The Pout-Pout Fish

Is this fish problematic? Don't care.

The first time I read The Pout-Pout Fish I immediately saw some of those themes that make me cringe. Like many parents, I try to address certain social problems head on in an effort to make the next generation just a little bit less awful. This adorable book hits on: RBF and consent.

Honestly, my thoughts on asking the Pout-Pout fish to smile are completely mixed. On the one hand — I think he’s a dude fish. Given the gendered issues around societal expectations on pleasant appearance, maybe it’s refreshing that a parade of fish are asking a male to smile for once. Also, the fish is like — whatever, it’s just my face. Which is great. Be who you are Pout-Pout fish.

The consent problem is more straight forward. No kissing people without asking. And just because Pout-Pout fish didn’t mind the kiss does not justify going on to kiss a bunch of other fish without consent. We address it with a “It’s not okay to kiss people without asking.“

I will note, the kiss aggressor here is a lady. Again, gender roles is not among this book’s problems.

Like lots of problematic media, this book is great. Just absolutely great. Someone must tell me if its safe to read other books from the Pout-Pout universe, I’m scared I’ll be let down. Hearing my two kids scream “Blubbb Bluuuubbb BLLLLUUUUBBBB” every night might be my favorite thing.


#Notsponsored #PSA
The board book prize at Problematic Chick-fil-A as of March 29th was a mini Pout-Pout Fish board book.