Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Age or Ability Specific Forums Pre-school Curious George a liar!

NEWS ALERT!!!

Millions of children have loved George for years. He's always said he was a monkey and we believed him. Why not? He's likeable...he has the backing of the Man with the Yellow Hat...not to mention the venerable Dr. Wiseman!

However, it's come to our attention Compass the pigeon (man on the street) has had some doubts as to his identity. Through careful investigation, Compass has determined Curious George is NOT a MONKEY...HE'S a CHIMPANZEE!

Oh, the deception!

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Just a topic for conversation: Why do you think they call George a monkey and not what he really is: a Chimpanzee? When did your child notice George has no tail?

No-tail George

My kid pointed it out at 1. My theory is the original author and general public didn't know the difference at the time the books were first written and that no one cared to fix it... And the general public still doesn't know the difference. It drives my husband crazy.

I always substitute "ape" for "monkey" when reading to DS. DS never really had a chance to notice because of the substitution. Sneaky Mum...!

But, in fairness, maybe George is an amputee. After all, the origin of his American life was kidnapping and forced confinement. Who knows what else that seemingly benevolent man inflicted on our little primate protagonist to bend him to his will.

It would be interesting to see a comprehensive list of cartoon "monkeys", to see how monkey-like they really are. Even the ones with tails often have chimp-like faces.

What I'd really like to know, though, is this. What are all the species of talking cartoon animals which have non-talking cartoon pet dogs.

In his defense, George has never lied to us. George has never said he is a monkey. George never speaks. The narrator is the one that tells us that George is a good little monkey. So don't blame the chimp!

I also find the original story to be somewhat disturbing with its colonialist imagery. We should really be concerned about the man with the yellow hat who literally abducts George and smuggles him back to New York. He is the really criminal in this tale!

The man with the yellow hat has some serious psychological issues.

Excellent point. I'm surprised PETA has allowed the MWYH to continue to exploit George. Perhaps he needs better representation?

I know what you're saying. What is Goofy, really?

Ah, that is technically so. However, his continued silence during the narrator's declaration of him as a monkey is suspect.

Does silence equal consent? And is the language barrier a valid excuse?

I'm not certain this is true.

He appears to be in no distress and his actions also seem to be causing no harm to others.

I think that he would best be characterized as an eccentric rather than labeled with an Axis I or Axis II disorder.