Just Giblets

So, I keep coming back to children’s literature when I think of what makes “me” the person I am. And sometimes it scares me.

Why do all the classics I can think of have imperialist themes?

• Doctor Doolittle is a “vegetarian” who really craves the flesh of his patients.
• Babar would be nothing if he didn’t learn western ways. He certainly wouldn’t be king!
• Is the conclusion that Ozma is a “fair and gentle” ruler enough justification to alter the way of life of the people in hidden countries of Oz?
• How do those Narnia kids have *any* real claim to the throne of the country?!

And as a postscript… do you ever have nightmares about being held up against Mary Poppins’ tape measure? I do.