The Orbis

Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: Media Reviews

'Why Mommy is a Democrat'
by Jeremy Zilber
Illustrated by Yuliya Firsova

I do not think Democrats have ever been cuter than in Jeremy Zilber's "Why Mommy is a Democrat." In this literary gem, adorable squirrels try to explain Democratic policy to toddlers. The challenge of passing political and social ideals on to young children is one with which many Democrats may actually struggle, but this book does little more than reiterate broad notions of social responsibility in the service of political indoctrination.

Zilber's placid statements, such as "Democrats makes sure we always share our toys, just like Mommy does," should apply to anyone with a conscience, not just liberals. The book consists of several such broad statements. Accompanying the text are illustrations of Mommy squirrel demonstrating these ideals to her children. In the background of each illustration, the figure of a homeless man personifies America, apparently indicating that Democrats are aware of America's problems.

Despite its good intentions, the book reads like a joke. From the squirrels' disturbingly dead eyes to the basic conceit of indoctrinating toddlers, it all seems rather ridiculous. Other highlights include the personification of danger as a massive GOP-style elephant that destroys everything in its path and a liberal Mommy championing diversity by allowing her baby squirrels to play with hedgehogs and pink rabbits.

If I were a mom explaining to my children why I was a Democrat, I would feel a twinge of hypocrisy claiming that "Democrats make sure no one fights," knowing that most Democrats did indeed vote to authorize the use of force against Iraq and that our party's candidates are now involved in mudslinging debates. I would feel even worse claiming that "Democrats make sure we clean up our messes," when in fact Democrats in power have continued to worsen their mistakes by renewing the Patriot Act and not demanding for a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq, while at the same time not doing much to push for stricter environmental standards.

It is easy to write off Zilber's book as superficial indoctrination. I had to fight my inner cynic to see a certain value in "Why Mommy is a Democrat," but his simplistic message is certainly appealing. Just as I am drawn to the hopeful yet vague promises of Barack Obama, there is something comforting in the superficial flattery of this book. Zilber's idealism panders to Democrats' attraction to a world view that emphasizes the good versus bad, us versus them notion of partisan politics. However, it is also this simplicity that annoys me. It reminds me of my own concerns with the current state of the Democratic Party.

Continued...

Page 1 of 3 next >

Article Tools