A few weeks ago Susan sent me an e-mail asking me to alert everyone to the fact that the PBS Kids show "Postcards from Buster" (produced here in Boston, by WBGH) had taped an episode in which Buster visits a family in Vermont that consists of two moms and their kids. There had already been talk of some stations around the country—get this—refusing to air the episode. Well, I accidentally deleted her message, and then forgot about it, but now I'm seeing it mentioned all over the blogosphere. Please, please: Contact your local PBS station and let them know that you want this episode aired in your hometown. This crap has got to stop. You can learn more at the WGBH site, which says, in part:
WGBH believes, as do the series' advisors, that the program is appropriate for our audience and fits the series' mission to introduce children to the rich and varied cultures that make up the United States, including kids living in a wide range of family structures.
We consider it the responsibility of public television to give children and parents the resources they need to understand the world they inhabit—without excluding any segment of our society.
Hear, hear.
Poor Buster. Did you know he has a Blog? They call it a Blog but I have my doubts If it fits any criteria of a blog.
http://pbskids.org/buster/blog/index.html
Posted by: Mquest | January 30, 2005 at 12:18 AM
I have never seen Buster, but I say yes to the segment in Vermont. Besides, am I the only one picturing two frumpy old women in boots tapping maple trees? Pretty outrageous stuff.
Posted by: Scott D. Feldstein | January 30, 2005 at 11:09 PM
Thanks, Karen. Crazy times continue. Some stations apparently boycotted an episode involving a Muslim family, too. I guess Buster had better stick to white, two-parents of opposite gender households - maybe even more Mormon families, which seem to have been okay - or risk additional suffering of the bigotry and wrath of this idiotic administration. My kids don't like the show enough to allocate their limited TV time to it, but we'll definitely make an exception and watch the maple-sugaring episode whenever it airs, which is now March something? (P.S. I could have re-sent the email if you needed it!)
Posted by: Susan W. | January 31, 2005 at 12:32 AM
I am going to make it a point of watching this with my 2 year old and 7 year old. This is about as ridiculous as an "alert " being placed on poor SpongeBob!
Posted by: Dee | January 31, 2005 at 04:19 PM
Please also let your local PBS station know that you watched it and approved of it!!!
Posted by: Karen | January 31, 2005 at 08:48 PM