A New York Times columnist has claimed that the famous cartoon character Pepe Le Pew, the lovable cartoon skunk, added to 'rape culture' within society. Charles M. Blow, stated that the skunk, who was often featured attempting to hug and kiss female characters against their will, perpetuated the idea that such behaviour was acceptable and that 'no' didn't really mean 'no'. The criticism has led to Le Pew being removed from the new Space Jam movie.
The journalist has previously stated that older cartoons have also perpetuated racial stereotypes, and implanted negative ideas about race in children's minds at very young ages. For example, he has said previously that Speedy Gonzales poorly represented and characterised Mexicans, while Mammy Two Shoes from Tom and Jerry negatively stereotyped African-Americans.
In a post, Blow said of Le Pew's activities:
RW blogs are mad bc I said Pepe Le Pew added to rape culture. Let's see. 1. He grabs/kisses a girl/stranger, repeatedly, w/o consent and against her will. 2. She struggles mightily to get away from him, but he won't release her 3. He locks a door to prevent her from escaping.
RW blogs are mad bc I said Pepe Le Pew added to rape culture. Let’s see.
— Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) March 6, 2021
1. He grabs/kisses a girl/stranger, repeatedly, w/o consent and against her will.
2. She struggles mightily to get away from him, but he won’t release her
3. He locks a door to prevent her from escaping. pic.twitter.com/CbLCldLwvR
In another post, he said:
"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."
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
Despite these points, many of those online regarded the accusation as laughable, with some stating that they don't think 'creeps' and sexual predators looked up to the skunk for inspiration to commit their crimes.
Pep Le Pew, a creation of Warner Brothers and part of the 'Looney Tunes', first appeared on-screen in 1945 but has remained ever present in the Warner Brothers universe. He is depicted with a strong French accent and shown to be romantically obsessed with Penelope, a black-and-white cat, alongside other creatures.
This isn't the first time that Le Pew has been criticised. Comedian Dave Chapelle in 2000 called Le Pew 'a rapist'. Author Amber E. George in her book exploring cartoons and their relations to human society said of Le Pew that his activities should be characterised as 'stalking, sexual harassment and abuse'.
Space Jam 2, also known as 'Space Jam: A New legacy', is set to be released in July 2021.
[h/t: I heart Intelligence]
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