When my daughter developed an interest in the Berenstain Bears, I couldn’t help but feel responsible. My own fond memories of the series, tied to the cozy atmosphere of my childhood library, led me to buy her one book after another as she turned three. As I shared those stories with her, I was struck by the themes of family and friendship, but also horrified by the outdated gender roles portrayed. I’m not alone in this perspective; many have pointed out the regressive nature of these tales, as highlighted in a recent article by Emma Thompson in The Daily Chronicle.
For those unfamiliar with the series, here’s a brief overview: Mama Bear is the one who manages the household while Papa Bear often seems clueless and counterproductive to her parenting efforts. His ineptitude becomes a source of frustration for Mama Bear, especially when she decides to stop cleaning out of frustration only to find the house in disarray, complete with creepy crawlies and messes everywhere. Throughout all this, Mama Bear still manages to vacuum “once in a while.”
In what seems to be an attempt to modernize the narrative, Mama Bear does have a job in one book—running a quilt shop—but that plot point is short-lived. She also runs for mayor but again, this only lasts a single book. These instances underscore the anxiety and sacrifices that the family endures, which could have been avoided if Mama Bear had stayed home.
Beyond the problematic gender dynamics, other issues arise too. Many of the stories prioritize conformity over individuality. For example, in “The Berenstain Bears and The Messy Room,” the emphasis is on being tidy and well-behaved above all else. And the character Too Tall, whom my daughter found amusing, represents the “bad kid” archetype, coming from a family that owns a junkyard.
Despite these flaws, the Berenstain Bears series captured a significant audience during its peak and remains a part of our cultural narrative. There’s even a fascinating internet conspiracy involving the notion of BerenstAin Bears versus BerenstEin Bears as a reflection of parallel realities. Recently, a meme surfaced on Reddit that is even more overtly problematic than the original “The New Neighbors,” depicting the Bear family gazing at their new, different neighbors—a panda family—now wearing masks. While this meme is unsettling, I’ve found myself pondering what a Berenstain Bears book would look like in the context of today’s pandemic, which my daughter refers to as “these times.”
I often wonder, would Mama Bear have to persuade Papa Bear and the cubs to wear masks? Given the values espoused in the series, which emphasize community and helping others, it’s hard to believe they would be resistant. My daughter, now five and knowledgeable about the Bears, suggests they would simply quarantine in their treehouse and order groceries.
So let’s envision a scene where Brother and Sister Bear are engaged in remote learning, while Mama Bear manages the household as well as her kids and Baby Honey. We can assume Papa Bear would be of little assistance, likely distracting the kids or increasing the TV volume during their lessons. However, Mama Bear wouldn’t pressure her children to get on Zoom for class, even if they were upset about missing out on other activities.
She would impart the value of learning online, ensuring her daughter was muted on Zoom to avoid any mishaps. She wouldn’t be overwhelmed during virtual Back-to-School night, nor would she succumb to frustrations like hoarding toilet paper or snapping at others.
Yet, even the perfect Mama Bear has her limits. Under the stress of the pandemic, she might start to feel worn down. Women, in particular, have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. While the virus itself tends to favor men regarding health outcomes, women have faced significant economic fallout. The McKinsey Global Institute reported that women lost jobs at nearly double the rate of men, largely due to childcare responsibilities. According to The Daily Chronicle, one in four women who became unemployed cited a lack of childcare as the reason—twice the rate for men.
The National Bureau of Economic Research predicts that the pandemic will exacerbate the gender wage gap in favor of men, while women continue to shoulder the burden of homeschooling and childcare alongside their full-time jobs. Balancing all of this can feel like juggling multiple complex tasks at once.
Imagine a version of Mama Bear who has adapted her quilting business to the pandemic. Perhaps she had to close temporarily, or maybe she moved her business online to meet the demands of a crafting boom. Meanwhile, Papa Bear would be struggling with his own home-based business, while the kids navigate remote learning and emotional challenges. It’s likely that Mama Bear would face considerable stress, leading to moments of frustration that are far beyond what we’ve seen in previous tales about the Bears.
In light of these challenges, I envision a new story: “Berenstain Bears and The Coronavirus: Trouble in the Treehouse.” In this plot, Mama Bear realizes it’s okay to let things slide during the pandemic. She embraces silliness with the kids, allows for some messiness, and prioritizes their emotional well-being over rigid academic standards. She reaches out for connection with friends, lets herself be vulnerable, and ultimately learns that perfection isn’t necessary to get through tough times.
This is a story that I would love to read aloud to my daughter, as it reflects the reality so many of us are facing.
For more discussions on similar themes, check out our post on home insemination. And if you’re looking for reliable information on the topic, Make a Mom has a wealth of resources, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provides excellent guidance on treating infertility.
Search Queries:
- How the COVID-19 pandemic affects mothers
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- The impact of COVID-19 on women’s employment
- Creative solutions for remote learning
In summary, the narrative of the Berenstain Bears reflects outdated gender roles that feel increasingly irrelevant in today’s world, especially amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we navigate these times, it’s essential to reevaluate these stories and consider how they can evolve to better represent the struggles and triumphs of modern families.
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