Fraggle Rock:

• The first children’s television show designed for cable television.
• Consisted on 96 episodes between 1983-1987.
• It is a about a world of which humans are unaware; in which the “races” who inhabit it, like human beings, do not realize how interconnected and important they are to one another.

• The Races:

1. The Fraggles – creatures living in a cavern system. Share cavern with Doozers
2. The Doozers – devoted to the construction of crystalline structures, a food of the Fraggles.

Interdependence: The Doozers provide food for the Fraggles via the construction work and the Fraggles by eating their buildings, open new space for new Doozer constructions; the very thing that sustains Doozer life.

3. The Gorgs – monsters that live just beyond the Fraggle’s cavern system. Have
declared themselves rulers of the universe. See Fraggles as pests and hunt them unsuccessfully. Also grow radishes, another food source for the Fraggles.

Interdependence: Like the Doozers, the Gorgs enter into a consumer/producer relationship with the Fraggles.

4. Marjory – the trash heap of the Gorgs, but is the Oracle of the Fraggles who often risk their lives to hear her words.

Ecologists and Environmentalists – argue waste teaches us much about our culture, ways of life, and excess.

• Wanted to teach young viewers how to live not only with people different from themselves; but also, with the world including nature –an capitalistic/economical system with ecological interdependence.

• Good Example Episode 54: (Blanket of Snow, Blanket of Woe) – Marjory is frozen solid when the Fraggles fail to cover her during a hard freeze: care and caution on environmental impact.

Primary Characters: (The Fraggles)
a. Gobo – the leader and is an adventurous explorer
b. Red – Energetic Athlete
c. Boober – sees “death” and “laundry” as the two certainties
d. Mokey – the artist and philosopher
e. Wembley – very indecisive

Dark Crystal:

• 1982 fantasy film on the planet of three suns called Thra
• Dark Crystal is the name of the world consisting of 5 creatures:
1. The Urskeks – guardians of the crystal of truth which harnesses the forces of nature for the benefit of all inhabitants of Thra.
2. The Mystics
3. The Skeskis
4. The Gelflings
5. The Pod People

• The Crystal splits and darkens during the great conjunction of the three suns. As a result, The Urskeks: - born from the crystal before it split and darkened, but now With the darkening of the crystal the Urskeks split into:

a. The Mystics – a gentle race who maintained the magic and wisdom of th Urskeks, but
could only use their magic in their home valley. Are environmentally consciousness
b. The Skeskis – Evil pillagers of the world’s resources for their uses who kill the Gelflings and Pod people to prolong their own lives. Are afraid of prophecy that
split crystal will heal therefore ending their reign

* 2 Primary Characters of the Gelflings, who do not know each other but respect nature and are supposed to fulfill the prophecy are:
a. Jen (male): Raised by the Mystics
b. Kira (female): Raised by the Pod People. Can speak with the animal

• Conflicts on the Dark Crystal between its ruling beings is based on political agenda of how the world’s resources should be used. The Dark Crystal deals with environmental issues seeing:
- Evil: as the use and depletion of resources, control and abuse of animals
- Good: as environmental harmony

Jim Henson’s Animal Show with Stinky and Jake:

• Most directly address issues of ecological literacy and environment
• Ran on the Fox network between 1994-1997 (after his death)
• Geared toward preschoolers to teach about animals
• Talk show format, devoted to environmental education
• The hosts, Stinky (a skunk) and Jake (a polar bear), as well as their guests were muppet animals
• Each episode is “themed around a common feature of the guests” (pg. 247)
Ex: Eating habit, Defense Mechanism, etc…
Ex: Cheetah and Gazelles were linked to predator/prey relationship
Ex: Crocodiles and Armadillos were linked by armor
Ex: Elephants and Hunting Dogs were linked by ways of keeping cool
Ex: Lions and Zebras were linked by habitat
• Viewers were asked to consider relationships, similarities and difference between animals so that they are not seen as “singular, anomalous organisms, but as relational, adaptable and evolving organisms.” (pg. 248)
“The Song of the Cloud Forest” from the Jim Henson Hour:

Goal: Teach about preserving environment and endangered species.

• Twenty-five minute skit set in the tropical rainforest
• Tells about Milton, last of the golden toads who knows soon his species will be extinct.
• He goes in search of a mate by using his mating call – sing a song.
• A female hears his song, but is caged by humans.
• The two golden toads, like Jen & Kira from the Dark Crystal are the last remaining hope for their species.

Conclusions:

• Jim Henson turned to ecology and ecological literacy in the development of educational and entertainment productions.
• There is a call to examine more of the Muppet texts: television shows, films, publications, commercials, museums and other products for the agenda of ecological literacy.



YouTube Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Rp6dKYWsrY – Blanket of Snow, Blanket of Woe (Episode 54, Fraggle Rock)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHpLOGMSapQ&feature=channel – The Animal Show with Stinky and Jake – Guests are Octopus and Owl.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzgVPB5dpgg – Dark Crystal Movie Trailer

Can anyone think of other books, movies, or real life situations that The Lorax can be compared to?

The movie Thunderheart (1992) was on the A&E movie channel over the weekend. Here is a brief synopsis below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderheart

In the movie, the government has a uranium plant on a Native American reservation and it is polluting the water. Anyone who has learned of this plant is being killed. A woman in the movie was taking samples of the water and learning the truth, and the government agents killed her. In this case, the government could be compared to the Once-ler and the Native Americans who were trying to protect their land and water could be the Lorax. Do you have any examples?

The Lorax

Each year, on Earth Day, teachers read Dr. Suess’s The Lorax to students of all ages. "We have presented The Lorax in both elementary and university classrooms" (page 128) as a way to gently discuss the importance of conservation and caring for the ecosystems around us. This article “Playing Seriously With Dr. Seuss: A Pedagogical Response to The Lorax” provides an in-depth analysis of the story, and themes that could be discovered through reading the text.

If you have not read the book, you may want to watch the video version below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-Y0Az-4wUg

The Loxax is linked to global issues relating to environmental pollution and conservation. After reading the essay and rereading The Lorax by Dr. Suess, it can be easily be compared to the BP oil spill disaster that faces our nation today.

Is the Lorax an effective spokesperson for the earth?

Analysis:

A theme in this story is that you should speak up against forces that are destroying habitats. However, D&K suggest that the Lorax has a “sharpish and bossy” persona. Does this type of personality really get the message across? D&K suggest “acting with temperance and tact” is a lesson that could be relayed to children when it comes to confronting these issues. Even though the Lorax was sharp and cross, you could also debate whether the Lorax did enough. Maybe he could have done more to convince the Once-ler of the damage he was doing. “A word count in the book reveals that the Lorax used “my” three times and “the” six times when referring to the trees, swans, bears, and fish. (D&K p.131). By the Lorax claiming the habitat was solely his, does the Lorax allow the Once-ler to disassociate from the habitat and relinquish responsibility? Perhaps the Lorax could have made the Once-ler realize that this was his habitat, too, and thus he should also feel responsible for its wellbeing.

Connection:

This is a video of a woman who was speaking out against BP during a hearing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d865zypYe_U

Was the woman an effective spokesperson? Could you hear the message she was trying to convey? Do you think she made her point?

Personal thoughts:

The Lorax may not have been as outgoing or shocking as the woman in the video, but I don’t believe that her actions are an effective way to get a message across. I think the Lorax does show courage to confront the issue and express his concerns directly to the responsible party. However, I don’t think he did enough to stop the destruction. Unfortunately, I do not have a suggestion as to how The Lorax could have handled the situation better. The conclusion I have made is that there must be some effective middle ground between what the woman at the BP hearing did and the effort made by The Lorax.

Whose responsibility is this?

Analysis:

The last line of The Lorax reads, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” This line is told to the young boy who is listening to the Once-ler’s story. D&K state “The Once-ler’s anguish for what he has done, for he does show remorse (mainly in the video), leads to no personal volition other than to pass the responsibility of righting his wrong to a younger boy.” (D&K p. 139). The essay questions whether our society tends to “burden” children with issues of this nature. Maybe the Once-ler should have personally done more to fix the mess he made. Or should we all feel responsible to fix someone else’s mess?

Connection:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1metHzxJ5s

This is a news broadcast showing how company executives are placing the blame of the oil spill on each other.

Personal thoughts:

It is human nature to feel defensive, and that could possibly cause someone to pass blame onto someone else. I don’t believe that one action or event is the definitive cause of another action or event. I believe that the lesson to be learned is that we are all human, therefore mistakes and issues are going to happen inevitably. The question “Who’s to blame?” is important in preventing issues, however, not as important when it comes to resolving issues. The important question to ask is “Who will be responsible?” for the issue, no matter where the blame lies. Whether it’s the Once-ler’s fault for doing the damage, or the Lorax’s fault for not speaking up effectively, the damage was done. It should be everyone’s responsibililty to “right the wrong” and clean up the mess. Just as it should be everyone’s responsibility to clean up the oil spill in the gulf and help the problems that were created because of it. This earth is our habitat and we are all responsible for caring for it. That is the message that should be delivered in our classrooms.

Is there another interpretation?

Analysis: Possibly Dr. Seuss' most controversial work, The Lorax has become so popular because of the fact that many sides can be debated.

Terri Birkett, member of NOFMA, took it upon herself to add reason to the rhyme of Dr. Seuss and rewrote his book, The Lorax- her version titled, Truax. Several timber industry groups sponsored the creation of a book called as a rebuttal to the Seuss book. It is a very interesting twist on The Lorax.

It is an encounter between Guardbark, protector of trees, and Truax, the logger. In a fast paced, fun, rhythm and rhyme style, the book addresses issues such as harvesting trees, regeneration, old growth, biodiversity, endangered species and other forestry issues. Its simplistic and humorous fashion reaches the imaginations of children and enables them to understand the logic in forest management (http://www.aadl.org/node/9624)

Unlike The Loxax, Truax forgoes plot for merely a discussion betwixt Lumberjack (Once-Ler, but with a face) and Guardbark (The Bizarro Lorax.) In their first interaction, Guardbark, speaking for the trees, throws a hissied fit, whereas patient Lumberjack was Cucumber Boy (as in “cool as a.”) Even the animals, appearing only on Lumberjack’s half of the illustration, think Guardbark a nut. Once-Ler, despite being only a pair of disembodied hands, seems more a person than either these blokes.

The book, though, takes a surprising turn: it makes sense. The logging industry helps prevent wildfires, sets aside preserves, and even replants (http://www.aadl.org/node/9624).

Personal Thoughts: It is intriguing that The Lorax caused such conversation and debate. After reading The Lorax, one seems to unconsciously form an opinion. However, after reading The Truax, it certainly sheds light on a different side of the facts. The book makes some valid points about logging industry. “Helps prevent forest fires, replants trees, etc.”. The Truax also get also talks about the benefits in the logging industry in relation to

As classroom teachers, it would be interesting to compare and contrast these two books.

ESSAY 14

Chapter Analysis/Background

Jim Henson:

· In 1954, he graduated high school and started a career as a puppeteer.

· In 1959, Kermit the Frog was introduced to the world. He was made out of his mom’s old green coat and a halved ping-pong ball.

· Jim was involved in numerous television shows and movies, earning him several Emmy awards.

· He put a lot of emphasis on his appreciation for nature in many of his projects.

· His production company, Jim Henson Company, supported several environmental projects to promote ecological awareness after his death in 1990.

“I find that it’s very important for me to stop every now and then and get recharged and reinspired. The beauty of nature has always been one of the greatest inspirations in my life. I love to lie in an open field.” ---Jim Henson

Sesame Street:

· Joan G. Cooney, president of Children’s Television Workshop, proposed the idea for Sesame Street, a show geared for entertainment and education for children of various races, socioeconomic and environmental backgrounds. She stated that the show must “teach children how to think, not what to think” (12).

· The show had four goals: 1) symbolic representation; 2) cognitive processes; 3) the child and physical world around him; and 4) the social environment.

· The show airs in more than 140 countries.

· Jim Henson used anthropomorphization to make his ecological points on the show. He combines interactions with humans, animals, and monsters.

· Big, important lessons that were focused on in Sesame Street were differences, similarities, and acceptance.

Fraggle Rock:

· The first children’s television show designed for cable television.

· Consisted on 96 episodes between 1983-1987.

· It is a about a world of which humans are unaware; in which the “races” who inhabit it, like human beings, do not realize how interconnected and important they are to one another.

· The Races:

1. The Fraggles – creatures living in a cavern system. Share cavern with Doozers

2. The Doozers – devoted to the construction of crystalline structures, a food of the

Fraggles.

Interdependence: The Doozers provide food for the Fraggles via the construction work and the Fraggles by eating their buildings, open new space for new Doozer constructions; the very thing that sustains Doozer life.

3. The Gorgs – monsters that live just beyond the Fraggle’s cavern system. Have

declared themselves rulers of the universe. See Fraggles as pests and

hunt them unsuccessfully. Also grow radishes, another food source for

the Fraggles.

Interdependence: Like the Doozers, the Gorgs enter into a consumer/producer relationship with the Fraggles.

4. Marjory – the trash heap of the Gorgs, but is the Oracle of the Fraggles who often risk

their lives to hear her words.

Ecologists and Environmentalists – argue waste teaches us much about our culture, ways of life, and excess.

· Wanted to teach young viewers how to live not only with people different from themselves; but also, with the world including nature –an capitalistic/economical system with ecological interdependence.

· Good Example Episode 54: (Blanket of Snow, Blanket of Woe) – Marjory is frozen solid when the Fraggles fail to cover her during a hard freeze: care and caution on environmental impact.

Primary Characters: (The Fraggles)

a. Gobo – the leader and is an adventurous explorer

b. Red – Energetic Athlete

c. Boober – sees “death” and “laundry” as the two certainties

d. Mokey – the artist and philosopher

e. Wembley – very indecisive

Dark Crystal:

· 1982 fantasy film on the planet of three suns called Thra

· Dark Crystal is the name of the world consisting of 5 creatures:

1. The Urskeks – guardians of the crystal of truth which harnesses the forces of nature

for the benefit of all inhabitants of Thra.

2. The Mystics

3. The Skeskis

4. The Gelflings

5. The Pod People

· The Crystal splits and darkens during the great conjunction of the three suns. As a result, The Urskeks: - born from the crystal before it split and darkened, but now With the darkening of the crystal the Urskeks split into:

a. The Mystics – a gentle race who maintained the magic and wisdom of th Urskeks, but

could only use their magic in their home valley. Are environmentally

consciousness

b. The Skeskis – Evil pillagers of the world’s resources for their uses who kill the Gelflings

and Pod people to prolong their own lives. Are afraid of prophecy that

split crystal will heal therefore ending their reign

* 2 Primary Characters of the Gelflings, who do not know each other but respect nature and are supposed to fulfill the prophecy are:

a. Jen (male): Raised by the Mystics

b. Kira (female): Raised by the Pod People. Can speak with the animal

· Conflicts on the Dark Crystal between its ruling beings is based on political agenda of how the world’s resources should be used. The Dark Crystal deals with environmental issues seeing:

- Evil: as the use and depletion of resources, control and abuse of animals

- Good: as environmental harmony

Jim Henson’s Animal Show with Stinky and Jake:

· Most directly address issues of ecological literacy and environment

· Ran on the Fox network between 1994-1997 (after his death)

· Geared toward preschoolers to teach about animals

· Talk show format, devoted to environmental education

· The hosts, Stinky (a skunk) and Jake (a polar bear), as well as their guests were muppet animals

· Each episode is “themed around a common feature of the guests” (pg. 247)

Ex: Eating habit, Defense Mechanism, etc…

Ex: Cheetah and Gazelles were linked to predator/prey relationship

Ex: Crocodiles and Armadillos were linked by armor

Ex: Elephants and Hunting Dogs were linked by ways of keeping cool

Ex: Lions and Zebras were linked by habitat

· Viewers were asked to consider relationships, similarities and difference between animals so that they are not seen as “singular, anomalous organisms, but as relational, adaptable and evolving organisms.” (pg. 248)

“The Song of the Cloud Forest” from the Jim Henson Hour:

Goal: Teach about preserving environment and endangered species.

· Twenty-five minute skit set in the tropical rainforest

· Tells about Milton, last of the golden toads who knows soon his species will be extinct.

· He goes in search of a mate by using his mating call – sing a song.

· A female hears his song, but is caged by humans.

· The two golden toads, like Jen & Kira from the Dark Crystal are the last remaining hope for their species.

Conclusions:

· Jim Henson turned to ecology and ecological literacy in the development of educational and entertainment productions.

· There is a call to examine more of the Muppet texts: television shows, films, publications, commercials, museums and other products for the agenda of ecological literacy.