The Business of Being Born

I was delaying watching this documentary (despite the great reviews) because frankly, I have always been squeamish about childbirth. My mother, god love her, has regaled me with somewhat graphic descriptions of my own natural birth, which left me with the impression that -- if and when I ever pop one out myself -- I'll definitely opt for drugs.

This film opened my eyes.

As the title suggests, the age-old practice of childbirth is undergoing a radical perversion in this country. In the New York metro area, where this was filmed, Cesarean births now account for more than a third of all hospital births. Why is this? Based on what I've seen here, I've concluded it's because The Man will not be satisfied until he has total control over women and their bodies. He's losing the anti-abortion war, but unfortunately, he's winning the baby birthing war.

The Man, in cahoots with The Media, has convinced women that childbirth is a painful, messy, dangerous, excruciating process. This is so we will fear it, and submit to our doctor's whims (such as, induced labor or - if that doesn't make something happen by doc's dinner time - a c-section.) Don't get me wrong - I'm sure giving birth hurts. I mean, I've never done it, but it looks pretty uncomfortable. But is pain really its defining feature? I challenge you to watch the footage of home births featured in this documentary (all of which are presided over by a midwife) (and show the women moving around, squatting, etc. - not strapped to a bed like they're undergoing surgery) and not draw a different conclusion. Namely, that childbirth -- providing it's free of complications -- should be empowering, euphoric, and a vital bonding experience between mother and baby.

This should be required viewing for anyone with plans to procreate.

Sesame Street: 20 Years... And Counting...

What a delightful way to start my morning!

I've tried watching recently broadcast episodes of Sesame Street, but couldn't get into them. Too much Elmo, and not enough late 70s/early 80s fashion. This documentary, however, was just what Dr. Teeth ordered. First of all, it was made in 1989, when Jim Henson was still alive. Seeing and hearing him speak gave me a warm "fozzy."

Bill Cosby hosts this special retrospective of Sesame Street past. (1989 also pre-dates the tragic murder of Cosby's only son, so he's still happy and dewy and cute, not ((justifiably)) angry and bitter like he is now.)

This doc is only an hour, but boasts some terrific clips (such as Ray Charles' rendition of my favorite song, "It's Not Easy Bein' Green," and the heart-wrenching scene in which Big Bird learns of Mr. Hooper's death.) It also features some on-the-street NewsFlash! spots with intrepid reporter Kermit the Frog, who catches up with a few of the Sesame kids now that they are all grown up.

For a more in-depth look at Sesame Street and its counterparts around the world (like Rechov Sumsum and Plaza Sésamo) I highly recommend "The World According to Sesame Street," which is available on disc from Netflix.