Have you ever noticed that cartoon characters make a statement with the way they dress? Some choose only to wear pants, while others wear shirts, then some are fully dressed, and yet others run around with absolutely nothing on. What’s the significance of who wears what?
I’ve figured out most of the main cartoon characters are wearing some clothes, but then their friends and pets often don’t wear clothes at all. But yet, they are all animals. Do the artists just get tired by the time they draw the supporting characters? All I can say is, while it’s obviously hard being the friend of someone famous, my advice is always to dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
Contemplating these issues has given me much insight into why my children are so confused on the matter. Most of the time, one of my kids is missing an article of clothing. On any given day, it might be pants, a shirt or even underwear. They certainly like to mix it up, and keep me constantly surprised.
But we live in a society driven by the media, and this is just an attempt to be like their favorite celebrities.
For instance, Mickey Mouse and Patrick Star don’t wear shirts, Pooh doesn’t wear pants, the Ninja Turtles only wear a mask and belt, and poor Pluto and Tigger are left in just their fur.
Though I’m glad my boys’ favorite characters have taught them to be fully comfortable with themselves, and ready to take on the world, I’m also pleased I’m around to reign in that confidence and shove on the missing pieces before they walk out the door.
If your kids are anything like mine, their personal choices at this point might be a little too bold or perhaps risqué for the mainstream public. And, I’m a firm believer, it’s never too early to start teaching our kids not to do everything they see on TV.
But at home, away from the critics, it’s always OK to let loose and just be yourself. That’s what family is for. And it’s important to surround yourself with friends, like Pooh Bear, who care about you, and love you for who you are, not what you’re wearing.
