their kids up with some smacking and possibly even biting. But, I know nothing about bears.
Where’s Dwight when we need him?
@ Conall,
Dwight? Do you mean Timothy Treadwell? If so, well, he was eaten by a bear. Presumably not one of the Berenstain Bears.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Treadwell
@Conall, I’m not saying we should hit them or be verbally abusive. I’m just making sure I was understood. Also, you mean Dwight from The Office?
@Liam, That is a tragic story.
@ Jordan,
Agreed: verbal or physical violence is not acceptable. Do the actions of a dad who yells, shouts and knocks furniture over in a fit of rage drift towards abusive?
As for Timothy Treadwell, it was a sad story. I saw the documentary recently. Timothy was presented as a unique character with interesting views. Still, it was no way to die.
P.S. I do appreciate that we are WAY over-analyzing the Berenstain Bears.
But it occurs to me that Papa bear has always seemed a little short-fused. Hmmm.
@ Jordan. Yep, that’s the one!
He is a bear after all.
Papa Bear is supposed to based on real male bears. They are stupid lousy fathers . Mama bears are great mothers. Male bears don’t even know their cubs like a lot of deadbeat dads. They are great at having them. Not their first or last.