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I have always loved the story of Ferdinand the bull. My older brother had a stuffed animal Ferdinand and I still remember the photo of him proudly bringing it to show and tell in the mid-70’s, So, I was really looking forward to the release of this film. I often take unplanned naps during kids’ movies, but I am pleased to report that I stayed awake through this whole film. Not only was the story engaging, funny, and powerful, but it included important messages for youth – boys in particular -- about individuality, caring, and being gentle. This is a message that many boys aren’t often offered, and with the voices of athletic superstars John Cena and Peyton Manning, along with other wonderful actors like Daveed Diggs, Kate McKinnon (a hilarious goat), and Gina Rodriguez, it gives added power to the message.
This film starts out with a young bull named Ferdinand who is bullied (pardon the pun, but that’s what happens) by other young bulls who tell him to toughen up and be more like a typical bull (boy). He won’t fight and won’t engage when they challenge, tease, and taunt him. The ring-leader, Valiente (Spanish for brave), then stomps on a flower that Ferdinand has been nurturing-- just after Ferdinand’s father has been taken away to fight in the arena. When he learns that his father won’t return, he runs away and finds a place that loves him for his gentle, caring nature. Without giving away too much detail, here are the three themes I noticed that emphasize aspects of positive masculinity that you might want to talk about with your kids after seeing the film:
- First: there is strength in kindness, and boys/men can resist violence and earn respect by being gentle and firm. Ferdinand is forced into the bull-fighting arena against his will. The way he manages this challenge and succeeds without using his size or his strength is worth talking about. Expectations around body size and physical strength cause a real issues for many boys and men and we need to help them learn that they don't have to rely on these to be respected. Some conversation starters might be: Why do you think Ferdinand acted the way he did? Have you ever felt like you were being forced to do something you didn’t want to? What ideas can you take from Ferdinand that might help you in a similar situation? How can you stand up for yourself and others when you aren’t bigger or stronger than those around you?
- Second: take pride in your strengths, whatever they may be. Ferdinand, although he is big and strong, doesn’t want to fight – he prefers the beauty and peace of gardening and smelling flowers. These are things that aren't usually associated with masculinity. Some things you can talk about with your kids might include: Why do you think Ferdinand doesn’t want to fight? What are some of Ferdinand’s strengths? What makes him lovable? What makes him a good friend? Is it hard for him to go against what the other bulls want him to do? Why? How does he manage to let his individuality shine? What creative ways can you respond to peer pressure using your own strengths?
- Third: There are many ways to be a boy/man in the world; figure out who you are and “you do you”. Near the end of the film, Ferdinand gives this wonderful advice to Valiente. In the face of uncertainty, Valiente thinks that Ferdinand wants everyone to become like him. However, Ferdinand corrects him and says he just wants them to know that there’s more to being a bull than being a fighter. Some ways you can explore this with kids is to ask them about messages they have gotten about how boys and girls (or Latina/os, or African Americans, or any other group that gets put in a box) should act. Ask them to make a list of ideas of “boy things” and “girl things.” With this list, ask them where they learned these ideas and what would happen if they didn’t follow the list? It is an interesting opportunity to learn what influences are shaping our children’s ideas and an opportunity to help them learn what a stereotype is, and then how to question and critique these stereotypes in order to have the strength and knowledge to be true to yourself.
The New Yorker recently published an interesting piece about the “culture wars” that erupted around the messages in this children's book when it came out in 1936 after the Spanish Civil War. Its popularity generated lots of discussion about possible political messages embedded in the text and it was criticized for celebrating what was considered “suspect masculinity.” In many ways, we have come a long way since then and there are cultural gains in the diversity of options available to women, men, and transgender people. We have many new models of gender diversity and exemplary individuals throughout history who can be offered as role models for our youth. I hope this film adds to your repertoire of stories to draw from and conversations to have with your kids about gender and being proud of the unique qualities we all have to offer.
