I really hadn't noticed how much the children's retail industry had a corner on the Noah's Ark market until I started preparing for little Gwen's arrival and receiving shower gifts with that lovable boat and animal theme. But it wasn't until after I gave birth that it struck me how bizarre the whole connection is between children and the Ark.
And this isn't at all, one single bit, a slight on those kind folks who generously gave us Noah's Ark themed baby gifts, it's just that I never really thought about it until now. Perhaps you're wondering, "What's she talking about? Cute animals go into a cute boat two by two and there's a rainbow at the end of the story. That's the perfect recipe for PJ prints and crib bumpers" (which I have-- and use-- both of). But think about the story thus:
God sees wickedness all over the world (except for Noah and his fam).
God sends a flood to DESTROY THE EARTH and all its vileness.
Noah, fam and animals are lock-boxed up in a giant, floating would-be coffin to evade the disaster.
And yes there's a redemptive promise at the end, but it boggles my mind how not only that someone created a pink, fuzzy rendition of probably the most horrific event in all of world history, but that we all eat it up (and pay good money for it, too)! It's a wonder small children who are exposed to this dichotomy don't have some sort of breakdown whenever they go to the zoo.
The next thing you know we'll be dressing up the devil in a little red jumpsuit and stick a pitchfork in his hand. Now there's something to market.
Actually I dont think thats the focus of it - at least that is the negative focus on it but its overlooking the positive side as well. It also symbolizes a second chance, a new beginning, a new life. It represents overcoming adversity - perhaps the biggest one of all, and acts as an example of "one man's" overcoming of it, to a degree.
ReplyDeleteSo Id like to think that the childrens market sees this as a positive lesson to be learned, and in a very very very early stage way, helps teach the wee ones theres a male/female pair to everything... so its instructional on a scientific level too lol cant beat that, right?
The devil comment... well... lol
Actually dont they already do that? In other 'markets'? Indeed I remember the old pizza commercials from the 80s... it was geared towards children and their claymation character (I think) was a blue devil.
I do have to wonder aloud though, see God teaches us to love all, and that is the greatest thing. That includes loving your enemy. That means, even if you are not accepting of their actions, you send them love, and that includes the red man himself. Indeed there are countless stories I have heard in the past in regards to this kind of thing, where the only way they overcame their strife was by learning how to love their enemy. When it comes to the metaphysical, spiritual realm, they cannot handle the power of love and must leave.
But in no way does this mean I think they should be marketing devils to children.
I think you're right about the focus being on the positive, I just think it's weird when you think about the other side of the ark coin in the children's toy section.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Satan is definitely just another plush toy in the eyes of the world-- at least the western world. The Bible is clear that Christians are to love their enemies, but it also says to hate what is evil (Romans 12:9), and it plainly says that Satan is the "evil one" (Ephesians 6:16), so believers are given not only leeway but the responsibility to hate him and everything he stands for.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12)
But why in the world do secular companies market a religiously themed product. You just can't connect a big boat with animals two by two to anything other than a Bible story!!!
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