Kid Culture: Children and Adults and Popular Culture

Christine Linge is a Toronto-based freelance writer.

The author acknowledges that “this book consists of my own
observations thoughts and (in the opinion of some) cockamamie
theories.” Yet her compelling arguments on the effect of popular
culture on children are not only grounded in numerous “stimulating and
delightful connections” with children, but also cross-referenced to 68
footnoted quotations and bolstered by an extensive bibliography and
index. Although these are the earmarks of a scholarly work,
McDonnell’s engaging prose and dry humor make this book a page-turner.


In addressing the issues that concern today’s parents (e.g., Should I
give my child a Barbie/military toy? How does the violence kids see
affect them?), McDonnell explores the dynamics of popular culture and
helps us see the situation from the child’s perspective. She posits
the existence of a modern phenomenon called “Kid Culture,” wherein
contemporary childhood is indelibly shaped by the popular media.
However, McDonnell’s overall approach is balanced and nonalarmist: she
perceives a resilience and adaptability in the child’s subculture that
allows children to manipulate the objects and entertainments provided by
mass media, parents, and educators, applying them in positive ways of
their own invention.

A significant portion of the book is devoted to gender-equity issues,
as the author (a mother of two girls) acknowledges in the first chapter.
While parents of boys may derive further insight into the question of
media violence from an understanding of the industry’s attitude toward
the sexes, some may feel that the book does not resonate with the same
“personal touch” when dealing with boys’ issues.

Kid Culture is a parenting manual, a sociology text, and a personal
philosophy rolled into one. The many appropriate and intriguing
quotations give dimension to the author’s heartfelt arguments.
McDonnell’s optimism and clarity of vision will bolster parents who
feel overwhelmed by the wealth of conflicting opinions on children’s
culture. These parents may then find new resolve in the ongoing struggle
to understand children and their culture. Highly recommended.