My Mum Tracy Beaker wasn’t just an explosion of nostalgia, it was validation we need at a time when social media often dictates individual’s feelings towards their own ‘success’.įor anyone who has become consumed by the Tracy Beaker experience, it is no secret that she wasn’t the best in school. Wilson’s books have always offered insight into backgrounds perhaps different to their own.
#Tracy beaker series#
Whether it be in recognising Cam, to clearly being a part of LGBTQ+, or just seeing a woman not comply with feminine beauty expectations, I feel many could relate to her character.Ĭam has always been a queer icon – she’s not just having some character plot added later on to seem ‘woke’Īlthough the 3 part series seems rushed – with moving houses to engagements and marriages in what felt like mere weeks – I feel the adults watching at home, like me, were just elated to be transported into another chapter of Tracy Beaker’s life again. The men involved were simply red herring loopholes to divert away from Cam’s stereotypical persona which was evidently a lesbian trope this arguably allowed children to feel a sense of representation when reading in schools. Furthermore, with Section 28 still being prevalent at the time of publishing, I find it brilliant how Wilson’s books managed to reach schools, while having a LGBTQ+ woman hold a predominant role. She’s not just having some character plot added later on to seem ‘woke’. Some of the similarities they do share like not being interested in ‘feminine’ fashion and having short hair indicates that Cam has always been a queer icon. Yet with Jacqueline Wilson herself coming out last year it’s clear to me that Cam in many ways can be considered a rendition of the author’s own persona. Of course Cam resembles key lesbian stereotypes, which in itself can be problematic if done in poor taste. When I watched as a child, partnering her up with a couple of male love interests always seemed so forced. With the first ever LGBTQ+ kiss being shown on CBBC only last year, it is unsurprising that Cam’s intended sexuality was brushed under the rug for the 19 years this show has been running. To be overly critical of this series is to disregard the sentimentality millions have for Tracy and her journey
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There is a sense of closure, yet enough potential for there to be another series. When it comes down to it, this is children’s television and the acting style is intended to fit that audience range – but I personally adored every second. Yet to be overly critical of this series is to disregard the sentimentality millions have for Tracy and her journey. Was this series a mind-blowing Oscar-worthy production? Personally, I’d have to say no. The long awaited return of ANOTHER Tracy Beaker series felt like a consoling hug in our time of lockdown need.