By Lois E. Wilson
The valuable learning tools of history, courtesy of Mother Goose and other nursery rhymes, help shape who we are with instructive messages. But now…
Mother Goose has been indicted.
We can’t help; we’re not invited.
Cancel Culture banned defenses.
Here’s their list of her offenses:
Jack goes first; he’s sexist and rude.
Jill’s a victim—so Jack exclude.
Miss Muffet (arachnophobiac)—
PETA says, “Bring the spider back!”
Jack Horner has no etiquette.
Eating with fingers they won’t let.
Peter keeps his wife in a shell.
Spouse abuse? They’ll ban him as well.
Woman in the shoe—a daft wife,
It’s clear she roots for Right to Life.
Baa, baa black sheep is out of wool—
Exploited by his owner’s goal.
There’s always one more nursery rhyme
To find fault with—just give them time.
About the verdict they don’t worry;
They’re self-appointed judge and jury.
Cancel Culture hopes to hide it.
In secret they will decide it.
The verses of Mother Goose and most other nursery rhymes have a message. Many of the messages are positive and instructive. They can be a valuable resource. Read the rhymes with children, point out the messages, and discuss them. You are likely to learn something. Best of all, you will probably grow closer in understanding each other and what is expected in your relationship. Remember, reading a rhyme is not a crime!