Social Inequalities

Throughout time there have been many cartoons that have portrayed some of the culture of the many animators that have helped with the production of the television shows. The show that I chose to right about is Bugs Bunny and in particular the session with Elmer Fudd. There were many shows that showed Elmer hunting as a black cartoon character that was portrayed in a stereotypic manner. The show tried to portray the black character as a slower less educated cartoon and added characteristics that were a stereotype of the African-American features such as oversized lips and a distinct walking pattern. After Elmer was changed there were still portions of the show the portrayed and still made fun of the African Americans. When a gun would blow up on the show the person would become black faced (a sign of racism) and the Cornbread song would play which depicts the culture of the black regions.

During the time of these cartoons which took place in the early 1940‘s racism was still a very real thing. There were no NCAAP to take off offensive materials off the air, at this time there were no rights given. I felt that the animators drew what was relevant at the time. There has always been a direct correlation with an animation creation and the world around. I feel that this although wrong and at today’s standards morally offensive that during the time of production when most of the population that was watching the show was white and they may of found this amusing.

The reason why cartoons depicting a African American person a certain way is an important matter that even in something that was supposed to bring laughter for all it discriminated against an entire race. To laugh at or make fun of one culture for your own amusement is shows a time of less thoughtful people. Yes it was part of culture to depreciate the heart and should of an African-American man or women but does that make it right.

My interpretations of this is not just my own but shared by hundreds...