Get Off the Bus!

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Abstract

in the 1940s. Like them or not, its scenes depict the reality of that era. All the more reason to watch it as a family and hash out its hot topics — bullying especially, which is still with us. What more teachable moment can we parents hope for?That said, last night I would have been hard-pressed to permit — much less to encourage — my kids to partake of my unwitting “entertainment.” I found the four-starred film so far beyond offensive that I couldn’t have kept from spewing my outrage long enough for my kids to “enjoy” the experience and form their own opinions.Bus Stop — starring Marilyn Monroe (Cherie) and Don Murray (Beau) — was released in 1956; regardless, its age does not mitigate its offense. Even in those days our “hero” would have been arrested forthwith for any one of his numerous outrages.Where to

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begin?Stalking? Following his “angel” ceaselessly and repeatedly demanding that she marry him.Kidnapping? After having lassoed “his” lady like a piece of livestock.Assault and Battery? Threatening Cherie as she struggled and spanking her as she tried to escape.Most appalling was the movie’s “romantic” ending. Our chastened hero — Beau having had his bluster beat out of him by the intervening bus driver — apologizes — upon the victor’s command — to his would-be bride as he reluctantly prepares to set her free.Then — surprise — Cherie decides to marry him after all, having realized that she’s finally found a man who truly loves her.Glad you kids were Facebooked all day. I’d have hated to spoil the show for you. Though I’d have hated myself all the more had I not.</article></body>

No stars for this misogynistic script

In December 2017, my city’s weekly news featured an opinion piece recommending that parents reconsider a certain seasonal tradition. Namely, family night featuring the movie A Christmas Story. The writer objected to specifics of its content: bullying, bb-gunning, and mouth-out-with-soap-washing.

The writer’s intent is sincere, but his advice is misguided. A Christmas Story (filmed in 1983) is set in the 1940s. Like them or not, its scenes depict the reality of that era. All the more reason to watch it as a family and hash out its hot topics — bullying especially, which is still with us. What more teachable moment can we parents hope for?

That said, last night I would have been hard-pressed to permit — much less to encourage — my kids to partake of my unwitting “entertainment.” I found the four-starred film so far beyond offensive that I couldn’t have kept from spewing my outrage long enough for my kids to “enjoy” the experience and form their own opinions.

Bus Stop — starring Marilyn Monroe (Cherie) and Don Murray (Beau) — was released in 1956; regardless, its age does not mitigate its offense. Even in those days our “hero” would have been arrested forthwith for any one of his numerous outrages.

Where to begin?

Stalking? Following his “angel” ceaselessly and repeatedly demanding that she marry him.

Kidnapping? After having lassoed “his” lady like a piece of livestock.

Assault and Battery? Threatening Cherie as she struggled and spanking her as she tried to escape.

Most appalling was the movie’s “romantic” ending. Our chastened hero — Beau having had his bluster beat out of him by the intervening bus driver — apologizes — upon the victor’s command — to his would-be bride as he reluctantly prepares to set her free.

Then — surprise — Cherie decides to marry him after all, having realized that she’s finally found a man who truly loves her.

Glad you kids were Facebooked all day. I’d have hated to spoil the show for you. Though I’d have hated myself all the more had I not.