Growing up in adolescents we have a lot of questions. There simply are thoughts that don’t always make it on paper and are not spoken of in conversations. For those moments, there are fictional characters that create a common bond. Doug knows what I’m talking about.
In the early 90’s creator, Jim Jinkins and Nickelodeon crafted a world through the lens of a character named, Doug Funnie. You learned quickly that Doug had a great imagination. He would dream up grand thoughts that would often show him winning prizes, growing old, and sweeping his crush, Patty Mayonnaise up off her feet and into the sunset. The show addressed topics typical of adolescence including self-esteem, bullying and belonging, and anxiety. One character trait that I adopted from Doug was learning to write in a journal. Like Doug, this became my primary way of sharing my thoughts and clearing my mind. As a counselor I often suggest this practice to clients as a way of expressing themselves, rather than internalizing their thoughts and feelings.
If you have watched the show then you know Doug’s favorite band, The Beets, particularly the song, “Killer Tofu.” Doug and his friends would venture out and listen to the Beets. I remember the time Doug won tickets to go see the Beets live in concert. After all, Doug was a big fan of thinking big! I encourage students of all ages to take a look at Doug, the lovely Patty Mayonnaise, Skeeter “Honk, Honk” and even Roger Klotz. A character, though fictional, can still be someone we learn something from. I look forward to introducing my children to the world from Doug’s point of view. It’s now time to go take Porkchop for a walk. Doug knows what I’m talking about!