Morality - Mary Poppins

       Every parent wants their children to grow up being taught the right morals and how to behave in society. Childhood today is something that is highly valued and cherished, yet parents are trying to prepare their children for adult life and adult society. Adult  life and expectations come quickly, and the young must be prepared for it. And no one teaches what is acceptable and good, and what is simply not done, like Mary Poppins can. She is, as her magic measuring tape says, “practically perfect in every way.” When teaching children right from wrong, the correct attitudes to have, how to treat others, and how to be childlike without being childish, there is no better teacher than Ms. Mary Poppins. The movie, and character, of Mary Poppins, is a fabulous example of moral media for children as it teaches children how to work, respect others, and what is truly important in life, in a very entertaining fashion.

    There are so many words of wisdom that sprout from Mary Poppins mouth, that she could almost be the saint of nannies.

Her words and her songs inspire morals and behaviors into children in a fun way, that is simple for them to understand. She is stern, but she is also kind and loving, which comes across very clearly. She teaches hard work, but that it can be fun and appealing if looked at correctly: “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and snap! The job’s a game.” She spoke of never judging anything based on appearance, and corrected the children on their critical first judgements on everything from carpet bags to  men and women asking for money on the street. She taught them that they can do anything and experience anything, as long as they do not get in their own way. When she spoke to the children, she taught them morals they should make a part of their lives.

      Mary Poppins doesn’t just talk the talk, but she walks the walk, and she teaches a great deal simply through her example. She is always dignified, well dressed,and proper in both word and action in every situation. She is able to laugh and have fun, while at the same time maintaining her wellbred image. This teaches the children that it is alright to have fun and play as long as they are still respectful of those around them and stay mindful of who they are. Mary Poppins spends a lot of time around those of the lower classes and speaks highly of them, such as Burt, the chimney sweeps, and the lady feeding the birds. Normally, these are people that others might shun or ignore, yet Mary Poppins treats them as valuable and important members of her society. Her example teaches that all people are important and we should not judge based on appearances or station in life, but instead judge the actions of these individuals.

    Morals define what is right and what is wrong, what is acceptable or not, how to behave, how to talk, how to judge. They are the most important things to learn growing up as they define who we are and where we go in life. Mary Poppins is an ideal for children as she is fun, but stern, beautiful but elegant and kind, confident but not pompous. She teaches in both words and actions, what makes a good, moral person.