Editor's Corner

Dear Editrix,

I was watching Judge Judy, and she called someone in court a “Rip Van Winkle.” Many in the court did not know what story she was referencing or why she’d call the person that. Can you let us know who he is?

Dear Reader,

Since I didn’t remember the story Rip Van Winkle, I sought the wisdom of the internet. I don’t have space for the whole story, so I’ll give the short version and some insight on the story and its morals.

From Wikipedia:

Rip Van Winkle is a short story by the American author Washington Irving, first published in 1819. It follows a Dutch-American villager in colonial America who meets mysterious Dutchmen, imbibes their strong liquor, and falls deeply asleep in the Catskill Mountains. He awakes 20 years later to a very changed world, having missed the American Revolution.

There is a lot in the story about how lazy he was, what a nag his wife was, how he went into the mountains to avoid responsibility, and what had changed after his 20-year sleep. I found the following information on the story’s morals…but I don’t remember which website the information comes from.

Wikipedia is a good resource if you have questions or want to read the story, though.

Now, for the morals:

· Change is unavoidable:

Rip’s 20-year sleep demonstrates that life moves forward with or without an individual, and change is inevitable.

· Embrace freedom:

Rip’s return to his village, where he finds everything different, suggests that casting off old bonds and embracing a new reality can lead to a brighter future.

· Live in the moment:

The story encourages readers to be active members in their own lives and appreciate every moment, rather than passively waiting for things to happen.

· Hard work and responsibility are valued:

Rip’s lack of work ethic is portrayed negatively, contrasting with the industriousness valued by his community, implying that hard work and responsibility are essential for a fulfilling life.

· Tradition vs. modernity:

Rip’s story reflects the transition from America’s colonial past to its modern identity, highlighting the changes that occurred after the Revolutionary War.

Being an old fan of Judge Judy, my guess is that she was referring to the individual in her court as someone lazy or who was avoiding hard work. Either that or they were passing out after drinking too much Dutch liquor!

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Knowledge Enablement

Pronouns: she/her | Call via Teams | jackhenry.com

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