So That's Why

I just had an epiphany.  I was commenting on M L M's post identifying Mickey Rooney.  For younger readers, Mickey Rooney starred in a wide variety of musicals with Judy Garland and others.

I've always loved musicals. My parents must have, too, because we watched many when I was young. Many of them were kids putting on a show to raise funds for whatever it was they needed.

One of the things I didn't like about public schools was how many times the children were selling products. (I know private schools do, too. I've bought plenty of chocolates and other items) At one time I told a group that I felt like a full-time fundraiser. My kids were 4 years apart so they were generally in different schools. It seemed like between his school and her school, sports and girl scouts, we were always hawking products.

I always thought that events that allowed the children to show their talents would have been better than selling more over-priced items. Talent shows, art shows, plays, that sort of things would have been more beneficial. My Eureka! moment was the realization that the early musicals in my life taught me, "Let's do a show!" was the answer.

I've always thought that commercials didn't have much effect on me. Now I realize that TV shows I watched more than 50 years ago shaped my beliefs without my knowledge. Ummmm, got to wonder.