We’ve all seen this cartoon circulating around the social webs. It’s hilarious and it definitely hits home for many people, on either side of the story that’s playing out here. Personally, it pisses me off. Why? Because the narrative that it’s suggesting is inherently and fundamentally incorrect.
This cartoon could be read two ways. It has been used by many of my single girlfriends as a justification of how much better their lives are without children; that they can go on free-spirited adventures without feeling tied down by responsibilities to a family. I think it could also be read that the couple think that lady with no pants is totally insane and they feel justified how much better their lives are that it’s grounded and stable. Both of these points of view, in my mind, are flawed. Yes, singles everywhere can “follow the goose” anytime they want to, but do they? I think the underlying truth there is that more of them wish they could do this, that they felt free and secure enough in themselves, by themselves, to wear a top hat and undies and follow Mrs. Goose wherever she may go. The other side is that the family wishes they could do the same. I think the underlying truth of this cartoon is that both parties involved here wish they could, put simply, be more free.
My suggestion is this update:
In this second frame, the whole family, along with the kids, join in the fun.
The main reason this cartoon upsets me is that why wouldn’t the family want to follow the goose with their children? Isn’t that what childhood is about? The wonder of nature, the adventure of watching and following a fellow creature, the fun of imagination and pretending are all wrapped up in this simple concept. If they did follow the goose, maybe, like Alice, they would end up in Wonderland and a whole world of a story could open up and take place right there in the park.
Alice followed the White Rabbit in her imagination and discovered a world that was “curiouser and curiouser.” Her journey in many ways is a metaphor for childhood as well as an epic Joseph Campbell hero’s journey. She was tested in a variety of ways, she questioned her motives and her actions, she learned something from her time in Wonderland and her world became ever more so varied and rich because of her dream.
Why not take the chance in the park with these children in the cartoon to offer them something as rich and fulfilling to their imaginal worlds too? Following the goose in funny outfits is play and joy and fun. It helps foster a human being that appreciates the natural world outside of them as well as the fantastical world inside of them.
And I can feel someone reading this, who has children, thinking in their mind right at this point that I am being idealistic and have no idea the pressures of having children etc. etc. While I don’t have a child right now, I hope to have one in my life soon as my husband and I are excited to be in a place in our lives where we can welcome one into our family. I can empathize with the struggles of raising children, of the pressure of school, of the social strata in place that criticizes mothering at every turn no matter what you do, how much money and time children are and how hard it is to ever have a moment to yourself when you have them. Yes, I understand and I am sure I will understand when I am in those shoes as well even more. But I feel it in my bones that taking time for imagination, for fun, for play, for silliness, for following geese, for being with nature and for wearing silly outfits is absolutely the most important thing for children to experience. That side of their lives is what makes them whole humans, helps them manage their emotions and aids them in becoming functional and socially integrated adults. Education, math, computers, whatever. All of that is important in this world we live in and of course I am not advocating that be neglected. But the sad story this cartoon reveals is that I am not sure that living a full life of expression and joy is happening for many people, on either side of this story.
My remedy is: don the silly outfit and follow the goose together. So much could be learned, gained and lived in just a few moments of fun and laughter. And even more important, so much could be gained from doing that together with a friend, whichever side of this narrative you are on.