NCJ Number
158440
Date Published
1996
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video uses humor, songs, puppets, and a ventriloquist to teach children (grades K-5) about the nature and consequences of prejudice, along with ways to prevent it.
Abstract
The video opens as Groark, a dragon puppet, and his ventriloquist friend McGee are putting on a show of comedy and song for a group of children. Groark, however, is preoccupied with a party that he and some friends are planning. As McGee begins singing a song about making friends around the world, Groark recalls that his friends decided not to invite to their party a person who appeared to be different from others. As Groark explains to the children what happened, a dramatization of the incident is portrayed with puppet characters. In deciding whom to invite, Verna argues that Wonker should not be invited because, she says, he is dirty, has bad manners, is loud, is dumb, and steals. Groark finds out, however, that Verna has not even met Wonker and is basing her opinions on rumor. Verna then sings about why she rejects people who are different from herself. As Groark finishes his telling of this incident, McGee suggests that Groark get advice from the children on how to handle this problem. The children agree that it is unfair to make judgments about persons that Groark has never met and suggest that Wonker be invited to the party so Groark and his friends can get to know him. Groark then leaves the show to advise his friends that Wonker should be invited to the party since Verna has not even met him. Verna agrees that Wonker should be invited. Groark returns to the show to report on this, and the video closes as McGee and Groark sing about getting along with people around the world. A discussion guide accompanies the video. For other videos in the series, see NCJ-158436-39.