The header says it all, really. It's how the world was ordered. Mother was at home, keeping house, looking after the kids, being a good mummy. Father was at work - somewhere, bringing home the bacon.
The simple, orderly world of the fifties and early sixties. A world of male power establishment.
The 'Woodentops' represented a secure, nuclear family, acted out by unashamedly wooden puppets. There were grandparents, parents and kids. 'And the biggest spotty dog you ever did see.' Everyone knew their place and everyone understood their obligations and responsibilities. This wasn't just an entertainment for children, it was a lesson in moral and social guidance. The 'Woodentops' were role models.
Quaintly out of date by today's production values, they are equally out of date in terms of social and moral values too. For good or ill - and mostly ill - a ruthless, feminist left-wing agenda has sought to destroy the nuclear family as a symptom of chauvinistic paternalism. It has freed women to pursue their own selfish ends.
And the effect upon kids? Well; you'll know that the next time you're mugged.
The simple, orderly world of the fifties and early sixties. A world of male power establishment.
The 'Woodentops' represented a secure, nuclear family, acted out by unashamedly wooden puppets. There were grandparents, parents and kids. 'And the biggest spotty dog you ever did see.' Everyone knew their place and everyone understood their obligations and responsibilities. This wasn't just an entertainment for children, it was a lesson in moral and social guidance. The 'Woodentops' were role models.
Quaintly out of date by today's production values, they are equally out of date in terms of social and moral values too. For good or ill - and mostly ill - a ruthless, feminist left-wing agenda has sought to destroy the nuclear family as a symptom of chauvinistic paternalism. It has freed women to pursue their own selfish ends.
And the effect upon kids? Well; you'll know that the next time you're mugged.