cjburke's comments

American Girl and American Girlhood - Blog Entry

11 Mar 2006 06:16 AM

Our daughter received a few of the early American Girl dolls as gifts when she was younger, and some of the accessories, though nothing like you described. But they were a favorite doll for her, because each was a character with a developed personality, captured in the books.

In addition, the owner of the company that started the American Girl dolls, Pleasant Rowlands, has put her money where behind the positive messages for girls that the dolls have tried to convey, through her support for Wells College and its surrounding area. Sometimes a little too much support - like the dolls, in her mind the community apparently had to be "just right" which has caused some disagreements with local residents. On the whole, though, it's been a positive effect.

It was just so good to have a line of dolls other than Barbie for our daughter.

-cjb-

Where are the Fathers? - Blog Entry

11 Mar 2006 05:36 AM

I've been the "token father" in many group outings over the years with both of my children, and especially with my daughter. It is unusual to see fathers involved in their children's activities, but like so many of the gender stereotypes, I think it hearkens back to ancient times. Centuries ago, when the roles men and women play in the family were being formed, the men were not just the providers (be it via a job, by farming, by hunting, or by a combination of all) but they were also the guardians of the family. When they weren't providing for the family, the fathers were standing watch in the night to protect their families from predators, be they animals or other humans. It fell to the mothers alone to be the companions, nurturers and teachers to their children.

Is it applicable today? Hardly. But we learn from our parents, consciously and subconsciously. Through generations of training, we still hold to those roles.

I've tried, with limited success, to get other fathers involved in activities with things like girl scouts, dance school, martial arts school and extracurricular activities like band, sports and plays. Our children need our support in these activities. In the long run, being there, supporting them in the activities they enjoy will mean more than the fact that you brought home an extra paycheck.

-cjb-

How To Push A Button - Blog Entry

11 Mar 2006 05:07 AM

It is. Dig through the manual that came with your camera, and you may find it in there. It's not in all of them, but the better manuals do include it. I originally found it in the manual for my Canon Photura 35mm camera, purchased about 12 years ago.