site banner

Small-Scale Question Sunday for September 11, 2022

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

12
Jump in the discussion.

No email address required.

I remember reading a study that the usual cartoon approach to teaching ethics doesn't work on children: when the asshole character spends most of the airtime being an asshole, loses in the end, says he's learnt his lesson and is forgiven by the goody two shoes, the kids see that you can have a lot of fun being an asshole with no real repercussions. Something like Sesame Street that has no assholes is actually better at teaching ethics.

Does anyone know what I'm talking about and have a link to it?

I'm pretty sure I remember reading about this study in Emily Oster's book, Cribsheet. I especially recall "Arthur" being called out for having this dynamic.

Sounds like the work of Professor Ostrov, specifically here and here.

I’m guessing you’re not talking about the Rick and Morty crusader from last week’s CW thread.

This reminds me of that canadian show with the bald kid named Caillou that literally ruined a generation of children by teaching them how to whine as annoyingly as possible to get their way. Actual info-hazard if I've ever seen one.

This comment makes me sad, because Caillou is flippin' adorable and the one thing in French I can actually keep up with... but you're not wrong. :(