With Britany Spears being in the news today, perhaps it is finally time to catch up with that show that vaulted her to stardom. I was surprised to learn that her, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera made their fame on The Micky Mouse Club.
Make that the All-New Micky Mouse Club, running from 1989 to 1995.
I've criticized Looney Tunes, noting it's teaching us to laugh at violence was not the best of influences on America and its children. So, what of the All-New Micky Mouse Club? Could it have been a bad influence on children, as well? First, consider that the original Micky Mouse Club targeted children. The 1989-1995 show seems more targeted toward teenagers, but by keeping with a take-off name from the original show, it kept children among its audience. So, whatever influences the show taught, it began teaching them to the youngest of audiences.
And, what did it teach? I only watched one episode and part of another, but it glamourized most all the things that have become popular in American culture. It taught children to look for a party and a good time. Werewolves were made to be cool. Being expert at video games? Pick that up right here on the All-New Micky Mouse Club.
What the show taught, is what our society has become. The things it taught us to value are the things we, as a society, have come to value most.
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