Friday, April 25, 2003

My new favorite TV show

Michele has reported that this is “TV turnoff week”. She will not be participating (shock!) and neither will I.

In particular I would not be able to give up my new favorite show Liberty’s Kids.

This show rocks! Particularly in light of the fact that it is a show designed to teach 8-12 year olds about the American Revolution. Heck – the show is even on PBS, bastion of liberal preachyness.

What I really like about Liberty’s Kids is the fact that they are teaching children about the US fight for independence. In the process young children are being exposed to the great leaders, thinkers and events that shaped the creation of our nation.

The protagonists in the show are a fictional boy and girl who are apprentice journalists working for Ben Franklin. The boy, James, is a hotheaded believer in the American cause. The girl, Sarah, considers herself a loyal British subject and is uncertain about the wisdom of revolution.

One feature that is particularly appealing about this show is that they often state the importance of getting both sides of every story – perhaps this show should be required viewing at all major journalism schools. Additionally, I really love the fact that the show quotes directly from documents of the time. Two days ago Thomas Paine's Common Sense was quoted extensively and yesterday the selections from the Declaration of Independence was read. Any time that these important documents are presented in popular culture, particularly to children, is an absolute good in my eyes.

If you get a chance to watch Liberty’s Kids you should check it out. I have to admit that I have learned from this show and you might also and I bet you will be entertained as well.

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