 |
|
May 24, 2012
Jeff Jacoby: The peace process battered Israel's reputation
Michael Muskal: 'Pro-choice' position hits record low, according to poll
Chris Farrell: Are We in a Tech Bubble?
The Kosher Gourmet by Penelope Wall: PHILLY CHEESE STEAKS --- hold the steak!
May 23, 2012
Tony Pugh: More private colleges offering tuition discounts
Mary Beth Franklin: How to Choose the Right Annuity for You
Tina Susman: The wig wasn't enough: Man gets 13 years for posing as his dead mom
The Kosher Gourmet by Emma Christensen:A simple way to do fish right
May 22, 2012
Warren Richey: Can US group challenge overseas surveillance act? Supreme Court to decide
Thomas M. Anderson: Walking Away From a Mortgage
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: Enjoy a celebration of the most rich and layered flavors: Black bean, sweet potato and quinoa chili
May 21, 2012
Mark Clayton: Cybersecurity: How US utilities passed up chance to protect their networks
Howard LaFranchi: NATO summit: Who will foot the bill for long-term Afghanistan security?
Chris Farrell : Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Stephen Whiteside, Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Social anxiety disorder --- or just shy?
Guy Jackson : Victim's father regrets death of Lockerbie bomber
The Kosher Gourmet by Mario Batali: Famed chef's veal shoulder farsumagru: A festive meat course for late spring
May 18, 2012
Rabbi Berel Wein: Striving: The People of the Book's Book for (All of) the People
Steven Goldberg: 5 Great Stock Picks and the Exchange-Traded Fund that Owns Them
Mary Pickett, M.D.: Ask the Harvard Experts: Don't be forced into gluten-free lifestyle based merely on a doctor's false-positive test
The Kosher Gourmet by Carolyn Malcoun: DIY healthy lunchbox treats: HOMEMADE FRUIT BARS for kids and brown-bagging adults alike
May 17, 2012
Warren Richey: Teacher fired for being unwed and pregnant can sue religious school, court rules
Josh Mitnick: Netanyahu's 'centrist' coalition is already proving it's anything but
Steven Goldberg: Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Amina Khan: Research links coffee to lower death rates
The Kosher Gourmet by Faith Duran : Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole with Cheddar and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
May 16, 2012
Carmen Terzic, M.D., Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: A variety of exercises can help improve balance
Melissa Healy: National strategy on Alzheimer's disease aims to halt it by 2025
The Kosher Gourmet by Joyce White : GOODNESS GRACIOUS: GREENS! 4 winning recipes that are no longer just for down-home folks (Includes expert tips & techniques)
May 15, 2012
Kristen Chick: Obama administration resumes arms sales to Bahrain despite serious unresolved human rights issues. Activists feel abandoned
Pat Mertz Esswein: Homes are now affordable again and mortgage rates are low. What you need to know before you buy
Kathy Kristof: Our Practical Investor Fights Inflation with These 6 Investments
Sue Hubbard, M.D.: The Kid's Doctor: Lactose intolerant young child? Check again
The Kosher Gourmet by Kathy Hunt: Spread a Little Excitement with EXOTIC CONDIMENTS (4 RECIPES)
May 14, 2012
Lisa Gerstner: How to Protect Your Identity, Finances If You Lose Your Phone
Harvard Health Letters: Heart disease and dementia
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: MANGO COCONUT OAT MORNING MUFFINS are a bright but hearty delight
May 11, 2012
Jessica L. Anderson: Get the Best Deal on a Used Car
Jett Stone: Forget face-lifts and fake knees. Scientists have seen the fountain of youth --- and it's broccoli
The Kosher Gourmet by Chef Mario Batali: The famed chef's vegetable dish that tastes true to the season: FAVAS AND SUGAR SNAP PEAS WITH POTATOES AND TARRAGON
May 10, 2012
Sergei L. Loiko: Putin sends warning to U.S., NATO in Victory Day speech at Red Square
Mary Rourke: How being a 'mentch' got Vidal Sasoon his start and fighting in Israel's War of Independence provided him with confidence and a strong sense of his own identity
Jeff Bertolucci: Get Home Phone Service for Less Than $10 a Month
The Kosher Gourmet by Betty Rosbottom: Gleaming with its golden, crimson, and snowy white hues, this silken smooth and creamy STRAWBERRY ORANGE TRIFLE looks impressive, but is easy to prepare
May 9, 2012
Sharon Palmer, R.D. How you can reduce your risk -- or delay -- chronic diseases associated with aging
|
| |
Jewish World Review
Nov. 23, 2007
/ 13 Kislev, 5768
A world mom hoped to avoid
By Marybeth Hicks
| 
|
|
|
|
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
I'm thinking my daughter pulled a fast one on me. Somehow, she created the perfect storm of sympathy and opportunity to get around my house rule against Webkinz.
How do I know I've been had?
In a stunning coincidence — if not a profound twist of fate — all five guests at Amy's sleepover birthday party last weekend happened to proffer gifts of Webkinz stuffed animals, the cute, furry pals who come complete with a secret code to access the online Webkinz World community.
At www.webkinz.com, children create an identity for their plush toys who virtually "come to life," inhabiting a home that is furnished and decorated by their owners. Children also feed and care for their pets (virtually, of course) in an effort to keep them healthy and happy. There's more, but let's get back to the birthday party.
One after the other, Amy opened her birthday presents with wide-eyed glee. "A Webkinz! I can't believe it." Then, "Another Webkinz! Wow!" Then, "Oh my gosh this is amazing. Another Webkinz." And again. And again.
Incredibly, all five were different — no repeats — leading me to believe Amy not only "suggested" to her friends that they give her the plush toys, but perhaps she even specified which animal each girl should bring.
OK, that's a little cynical. I'm just saying.
For a ten-year-old to receive Webkinz for her birthday isn't remarkable. Near as I can figure, Amy is the only girl in the Western world who didn't already have one (or more likely, a collection).
What's noteworthy is that I don't — or didn't — allow Webkinz. I don't want to sound an alarm, but I actually believe Webkinz will turn out to be one of the principal factors in the ultimate dismantling of civilization as we know it.
OK, maybe I do want to sound an alarm.
The whole point of Webkinz is to drive their owners to the internet to develop two lifelong habits of behavior: online social networking and online shopping.
Apparently, it won't do to wait until the next generation reaches middle school to indoctrinate adolescents into the world of internet life. Webkinz reaches down to kindergarten (or younger) to snag new consumers and train them up in the way they should go (to spend money and join chat rooms).
Perhaps you're confused, since I didn't really convey Webkinz World as a dangerous internet site. It may seem safe enough, but it's dangerous precisely because it's insidious.
When a new user signs onto Webkinz and "adopts" her new pet, she automatically gets $2000 in Kinzcash. This is the currency that allows her to shop till she drops for new pet sweaters, designer pet beds and chocolate covered kibble. (I made that last thing up — I have no idea if there is chocolate kibble bit I wouldn't be surprised).
The games in Webkinz World all are intended to build your balance of Kinzcash. The site's frequently asked questions even have rules against the corrupt collecting of Kinzcash because sadly, little children must be using their advanced computer skills to beat the Webkinz World bank.
Worse than the shopping jones you can develop as a child, Webkinz World offers a "Clubhouse" where children may use the "acclaimed" KinzChat System to communicate online with friends. KinzChat lets children send pre-constructed messages from chat menus, and in this "safe" zone, children don't need permission to participate. KinzChat Plus is a bit more freewheeling — children can send personal messages, though only using words and phrases contained in the Webkinz dictionary (which exludes numbers, proper names and mean words such as "punch.")
With five new Webkinz in her possession, Amy may think she got around my objections to this "multi-media" toy. After all, she accurately predicted I wouldn't be so heartless as to confiscate her birthday gifts. (Even a committed culture warrior draws the line at birthday presents).
But I'm not giving up the fight.
Instead, while we're going along with some limited access to Webkinz World, we're going in with a critical and watchful eye. Amy's going to have to learn some media literacy — such as how to discern when she's being manipulated — and if playing in Webkinz World ultimately promotes attitudes and behaviors in our daughter we don't like, they'll be a price to pay.
And we don't accept KinzCash.
Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
JWR contributor Marybeth Hicks, a wife of 20 years and mother of four children, lives in the Midwest. She uses her column to share her perspective on issues and experiences that shape families nationwide.
To comment, please click here.
Archives
© 2007, Marybeth Hicks
|
