Frosty the Snowman, a folk hero to many. But what messages are we sending to our children. In a closer examination of the story of Frosty, several things come to light. Things that concern me and things that should concern you as well. Was Frosty really someone we want our children to know? Consider the following.
What kind of example was Frosty giving as he puffed away on his “Old Corn Pipe”. What was he smoking in that pipe? We banned Joe the Camel. Why is Frosty allowed to endorse smoking?
Frosty “came to life” after being outfitted with an old silk hat the children found. What message is this sending? Do we want our children to feel it is okay to convert found property to their own use. Should they not have attempted to locate the proper owner. Someone somewhere was probably frantically searching for that hat. I am sure it had sentimental value to its owner. There was no indication that the hat had been discarded. It was found, not found in a trashcan or dumpster. At the very least, the hat should have been turned over to the authorities. But no, it was placed on Frosty’s head. This is blatant disregard for the property rights of others.
He led them to the streets of town. Was this proper for the children to follow a stranger into town? Do we want our children to get the message that is okay to follow a stranger, just because he begins to dance around? What was he going to town for anyway? Probably looking for something to put into that corn pipe. Did we learn nothing from the Pied Piper incident?
I also think we need to be concerned that we are teaching our children to disrespect the laws and the authority of a police officer. When Frosty was ordered to stop by the Police Officer, he only paused a moment. He did not stop, he barely hesitated before fleeing. At the very least, this is indicative of a guilty mind. I think Frosty was concerned he would have a difficult time explaining to the Officer why he was in possession a stolen property, why he was smoking whatever he was smoking, and most importantly, what were his intentions luring all the children way from home?
Frosty the Snowman? I think not, Frosty the Pervert is more likely. Stay tuned for the investigative report “Does the Story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” promote bullying.
Those are my thoughts, what are yours?