(no subject)
In which I continue my pattern of not posting relevant things, this time in order to share something I was inspired to write in response to ursulav's recent post concerning Peter Pan (which I highly recommend reading), in hopes of stimulating a bit of thought or discussion...
"While I agree fully with nearly every point you make, and deeply respect your ability to put into words things that have bothered me for years, I do have one qualm...
I personally can't help but feel sorry for people who wanted to grow up. I read the same books as you, and dreamed about the same adventures, but I can only recall sympathy for his desire to forever remain a child. (No clue why this is, mind, as Peter Pan has certainly always been among my least favorite heroes, but there it is.) And that desire still resonates with me as an adult. For the past several years I've wished even harder (in vain, naturally) to simply stop growing.
I always valued my childhood for what it was: a time of exploration, for my imagination. And I think that the reason that fantasy adventures always have resonated with me is because they appeal to the magic of possibility that defines childhood, and the heroes of such stories are sympathetic because we still believe along with them.
Peter Pan has the ability to live out his whims and dreams, however impetuous. While I can in no way support him as responsible, I think that's part of the point. If he was any less casually cruel or capricious, he wouldn't resemble real children as much. (He wouldn't resemble an Alzheimer's victim as much either, but that's another kettle of fish.)
And while that is, of course, the reason for the book's popularity... it also makes me think that perhaps another reason you don't like them is because you don't need anyone to remind you of possibility or wonder or magic. You find it damn well on your own, and are filled with more charm for it."
What are the thoughts of everyone reading this?
Do you view your own childhood positively or negatively? Would you have liked to forever remain a child? Did you look forwards to 'growing up'?
What's your exposure to the Peter Pan mythos? Do you enjoy the franchise (Disney or otherwise*)?
What sort of books did you like to read when you were younger? How did that reflect your personality and values? Have your tastes changed significantly?
*I personally read the authorised sequel, "Peter Pan in Scarlet" by Geraldine McCaughrean... But then again, I've had an impossible soft spot for her ever since first reading "The Pirate's Son". So.
ETA: Ergh, in retrospect, I come off as one of those troublesomely condescending religious proselytizers when I talk about my pity for people who didn't adore their childhoods. I'm sorry.
"While I agree fully with nearly every point you make, and deeply respect your ability to put into words things that have bothered me for years, I do have one qualm...
I personally can't help but feel sorry for people who wanted to grow up. I read the same books as you, and dreamed about the same adventures, but I can only recall sympathy for his desire to forever remain a child. (No clue why this is, mind, as Peter Pan has certainly always been among my least favorite heroes, but there it is.) And that desire still resonates with me as an adult. For the past several years I've wished even harder (in vain, naturally) to simply stop growing.
I always valued my childhood for what it was: a time of exploration, for my imagination. And I think that the reason that fantasy adventures always have resonated with me is because they appeal to the magic of possibility that defines childhood, and the heroes of such stories are sympathetic because we still believe along with them.
Peter Pan has the ability to live out his whims and dreams, however impetuous. While I can in no way support him as responsible, I think that's part of the point. If he was any less casually cruel or capricious, he wouldn't resemble real children as much. (He wouldn't resemble an Alzheimer's victim as much either, but that's another kettle of fish.)
And while that is, of course, the reason for the book's popularity... it also makes me think that perhaps another reason you don't like them is because you don't need anyone to remind you of possibility or wonder or magic. You find it damn well on your own, and are filled with more charm for it."
What are the thoughts of everyone reading this?
Do you view your own childhood positively or negatively? Would you have liked to forever remain a child? Did you look forwards to 'growing up'?
What's your exposure to the Peter Pan mythos? Do you enjoy the franchise (Disney or otherwise*)?
What sort of books did you like to read when you were younger? How did that reflect your personality and values? Have your tastes changed significantly?
*I personally read the authorised sequel, "Peter Pan in Scarlet" by Geraldine McCaughrean... But then again, I've had an impossible soft spot for her ever since first reading "The Pirate's Son". So.
ETA: Ergh, in retrospect, I come off as one of those troublesomely condescending religious proselytizers when I talk about my pity for people who didn't adore their childhoods. I'm sorry.