Last weekend, I brought the children along with our helper to watch The Clone Wars in the cinema. It was a show most eagerly-anticipated in our household. We had McDonalds' for lunch (a sure winner) and bought the mandatory pop corn and drinks. I was surprised that there were fewer than 20 people in the cinema hall. It would seem that the rest of KL was not captivated by this inter-galactical tale.
Sons No 1 and No 2 did not take their eyes off the screen throughout the show. There were more than enough action sequences to keep them mesmerized. The complete opposite can be said about Son No 3. This was his second full-length feature film in the cinema, the first being Narnia - Prince Caspian. In Narnia, he sat quietly and happily as his complete attention was focussed on the pop corn.
In this movie, however, Son No 3 seemed unbearably distracted. It was freezing in the cinema. He was feeling cold, although he wore a sweater and I gave him my wool wrap as a blanket. Throughout the show, he could not help fidgetting and climbing onto me for a cuddle, all the time airing his grouse that he was too cold. If the cinema was packed, the people behind us would have been quite annoyed.
Did I enjoy the show? Not much. To put things in perspective, it must be recognised that it is a children's show. It had the feel of a television pilot for the TV series that will be launched soon. After the memorable words "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...." appeared on the screen, die-hard Star Wars fans would be disappointed that the iconic crawl of words, that disappeared into the distance, did not follow. Instead, a narrator described the situation - I think this could be for the benefit of the target audience - the children - who might not be able to read.
It was good to see the familiar characters again... Anakin, Padme, Obi-Wan, Yoda. I find the new character, a padawan trainee called Ahsoka, quite irritating. She is too "modern" (as if this is a sin for a futuristic show!) for my liking. Brash, opinionated, disobedient and loud-mouthed. How can such a character join the sage and dignified army of Jedi knights, I wonder. She was surely crafted purely for marketing purposes - heaven forbid, the younger generation can probably identify with her! Other comments - the plot was simple, the length of the show was manageable below 2 hours and the dialogue was minimal.
Conclusion: This is not a show for adult Star Wars fans, but for Star Wars fans who are still children. Are there many of them around? Maybe not in this part of the world. Well, I am at least grateful that the show is released just when my children are having the Star Wars fever. For us, the timing couldn't have been better.
Sunday, 31 August 2008
Friday, 29 August 2008
Another Moral Lesson From Star Wars
Yesterday, I wrote about the moral lessons I gleaned from Star Wars.
Today, in a moment of vanity and self-importance, I decided to google "star wars, moral", secretly hoping to find my blog somewhere right on top of the search. But surprise, surprise! I found pages and pages of results that pertain to those words - evidently, this topic has been researched and debated to death! Just shows how "un-read" I am. To rub salt to the wound, after looking at 10 pages of results, my blog entry was still nowhere to be found.
I just want to clarify to my readers that my blog was entirely based on my own analysis of the show and was not in any way plagiarised from any source. Just because great minds think alike...... haha.
Seriously, gee, it is good to be brought down to earth. I must stop thinking myself as smarty-pants!
Hmm... it started me thinking on something else though... how do these search engines work? What do I need to do to be ranked top in the search results for every blog? Ya, that shows the competitive spirit in me. Ya, that is definitely something worth looking into .... :)
Today, in a moment of vanity and self-importance, I decided to google "star wars, moral", secretly hoping to find my blog somewhere right on top of the search. But surprise, surprise! I found pages and pages of results that pertain to those words - evidently, this topic has been researched and debated to death! Just shows how "un-read" I am. To rub salt to the wound, after looking at 10 pages of results, my blog entry was still nowhere to be found.
I just want to clarify to my readers that my blog was entirely based on my own analysis of the show and was not in any way plagiarised from any source. Just because great minds think alike...... haha.
Seriously, gee, it is good to be brought down to earth. I must stop thinking myself as smarty-pants!
Hmm... it started me thinking on something else though... how do these search engines work? What do I need to do to be ranked top in the search results for every blog? Ya, that shows the competitive spirit in me. Ya, that is definitely something worth looking into .... :)
Thursday, 28 August 2008
5 Moral Lessons From Star Wars
My three sons are huge fans of Star Wars. We have the entire suite of Star Wars on DVD(Episodes I to VI). At home, when they are short of time, they would select one chapter from one of the episodes to watch. On weekends, they might even watch entire episodes again and again. They would also bring the DVDs with them even while they are on holiday. On top of that, the Star Wars Wii Game is one of their favourite electronic games.
What is this timeless appeal of Star Wars? After all, the first instalment which took the world by storm was released way back in 1977, some 3 decades ago.
Observing the children, I can see that they, being typical boys, are enthralled by the considerable power of the Jedis, the dazzling fighting sequences with light sabres, as well as the giddy array of weird creatures from across the galactica, thanks to Lucas Animation. Son No 1 is also impressed by the visual and sound effects.
Son No 2, on the other hand, is fascinated by Yoda. He would occasionally walk hunch-backed, doubled-over, pretending to walk with a walking stick a-la Yoda. Among his prized possessions is a miniature Yoda figurine (a gift from his loving uncle) which accompanies him to bed every night. I have also noticed that the colour green has recently become Son No 2's favourite colour. I did not know why until it was revealed to me that it was because Yoda uses a green light sabre. Thank goodness he has not adopted Yoda's sentence structures... not yet, anyway.
That aside, there are many reasons why I like Star Wars. Now that I have re-watched all 6 shows through the eyes of a mother, I can see at the heart of the story strong and sound moral lessons that the children should learn from. I have listed them below as follows:
1) Triumph of Good over Evil - I love the unambiguous ending in Episode VI when the Good side (Jedis) finally won. Good over evil is also portrayed when Darth Vader finally redeemed himself at the end. There was once when Son No 3 wanted to be Count Dooku for he was in awe of the evil lord's power. I gently reminded him that Count Dooku "lost" in the end. Well, every child wants to be on the winning side - so Son No 3 has since ditched Count Dooku.
2) Power of Love, particularly that between the father and the son - This is one of the main themes in the show - how Darth Vader saved Luke and how Luke persuaded his father to return to the good side.
3) Choice and Consequences - Anakin Skywalker was not a victim of circumstances; he had a choice whether to turn to the dark side. Having made the choice, he must live with the consequences. I feel this is an important learning point for young people (teenagers) who are constantly faced with such temptations and influences.
4) Size is not Might - A small band of rebels can overcome the mighty empire, the diminutive Yoda can be a powerful Jedi. Ya, small can be beautiful ... and not necessary a liability. To all the little people in the world, this is a comforting thought. The same can be said for the citizens of a certain Little Red Dot.
5) Embracing Diversity - Earthlings are largely divided based on skin colour and religious affiliations but they are all humans. But in Star Wars, we see the seamless interaction between specimens that are totally dissimilar. While some are arch-enemies, there are also many who just co-exist peacefully. It's not such a big challenge for us then, is it? Mankind is really just one species.
End here, I must. May the Force be with you.
What is this timeless appeal of Star Wars? After all, the first instalment which took the world by storm was released way back in 1977, some 3 decades ago.
Observing the children, I can see that they, being typical boys, are enthralled by the considerable power of the Jedis, the dazzling fighting sequences with light sabres, as well as the giddy array of weird creatures from across the galactica, thanks to Lucas Animation. Son No 1 is also impressed by the visual and sound effects.
Son No 2, on the other hand, is fascinated by Yoda. He would occasionally walk hunch-backed, doubled-over, pretending to walk with a walking stick a-la Yoda. Among his prized possessions is a miniature Yoda figurine (a gift from his loving uncle) which accompanies him to bed every night. I have also noticed that the colour green has recently become Son No 2's favourite colour. I did not know why until it was revealed to me that it was because Yoda uses a green light sabre. Thank goodness he has not adopted Yoda's sentence structures... not yet, anyway.
That aside, there are many reasons why I like Star Wars. Now that I have re-watched all 6 shows through the eyes of a mother, I can see at the heart of the story strong and sound moral lessons that the children should learn from. I have listed them below as follows:
1) Triumph of Good over Evil - I love the unambiguous ending in Episode VI when the Good side (Jedis) finally won. Good over evil is also portrayed when Darth Vader finally redeemed himself at the end. There was once when Son No 3 wanted to be Count Dooku for he was in awe of the evil lord's power. I gently reminded him that Count Dooku "lost" in the end. Well, every child wants to be on the winning side - so Son No 3 has since ditched Count Dooku.
2) Power of Love, particularly that between the father and the son - This is one of the main themes in the show - how Darth Vader saved Luke and how Luke persuaded his father to return to the good side.
3) Choice and Consequences - Anakin Skywalker was not a victim of circumstances; he had a choice whether to turn to the dark side. Having made the choice, he must live with the consequences. I feel this is an important learning point for young people (teenagers) who are constantly faced with such temptations and influences.
4) Size is not Might - A small band of rebels can overcome the mighty empire, the diminutive Yoda can be a powerful Jedi. Ya, small can be beautiful ... and not necessary a liability. To all the little people in the world, this is a comforting thought. The same can be said for the citizens of a certain Little Red Dot.
5) Embracing Diversity - Earthlings are largely divided based on skin colour and religious affiliations but they are all humans. But in Star Wars, we see the seamless interaction between specimens that are totally dissimilar. While some are arch-enemies, there are also many who just co-exist peacefully. It's not such a big challenge for us then, is it? Mankind is really just one species.
End here, I must. May the Force be with you.
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
Vacation In Singapore
Now that the children are safely back in school, I can breathe again. As every mother will tell you, her workload actually doubles during school holidays. Ya, school vacation is the time when the children and their teachers get their break - not the mothers!
During the children's one-week break, we took a bus down to Singapore on First Coach (see picture #1). The children had a wonderful time there where they are blessed with a doting grandma and equally doting auntie and uncle to cater to their every need and want.
There were some experiences that were enjoyed by all 3 boys. My guess for the top three of these, based on my observation, would be:
Ya, simple pleasures... We will also miss the black pepper crabs, katong laksa, hainanese chicken rice, yong tow foo and fish soup. I did not get to eat my steamed egg at J8, but there will be a next time, I hope, if the stall is still there.
During the children's one-week break, we took a bus down to Singapore on First Coach (see picture #1). The children had a wonderful time there where they are blessed with a doting grandma and equally doting auntie and uncle to cater to their every need and want.
There were some experiences that were enjoyed by all 3 boys. My guess for the top three of these, based on my observation, would be:
- Playing on the beach at East Coast (picture #2) and the scrumptious poached gong-gong (a type of seashell) that followed
- Eating Hokkaido ice-cream at Ngee Ann City (picture #3)
- Riding on the double-decker bus from Toa Payoh
Ya, simple pleasures... We will also miss the black pepper crabs, katong laksa, hainanese chicken rice, yong tow foo and fish soup. I did not get to eat my steamed egg at J8, but there will be a next time, I hope, if the stall is still there.
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Kids Say The Darnest Things!
Anecdote 1
"Mummy, I am scared..."
"Scared of what?"
"Ghosts and monsters..."
"No need to be scared. God is always here to protect you..."
"Where? I can't see Him ..."
"God is everywhere. You just can't see him."
"Oh, I know. God is like germs!"
Some time ago, I was reminding Son No 3 to keep hygienic habits because germs are everywhere, they are just too tiny to be seen. He remembered!
Anecdote 2
My three sons are all huge fans of Star Wars. One day, Son No 3 came across a group of shoppers wearing the traditional black burqa, covering the whole body and face, except for the eyes. He pointed to them and exclaimed, "Look, it's Darth Vader!"
Anecdote 3
On entering a boutique with me, Son No 3 seemed to take a particular interest at the shop assistant who was standing glassy-eyed near the counter. His gaze continued to return to the girl even as he tagged along with me round the shop. As we left the shop after browsing, Son No 3 then asked me, "Mummy, was that a statue?"
Truly, Son No 3 is not capable of sarcasm, but what a damning verdict on the state of customer service here!
"Mummy, I am scared..."
"Scared of what?"
"Ghosts and monsters..."
"No need to be scared. God is always here to protect you..."
"Where? I can't see Him ..."
"God is everywhere. You just can't see him."
"Oh, I know. God is like germs!"
Some time ago, I was reminding Son No 3 to keep hygienic habits because germs are everywhere, they are just too tiny to be seen. He remembered!
Anecdote 2
My three sons are all huge fans of Star Wars. One day, Son No 3 came across a group of shoppers wearing the traditional black burqa, covering the whole body and face, except for the eyes. He pointed to them and exclaimed, "Look, it's Darth Vader!"
Anecdote 3
On entering a boutique with me, Son No 3 seemed to take a particular interest at the shop assistant who was standing glassy-eyed near the counter. His gaze continued to return to the girl even as he tagged along with me round the shop. As we left the shop after browsing, Son No 3 then asked me, "Mummy, was that a statue?"
Truly, Son No 3 is not capable of sarcasm, but what a damning verdict on the state of customer service here!
Visit to the Bread Factory
Son No 3 went for a field trip to the High 5 Bread Factory at Shah Alam today. ["High 5" is the brand of the bread, and has nothing to do with the children's pop group from the land Down Under.]
One thing he liked about the trip: he could touch the flour.
One thing he did not like: the photo-taking at the end because it was too crowded :)
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Disturbed By Bible Stories
I am disturbed, very disturbed.
I have started reading the "Read With Me Bible" with my two younger boys every night. The illustration in the book is rich and colourful and the wordings simple and suitable for children between 4 and 8. We would read not more than one story every night and it's been more than a week now. We are reaching the end of Genesis, the first book of the bible.
Son No 3 is not really interested... he's actually quite lost with all the characters and sub-plots but that's not my concern. My concern is more on Son No 2's interpretation of the events as described in the first book of the old testament. Son No 2, by virtue of his being two years older, has developed more mature and independent thinking. Very often, while reading the "stories", he would express his indignance on God's actions:
1. Cain and Abel - why was God pleased with Abel but not with Cain? (This led to Cain killing Abel.)
2. Noah's Ark - ok, the people were sinful and disobedient but why was God so "bad" as to kill all of them (except Noah and those in the ark)?
3. The Tower of Babel - why did God change all their languages so that they will not understand each other? (He understood they were trying to build that tower to reach the sky - but could not fathom why God had to respond in this way.)
4. Abraham - why did God ask for the sacrifice? (Can't quite grasp the idea of "testing".)
The story of Esau and Jacob was no better. Favouritism was overtly displayed in Isaac and Rebekah's actions. How could Rebekah help Jacob deceive her husband and elder son?
We are now in the midst of the story of Joseph and the multi-colour coat. Last night, Son No 2 learnt a new word - jealousy. He could identify with the emotion immediately. In the story, the brothers were jealous of Joseph because their father favoured Joseph and gave him the multi-colour coat. Of the several plans that the brothers made to get rid of Joseph (killing him, throwing him into the well, selling him), they finally decided to sell Joseph to Egypt. Son No 2 had a different idea though and seemed to favour killing Joseph. I had to emphasize to him that Joseph was their brother and thus, they should not kill him. Tonight, we will continue the story and will talk about Joseph forgiving his brothers - I hope that Son No 2 will see true brotherly love there.
On the whole, I can see that Son No 2's image of God as the benevolent provider and protector is being challenged. That God is all-powerful, he is left with no doubt. I am just not sure how to proceed from here. Some of the stories in the Old Testament are not pretty, not to this age group.
I am more likely to abandon the attempt to read the Bible, at least not the sequential approach. If there are serious messages there to be delivered, I may not be the right person to do so. Or the children are too young to have such "bible study". A better approach might be to just cull stories that are inspiring to this age group, like Jesus Feeds 5,000 or Jesus Walks on Water.
And it's decided. That's how it is going to happen. I am glad that as I write, it helps to clear my mind. Nevertheless, all other advice is welcomed .... :)
I have started reading the "Read With Me Bible" with my two younger boys every night. The illustration in the book is rich and colourful and the wordings simple and suitable for children between 4 and 8. We would read not more than one story every night and it's been more than a week now. We are reaching the end of Genesis, the first book of the bible.
Son No 3 is not really interested... he's actually quite lost with all the characters and sub-plots but that's not my concern. My concern is more on Son No 2's interpretation of the events as described in the first book of the old testament. Son No 2, by virtue of his being two years older, has developed more mature and independent thinking. Very often, while reading the "stories", he would express his indignance on God's actions:
1. Cain and Abel - why was God pleased with Abel but not with Cain? (This led to Cain killing Abel.)
2. Noah's Ark - ok, the people were sinful and disobedient but why was God so "bad" as to kill all of them (except Noah and those in the ark)?
3. The Tower of Babel - why did God change all their languages so that they will not understand each other? (He understood they were trying to build that tower to reach the sky - but could not fathom why God had to respond in this way.)
4. Abraham - why did God ask for the sacrifice? (Can't quite grasp the idea of "testing".)
The story of Esau and Jacob was no better. Favouritism was overtly displayed in Isaac and Rebekah's actions. How could Rebekah help Jacob deceive her husband and elder son?
We are now in the midst of the story of Joseph and the multi-colour coat. Last night, Son No 2 learnt a new word - jealousy. He could identify with the emotion immediately. In the story, the brothers were jealous of Joseph because their father favoured Joseph and gave him the multi-colour coat. Of the several plans that the brothers made to get rid of Joseph (killing him, throwing him into the well, selling him), they finally decided to sell Joseph to Egypt. Son No 2 had a different idea though and seemed to favour killing Joseph. I had to emphasize to him that Joseph was their brother and thus, they should not kill him. Tonight, we will continue the story and will talk about Joseph forgiving his brothers - I hope that Son No 2 will see true brotherly love there.
On the whole, I can see that Son No 2's image of God as the benevolent provider and protector is being challenged. That God is all-powerful, he is left with no doubt. I am just not sure how to proceed from here. Some of the stories in the Old Testament are not pretty, not to this age group.
I am more likely to abandon the attempt to read the Bible, at least not the sequential approach. If there are serious messages there to be delivered, I may not be the right person to do so. Or the children are too young to have such "bible study". A better approach might be to just cull stories that are inspiring to this age group, like Jesus Feeds 5,000 or Jesus Walks on Water.
And it's decided. That's how it is going to happen. I am glad that as I write, it helps to clear my mind. Nevertheless, all other advice is welcomed .... :)
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