Just like the Dr. Suess books, another beloved childhood memory is in trouble, Pepe Le Pew.
The Looney Tunes character fell into the crosshairs of NYT columnist Charles M. Blow, who wrote an op-ed titled “Six Seuss Books Bore a Bias”, where he argued that racism is deeply ingrained in American culture, especially pop culture, and fed to children at a young age.
He brought up cartoons like Speedy Gonzales and Mammy Two Shoes; the first is another LT character who he claims promoted racist stereotypes against Mexicans and the second is a Tom & Jerry character portrayed as a burly black maid speaking in a caricatured voice. Usually you only see her legs or feet, but her complete body was eventually revealed.
Those two examples specifically address his racial concern, but he added Pepe and another ‘toon’ who transmitted the wrong message, saying that the French skunk normalized and perpetuated the culture of rape. Of course, many people had very different reactions: some agreed and others criticized Blow for suggesting that a drawing could influence real-life behavior.
To that, the author replied:
This helped teach boys that “no” didn’t really mean no, that it was a part of “the game”, the starting line of a power struggle. It taught overcoming a woman’s strenuous, even physical objections, was normal, adorable, funny. They didn’t even give the woman the ability to SPEAK.
— Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) March 6, 2021
The netizens were divided, some said that he has a point but that the cartoon was never intended to be interpreted that way, adding that it was all for humor and that no child would interpret Pepe’s behavior as something to be imitated.
https://twitter.com/WilMcmillen/status/1368206445423038467?s=20
We canceling Looney Toons now? I watched them as a kid. Loved them. However, I didn’t grow up to be a rapist or go around shooting people like Yosemite Sam because I had parents that taught me right from wrong. When terrible people do terrible things it’s their choice. Period.
— Marc C (@mcthekid75) March 6, 2021
Others sided with the author, criticizing the actions of the character.
Nothing like normalizing stalking behavior for young, impressionable minds. Look kids, it’s funny!
— Heather Aften (@HeatherAften) March 6, 2021
I have felt discomfort about this character since childhood. Don’t forget, the cat has no voice.
— jabberjw (@jabberjw) March 6, 2021
