Introduction of Philosophical Ideas in Children's TV: Arthur! (2/3)

Yusra Mohammed

H01 Group 4 

Midterm Report Part 2

Hello there friends! You have before you my 2nd post for the midterm! If you’ve read my previous post you have already hear this schpeal, please forgive me and skip ahead while I welcome the new comers! In this series of blog posts I have analyzed my favorite television show (past and present) in ways majority of people normally wouldn’t. How are we going to do this? By putting on the philosopher glasses. Previously, I discussed some examples of cosmopolitanism. Today, I want to discuss the two important topics of friends and family.

The role family and friends have in our lives is undeniable. Just compare home much time you spent with them yesterday! For instance, on Tuesday I spent:
6 hours with my family (not necessarily with them, but eating or hollering at one of my sisters to bring me something or another)
+ 8 ½ hours interacting with you all, my friends.
14 ½ hours 
That means I only spent 9 hours without one or the other consciously present. (I say this because I was sleeping whether it was in my bed or my car before class!) Wow!  

Family 

An inevitable result of spending hours upon hours with people is them affecting you. Whether the effect is positive or negative, for better or for worse, consciously or unconsciously. Family is not something you can pick (I’m not talking adoption or genetically altered people here). You may grow up wanting to emulate some qualities of your mom exactly, but vow not to follow in your father’s drinking or smoking habits. Some people may want to be the exact opposite of their parents. That is still an effect they have on you. You witnessed and experienced some aspects that you did not agree with; their behavior influenced you to not do the same. Now are any of you the eldest sibling? You will be able to relate to this one… Ever notice the impression we have on our little brothers and sisters? No? Hmm… Remember when they would try and act like you? They’d want the same lunch as you, they’d pick the smaller version of your new tennis shoes during back to school shopping. Shall I go on?

In Arthur there was an awesome episode that focused on this topic:



There was also this (Honestly, I laughed for a good minute when I replayed this clip!):

Friends

Friends are another animal of sorts. One of the most wonderful thing about them is that you have the power. You can choose who you want to spend time with. The importance of choosing wisely cannot be reiterated enough! If you look at my day above, you will see I spent more time at school with my amigos than I did with my siblings! Here’s an example, have you ever had a friend that has a certain catch phrase, way of dressing, or other little ticks? After being friends with them did you ever find yourself saying the same expression or dressing similarly? Honestly, I totally can! My mom says I am extremely impressionable in the sense that others “habits” rub off on me and I’m doing them without knowing!
An example, perhaps…

  

Closing remarks

 I think it is very important to be aware of this topic. Making not of the ways we are being influenced (with our friends and family) and the ways we are influencing others. Are we alright with the influences our current group of friends is having on us? Are we having an effect on others in a way that morally satisfies us? Just a few bits to chew on until the final post! Till next time!

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Total word count: 1476