I was appalled this A.M.!

[BethLS]

I let my two girls watch PBS...I figure out of everything thats on tv...pbs should be decent content....WRONG!

This morning, "Sid the Science Kid" airred. It was ALL about vaccines! The adults on the cartoon telling their kids how good and important it was, and then getting children to tell US (the viewers) to basically get the shot, because even if it hurts a little now, its better for the whole. HOLY CROW! Even my husband said, "I hope you didnt let Cyn and Scarlette watch it.." Uhh nooo! I was just too stunned! Big Pharma is taking this much too far...

I am livid! And Im writing PBS to give them a piece of my mind.

Any takers on how to approach the subject?

[Marnica]

I think you saw a repeat...this was discussed a while back

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...id+the+science

[Mama~Love]

There was a vaccine episode on Martha Speaks as well; Episode #123. Ugh! The girls love that show, and I explained to them why I didn't like that episode, and promptly deleted it.

[BethLS]

Sorry ladies, I didnt realize it was a repeat...first time I had seen it anyhow

I'm just fuming!! Dont mind me

[Chicky2]

My kids have a section on their online school about vaccines (pro vax). I actually thought it was a wonderful opportunity to talk to my kids about vaccines and about our views and why we don't vax. I don't really understand why you are so mad? I personally feel that my kids need to know that not everyone has the same viewpoint. I think it is healthy for them to know that and to be able to examine their own feelings about different, possibly controversial, topics.

[heathergirl67]

Originally Posted by BethLS

I let my two girls watch PBS...I figure out of everything thats on tv...pbs should be decent content....WRONG!

This morning, "Sid the Science Kid" airred. It was ALL about vaccines! The adults on the cartoon telling their kids how good and important it was, and then getting children to tell US (the viewers) to basically get the shot, because even if it hurts a little now, its better for the whole. HOLY CROW! Even my husband said, "I hope you didnt let Cyn and Scarlette watch it.." Uhh nooo! I was just too stunned! Big Pharma is taking this much too far...

I am livid! And Im writing PBS to give them a piece of my mind.

Any takers on how to approach the subject?

You think pharmaceutical companies are paying off the writers/producers of Sid the Science Kid?

[astra]

I am glad I saw this thread today. We have delayed vaccinating our son, but we recently moved to a state where they do not allow a personal beliefs exemption. We feel like we have no choice but follow the law here because we do not have a true religious belief against it, and our doctor will not give us a medical exemption.

He's scheduled to get a vaccination on Tuesday so I think watching these videos may help him prepare for it. He just turned 5 and has had no vaccinations since around 7 months old.

[Chicky2]

Originally Posted by astra

I am glad I saw this thread today. We have delayed vaccinating our son, but we recently moved to a state where they do not allow a personal beliefs exemption. We feel like we have no choice but follow the law here because we do not have a true religious belief against it, and our doctor will not give us a medical exemption.

He's scheduled to get a vaccination on Tuesday so I think watching these videos may help him prepare for it. He just turned 5 and has had no vaccinations since around 7 months old.

Surely there is a way around it? Have you posted specifically for advice on this if you really don't want to vax?

[Turquesa]

Originally Posted by heathergirl67

You think pharmaceutical companies are paying off the writers/producers of Sid the Science Kid?

Can't speak for the PP, but PBS unfortunately doesn't disclose its corporate sponsors. At least I couldn't find a list online. It would be in the viewers' interest to know either way.

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by astra

I am glad I saw this thread today. We have delayed vaccinating our son, but we recently moved to a state where they do not allow a personal beliefs exemption. We feel like we have no choice but follow the law here because we do not have a true religious belief against it, and our doctor will not give us a medical exemption.
He's scheduled to get a vaccination on Tuesday so I think watching these videos may help him prepare for it. He just turned 5 and has had no vaccinations since around 7 months old.

One can always find a "religious" belief. Religion and it's interpretation is different for everybody and open to interpretation.

[MyFillingQuiver]

Originally Posted by heathergirl67

You think pharmaceutical companies are paying off the writers/producers of Sid the Science Kid?

Uh, it's not that preposterous or absurd of an idea, actually. Our tax dollars directly fund PBS....and our tax dollars are lobbied for, by the billions, by big pharma, under the guise of "public health and safety" and "research". We don't have a say as to what programming is on, despite being at times, an unwitting participant to the programming.

The programming on PBS and it's children shows routinely focuses on environmental issues and public interest spots-presumably "funded" by interest groups. PBS has always been leaning more towards liberally minded programming-yet not far off from mainstream in a lot of ways.

Additionally, even privately held corporations such as NBC, CBS and ABC participated in "Green Week" recently-with all their shows devoting time to the global warming/climate change theory. I'm not thinking that any bandwagon, movement, issue or topic is too far removed from being programmed via tax or private dollars. Propaganda is certainly high on the list of our gov't and big pharma.

Oh, and as a disclaimer, this isn't aimed at being some political speech, as I do not belong to a republican or democrat ticket, and I'm a free thinker whose appalled at our gov't as a whole..just wanted to make sure that was clear.

[heathergirl67]

Originally Posted by MyFillingQuiver

Uh, it's not that preposterous or absurd of an idea, actually. Our tax dollars directly fund PBS....and our tax dollars are lobbied for, by the billions, by big pharma, under the guise of "public health and safety" and "research". We don't have a say as to what programming is on, despite being at times, an unwitting participant to the programming.

The programming on PBS and it's children shows routinely focuses on environmental issues and public interest spots-presumably "funded" by interest groups. PBS has always been leaning more towards liberally minded programming-yet not far off from mainstream in a lot of ways.

Additionally, even privately held corporations such as NBC, CBS and ABC participated in "Green Week" recently-with all their shows devoting time to the global warming/climate change theory. I'm not thinking that any bandwagon, movement, issue or topic is too far removed from being programmed via tax or private dollars. Propaganda is certainly high on the list of our gov't and big pharma.

Oh, and as a disclaimer, this isn't aimed at being some political speech, as I do not belong to a republican or democrat ticket, and I'm a free thinker whose appalled at our gov't as a whole..just wanted to make sure that was clear.

Or it could just be that they're trying to educate people about something that they believe in. Much like you and I would probably do if we had tv channels. I know it happens, but not everything has some big, evil reason behind it. And to think that pharma execs are paying off the Sid the Science kid writers.... sounds a little bit too conspiracy theory-esque for me.

[ammiga]

Originally Posted by astra

I am glad I saw this thread today. We have delayed vaccinating our son, but we recently moved to a state where they do not allow a personal beliefs exemption. We feel like we have no choice but follow the law here because we do not have a true religious belief against it, and our doctor will not give us a medical exemption.

He's scheduled to get a vaccination on Tuesday so I think watching these videos may help him prepare for it. He just turned 5 and has had no vaccinations since around 7 months old.

Given what I believe about vaccines, there is no way that my god wants me injecting those substances into my body or my child.

I think there are many ways to apply a personal conviction to religious convictions. I think the line between philosophical and religious beliefs are very interwoven, and to try to separate them is nearly impossible. Does my religion specifically prohibit the practice of vaccination? No. Does my religion put it upon me to take the best care of my children possible and protect them from harm? Yes. Do I think that vaccinating my children is putting them in harm's way? Absolutely. And I believe in my religion's approach to family and care for those who depend on me. Therefore, my religion prohibits me from vaccinating myself or my children.

[ammiga]

Originally Posted by heathergirl67

Or it could just be that they're trying to educate people about something that they believe in. Much like you and I would probably do if we had tv channels. I know it happens, but not everything has some big, evil reason behind it. And to think that pharma execs are paying off the Sid the Science kid writers.... sounds a little bit too conspiracy theory-esque for me.

There was a post on here when this episode first aired that talked about the government using PBS as a way to talk to children about vaccines, with links for references. I can never find what I am looking for when I use the search feature on this site, but maybe you or someone else will have better luck.

If you believe that the pharmaceutical/vaccine companies have their hands a little too deep in the government and other large decision making bodies, like several large governing bodies are starting to think, you can start to connect the dots.

[MyFillingQuiver]

Originally Posted by heathergirl67

Or it could just be that they're trying to educate people about something that they believe in. Much like you and I would probably do if we had tv channels. I know it happens, but not everything has some big, evil reason behind it. And to think that pharma execs are paying off the Sid the Science kid writers.... sounds a little bit too conspiracy theory-esque for me.

So your claim is that PBS does not receive gov't funds, which are dispersed to various organizations based on where the current administration, congress and lobbyists see fit, and that pharmaceutical companies and representative of the health care industries (See SEIU) do not play a part in that dispensation of funds?

Whether or not you think that it is "conspiracy theory-esque" or not, does not change where the funds for PBS come from. The gov't (taxpayers) pay for PBS and the programming therein. Someone controls that programming, and as usual, money talks. I haven't seen any fair discussion or programming about vaccine injury on PBS or any other major network, but seen plenty of ads for gardisil, and AdCouncil (taxpayer funded) ads about vaccine necessity. Do they have motives? That's for the viewer to decide, but I don't think believing that there is a pro-vax motive out there in media is unreasonable or conspiracy theorist, whatsoever.

We saw that episode, and as anti-vax as I am, we used it to talk about choices, and what the gov't would like us all to do, and why we don't do it.

[Jaesun's Dad]

We saw that episode, and as anti-vax as I am, we used it to talk about choices, and what the gov't would like us all to do, and why we don't do it.

That sounds like a very mature, responsible and appropriate approach. Kudos.

[heathergirl67]

Originally Posted by MyFillingQuiver

So your claim is that PBS does not receive gov't funds, which are dispersed to various organizations based on where the current administration, congress and lobbyists see fit, and that pharmaceutical companies and representative of the health care industries (See SEIU) do not play a part in that dispensation of funds?

Nope, I never made that claim.

Originally Posted by MyFillingQuiver

Whether or not you think that it is "conspiracy theory-esque" or not, does not change where the funds for PBS come from. The gov't (taxpayers) pay for PBS and the programming therein. Someone controls that programming, and as usual, money talks. I haven't seen any fair discussion or programming about vaccine injury on PBS or any other major network, but seen plenty of ads for gardisil, and AdCouncil (taxpayer funded) ads about vaccine necessity. Do they have motives? That's for the viewer to decide, but I don't think believing that there is a pro-vax motive out there in media is unreasonable or conspiracy theorist, whatsoever.

We saw that episode, and as anti-vax as I am, we used it to talk about choices, and what the gov't would like us all to do, and why we don't do it.

Most people believe that vaccines are safe and helpful. So they'd want to share that knowledge with others to make their lives better. That's another reason you'd see pro-vax stuff in mainstream media. Could it be that someone's getting paid off? Sure. But I think it's alarmist to believe that that's what's happening every single time anyone expresses an opinion about anything.

[SubliminalDarkness]

I agree that jumping to the conclusion that the makers of the show are being paid off is a stretch. It's possible, sure. But it's also possible that the makers of the show feel that vaccinations are important. I mean, heck, they did a show on measurement. Who "paid them off" for that one? A ruler company?

[MyFillingQuiver]

As funny as people think this subject is-in comparing teaching children measurements to teaching them that they must be vaccinated to be healthy, I think it's a bit more serious than that.

We are dealing with an issue that has been a situation of parental rights and responsibility of health care choices being removed across our nation. I don't think it's the gov't job to educate my children in a way that plenty of evidence proves is wrong...ie: "you have to be vaccinated to be healthy".

They can teach kids about measurements or colors or counting, or all the other things that parents think are good building blocks. Teaching children that vaccinations are something people do to stay healthy is fine, but it will tick off a very small minority of people. As we all know, you can't please everyone, anyway. I think it's agenda filled, but obviously others don't think there is any motivation other than good stuff-and that's OK, too. I don't like it, but there are a lot of things in the world we disagree with-I choose to try to show love, by teaching our children about the choices of others, and how we should be thankful we have some freedoms to choose differently.

[Jugs]

Yeah, we accidentally caught that episode again, too. Much to my surprise, my 5-year-old came and informed me the he "needs a vaccination to feel healthy" Obviously he has no recollection of how serious his reactions were, let alone the years it took to reverse as much of the damage as possible. I told him that some people get vaccines and some don't, that we don't "need" them to be healthy, and that some people, like him, get very very sick from vaccinations.