Goldilocks Robbed the Three Bears

Posted on April 1, 2004 in Culture Morals & Ethics

“I never could figure out what that story was supposed to teach us,” said one of the members of my Wednesday Writing Group when I read this line from an exercise.

What is Southey’s story supposed to teach us? To gobble up whatever we find in our path? To keep looking for what we want until we find it, even if it means that we must steal from others to possess it? When I think of Goldilocks eating, sitting, and ultimately sleeping in the bed of the youngest bear, I think of an empire expanding over the territory of others, incorporating their farms and ultimately dispossessing the people. I think of native peoples demonized for attempting to expel those squatting on their land.

Face it: Goldilocks robbed the three bears and Southey celebrated the fact because, after all, they weren’t cute little blonde girls.