What are you teaching my kids, Mickey?

I usually don’t pay much attention when the kids are watching TV. I know, bad mommy! But let’s face it, I’ve got other things to do during those 2 TV shows a day they get to watch. (I let each of the older ones pick one show/movie/DVD a day each. So, they get a total of 2 shows/movies/DVDs a day. Unless I’m having a super off day and end up letting Disney stay on all day. *hides under sofa*) Well, this particular time, I started paying attention to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Here you can see this whole story of Donald and The Beanstalk, which is what this rant is about.

So, what is Mickey Mouse teaching my kids these days? Well, in this story, Donald trades Boo Boo Chicken for some magic beans with the giant, who is what we would call “simple.” Donald begins to regret his decision to trade Boo Boo Chicken, because he realizes he loved his pet so much! (Shouldn’t have traded then, Donald!) Mickey convinces Donald that he has been had by the Giant! Mickey tells Donald the beans are not magic at all and Donald needs to go get Boo Boo Chicken back! (Forget confronting the Giant and explaining his regret or him feeling like he’d been tricked by so called “magic beans.”)

Upon hearing that the beans were not magic, Donald throws them out! Well, the beans thought to not be magic grow into a giant magic beanstalk. So, the beans ARE magic!!! So, does the adventure end? No! Mickey and Donald, knowing the beans were magic (and therefore the conditions of the trade were met) decide to continue on and STEAL Boo Boo Chicken from the Simple Giant. (Are you as shocked as I am?)

Now the story really heats up. (And I will note that the TV version has a different ending from the internet game version.) They sneak through the Giant’s house (Breaking and Entering, anyone?!) and find Boo Boo Chicken. They take Boo Boo Chicken. (They claim they are “rescuing” him, but come one, they are STEALING! A “rescue” would be taking him away from his inconsiderate owner, Donald, in the first place.)

Upon finding that Mickey and Donald have STOLEN Boo Boo Chicken (and not returned the beans), the Simple Giant gets upset. He tells Donald and Mickey he needs Boo Boo Chicken to love and hug. He needs a companion pet. Do Donald and Mickey realize the error of their ways and return the Giant’s property? Do Donald and Mickey have compassion on the Giant who truly loves his new pet chicken? No. Donald says he loves Boo Boo Chicken, so Mickey decides to give the Giant something else in place of Boo Boo Chicken. (These terms are not worked out with the Giant, they are simply imposed on him, since he is Simple and easily fooled.) Mickey gives the Giant and teddy bear neither he nor Donald want. Fair? I think not.

So, what message is in there for the kids? If you trade or share something, then change your mind, just take it back. They’ll get over it and accept any consolation you choose to bestow upon them. What is important is that you have what you want.

I should pay more attention to this Mickey Mouse who seems intent on steering my children wrong. When they go to jail for stealing, breaking and entering, and taking advantage of mentally challenged people, I hope their cell mate, Big Bob, gives them a nice commemorative Mickey Mouse tattoo for the occasion.