Glenn Beck, a conservative political commentator who appears regularly on CNN Headline News, recently welcomed U.S. children’s book author Ted Bell to his show, in order to sing the praises of Bell’s new adventure title, Nick of Time. However, it seems clear from the lack of interest Beck shows in Bell that the whole point of the interview is simply to expound on the need for more manly books for boys.
“Try to find a book today that’s aimed at young male readers – they are emasculating!” says Beck. “They’re no longer about values, or virtue, or the spirit of adventure, or sticking up for your little sister or yourself. [...] When was the last time the heroine did not save the brother, but the brother stood up and saved the girl? It doesn’t happen anymore.”
You can see the full, inane interview here.
As an aside, at one point Bell observes that, when he was growing up, “we had Treasure Island, Captain Blood – all those wonderful adventures. We don’t have them anymore.” To which we respond: what the %#*&^? Those books were published in the late 1800s. They weren’t remotely his generation’s books. And last time we checked, those books are still around, and still being read by appreciative youngsters.
I was surprised at MacDonald’s comments on the Beck/Bell interview. He refers to the interview as inane, yet his response: “To which we respond: what the %#*&^?” is the epitome of inane. Usually it’s illiterate people who don’t know how to put together a rational sentence that respond this way. If you don’t agree with someone, just say so in a sensible manner, explaining your objections, without seeming like an illiterate moron.
Beck and Bell were only voicing a contention real men have these days with the effeminate sway of modern society. MacDonald’s objection seems to be over nothing more than a couple of men supporting more masculine reading material and masculine values (such terrible things aren’t they?).
And FYI, Captain Blood was first published in 1922, easily obtainable information what with the internet and all. Not only can’t MacDonald be bothered to make an intelligent comment on the interview, he also can’t be bothered to check easily verifiable information.
If Quill & Quire are paying this guy for his work they should hire someone else.
I believe MacDonald replies “what the %#*&^?” because that makes for damn funny reading.
I haven’t checked books for boys lately, but if it’s anything like trying to find a husband on a sitcom who’s even half as competent as his wife, it could be tough.