Is it a bird, is it a plane... nope, it’s a small bear in a hat and coat causing havoc in London. Paddington, the film adaptation of the 70s book and TV show, proved a huge hit in cinemas recently, but found itself taking a surprisingly political angle. For a film released at the same time as UKIP’s surge in support, Paddington had an overtly pro-immigration message (Paddington, as you know, is from deepest, darkest, Peru), stressing harmony among diversity and acceptance among difference.
| Fireman Sam Sam bravely fights against cuts to the fire service budget, but a lack of weekend crews means Bella Lasagne’s cat stays stuck up a tree for the entire weekend. |
| Poddington Peas The government’s insistence on five fruit and veg a day puts the peas’ existence under threat. The newly revamped series only lasts two episodes, by which time all the peas are eaten. |
| Postman Pat The privatisation of the Post Office ups Pat’s workload, while cutting his wages. The villagers grow angry as packages continue to be delivered late and eventually switch over to UPS and Parcelforce. |
| In the night garden The night garden is paved over in an attempt to provide more social housing. |
To think about:
How can your children’s ministry be more inclusive, irrespective of background?
What can you do to improve social cohesion in your community?
Are you exposing the children you work with to other expressions of faith and culture? How could you do this?
