While reading the morning paper, I came across an article which indicated that the Cartoon Network (home of the Powerpuff girls…fighting crime trying to save their world…oops sorry) was removing 12 individual shorts from their 49 hour+ marathon of all the Bugs Bunny cartoons. Now, I remember only seeing one Bugs clip that was clearly racist, it was a propaganda clip during WWII involving a Japanese soldier and it was entitled “Bugs Bunny Nips the Nips.” The others I don’t remember seeing ever on TV before.
Now, is their decision a knee-jerk reaction to potential complaints or a smart acknowledgement that racist beliefs of the past need to be buried in the past. I really haven’t made up my mind yet. As an aside, does anyone know where I could see these clips if not on the Cartoon Network? I would be interested in seeing them before I speak too much more about it.
And yes, I thought Bugs dressed as a woman was kinda cute, but don’t tell anyone.
Well, I do know that the Cartoon Network excised all the “Mammy” character scenes from Tom and Jerry cartoons. So it wouldn’t surprise me if they did the same to Bugs Bunny. I would prefer that they kept the offending scenes in - it’s a reminder of the times. But little kids watch them, might get the wrong idea, blah blah blah.
I haven’t seen anyone actually link the offending 'toon in a while. You must use the Throttlebox proprietary viewer, and it probably secretly analyzes your DNA and sends it to spammers or something, but here it is:
You know what’s scary? I can remember seeing those “Mammy” cartoons as recently as 3rd or 4th grade [1989-90]. I know the “PC” movement wasn’t quite in full swing yet but geez, that’s a bit late.
I found this great link that will let you download 11 of the 12 bugs bunny cartoons that were taken off cartoon network. If the link doesn’t work, search google under goopy gear. It’s under the link the lost 11 I think. There is also some war cartoons there too.