“McCay, and most of his audience, was of a more working-class background and no doubt found ‘modern’ child indulgence absurd.”
And this was decades before Dr. Spock’s book gave rise to the “exalt the child” parents whose progeny were/are far more indulged than they ever were in 1905 (and hasn’t THAT worked out just great?).
Recently read that in her senior years Laura Ingalls Wilder felt that “the kids of today” were too spoiled and wealthy—during the years of the Great Depression.
People have always fawned on little babies, responding to the hardwired appeal of neonatal features. Dr. Spock was, perhaps, revolutionary in suggesting that actual children (not infants) were sort of like people.
I always feel sorry for Henrietta. Sad, traumatized kid seeking solace in food.
I just wish they would be kind enough to print the text for the panels in a readable font somewhere. Even with a blown up page and using the magnifier on my computer, I cannot make out the words. Makes this much less interesting and I may drop it.
Guilty Bystander over 10 years ago
“McCay, and most of his audience, was of a more working-class background and no doubt found ‘modern’ child indulgence absurd.”
And this was decades before Dr. Spock’s book gave rise to the “exalt the child” parents whose progeny were/are far more indulged than they ever were in 1905 (and hasn’t THAT worked out just great?).
SKJAM! Premium Member over 10 years ago
Recently read that in her senior years Laura Ingalls Wilder felt that “the kids of today” were too spoiled and wealthy—during the years of the Great Depression.
Neo Stryder over 10 years ago
It reminds me Little Lotta from Harvey Comics.
Kip W over 10 years ago
People have always fawned on little babies, responding to the hardwired appeal of neonatal features. Dr. Spock was, perhaps, revolutionary in suggesting that actual children (not infants) were sort of like people.
I always feel sorry for Henrietta. Sad, traumatized kid seeking solace in food.
backrubber over 10 years ago
I just wish they would be kind enough to print the text for the panels in a readable font somewhere. Even with a blown up page and using the magnifier on my computer, I cannot make out the words. Makes this much less interesting and I may drop it.