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'Buster' doesn't live up to the hubbub

The "Sugartime!" episode of Postcards From Buster airs tonight at 9 p.m. on WEDU-Ch. 3, followed by a panel discussion.

By CHASE SQUIRES
Published February 24, 2005

TAMPA - A controversial episode of the public television children's show Postcards From Buster airs locally tonight, in the spotlight because it makes reference to same-sex parents.

Barely.

WEDU-Ch. 3, like PBS affiliates around the nation, pulled the episode from its afternoon time slot. So parents can preview and record it if they want their kids to see it, the show will air tonight at 9, followed by a half-hour panel discussion that includes one of the Vermont moms and the show's executive producer.

The discussion was taped Wednesday after the panel watched the show. WEDU board member Geoff Simon moderated.

"It's a good opportunity for parents to make decisions on whether their children should or shouldn't watch this program" Simon said. "It's not often that the adventures of a cartoon character set off a national debate."

The Simpsons cartoon family on Sunday touched on the national debate on gay marriage when Marge's sister Patty nearly married a woman pro golfer who turned out to be a man. But Postcards from Buster - aimed at children 4 to 7 years old - doesn't go anywhere near The Simpsons' take.

Buster, a cartoon rabbit, travels the country meeting children of different backgrounds. In "Sugartime!" he goes to Vermont and learns about maple syrup, rural life and mud.

The episode drew fire from Education Secretary Margaret Spellings because he also meets two families headed by lesbian couples.

But in the episode, it's tough to tell the couples are lesbian. There's one brief mention of "partner," and looking at one set of family photos, Buster remarks that there sure are a lot of moms. That's where it ends. The moms could just as easily have been roommates; it's that subtle. There's not a hug or a kiss exchanged.

Buster does learn that Vermonters pour maple syrup on snow, then eat the result with a pickle and a doughnut. He also sees some cows get milked.

After watching, panelist David Caton, director of the Florida Family Association, objected to the episode. He said it reflected a "homosexual agenda" and opened the door for children to accept homosexuality.

When Buster executive producer Carol Greenwald said the show's mission is to expose children to different cultures and families, Caton noted, "I'm sure you'll also be doing a show about parents who swing."

"It's about teaching kids tolerance," Greenwald said. "It's about giving children the whole face of what America's about."

Tracy Harris, one of the mothers who appeared briefly in the show, said her family embraced the chance to encourage frank discussion. Harris, a teacher, said people in her town and e-mail from around the country have been supportive.

She called the controversy, "the powerful opportunity to model for our children how to stand with dignity and respect."

Harris' parents, Carol and Clem Webke, live in Holiday, in west Pasco County. They attended the taping with her, and Mrs. Webke said she stands by her daughter and scoffed at the controversy.

Simon said WEDU has received e-mails for and against airing the show, although most correspondents hadn't seen the episode. Showing it at night and giving parents a chance to decide seemed like the fairest way to deal with the issue.

Simon said he showed it to his 7-year-old daughter, who did not seem to notice the extra moms. She was more interested in a bonfire the family made.

"The issue of the parents went right over her head," he said.

Chase Squires can be reached at 727 893-8739 or squires@sptimes.com

[Last modified February 24, 2005, 00:53:06]