Naturally, we have come to associate cartoons with innocence and simplicity. However, as it is with every other thing once innocent and simple, the innocence of many have been robbed and the simplicity is now lost. Because of this, we have seen many banned cartoons for several reasons ranging from the use of language, racism, violence, and a host of other reasons.
Some decades ago, several animators took to producing cartoons that depicted suicide, racial stereotypes, drugs, and a lot of things which some people and televisions found unappealing. If you happen to be wondering or have ever wondered what some of those banned cartoons are why they are deemed unsuitable for the public, here we go.
Banned Cartoons
1. Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs
Initial release: 16 January 1943
Why it was banned: For racially stereotyped portrayals of African-Americans
In 1943, the Warner Brothers produced the Coal Black and de Sebben but unfortunately, the cartoon didn’t see much light of the day as there was controversy on the characters and the African-American culture. In the eyes of many, the cartoon depicts racism and as such be banned. In the ’60s, the cartoon was banned by the United Artists.
2. Cow and Chicken (Buffalo Gals)
Initially aired: February 20, 1998
Why it was banned: Implied lesbian stereotypes and sexual innuendos
Since children are more prone to watching cartoons, a lot of people feel it should be child-friendly. The case of the Buffalo Girls’ episode depicts otherwise for its sexual innuendo in regards to homosexuality (lesbians). The Cartoon Network immediately banned the episode of the Cow and Chicken after receiving complaints on the sexual part of the cartoon.
3. Bugs Bunny Nips the Nips
Initial release: 22 April 1944
Why it was banned: Stereotypes against Japanese people
Quite a number of movies, books and a lot more have tried to tell a story of the World War. Some cartoons are not left out in the storytelling of history. ‘Bugs Bunny Nips the Nips’ is one of such cartoons. However, the cartoon was banned for racial discrimination and more. Nonetheless, it was still shown in syndicated fashion.
4. Song of the South
Initial release: 12 November 1946
Why it was banned: Racial discrimination
Disney has a fair share of rejection in the history of storytelling and cartoons. Song of the South is one of the numerous cartoons and stories of African-Americans. This story depicted the lives of blacks especially in the South during the late 1800s.
5. Deadly Force – Gargoyles
Aired date 18 November 1994
Why it was banned: On-screen violence
Unlike many violent cartoons that have been banned, Gargoyles (an episode in the Deadly Force) had good intentions. Its major focus is on gun violence and accidental shooting on the head. However, the first episode of the series was banned due to the violence showed in the series.
Even with its goods intentions, Disney stopped airing the cartoon for a while. The good news to the lovers of the series, however, is that the entire cartoon has not been banned like many others, but just an episode.
6. Goldilocks and the Jivin’ Bears
Initial release: 1944
Why it was banned: Stereotyping African Americans
Quite a number of cartoons have been banned for their racist stereotypes. ‘The Goldilocks and Jivin’ Bears’ is not an exception. Due to the racist stereotype of African American played by the bears, the cartoon couldn’t see much light of the day as it was called out.
7. The Isle of Pingo Pongo
Initial release: 28 May 1938
Why it was banned: Racial stereotypes against black people
Before the late 90s, racial discrimination was still at its peak even when it was discouraged across many nations of the earth. However, many cartoons allowed themselves to fall prey to discriminating blacks especially. For this reason, many of them ended up banned. In as much the cartoon was created by the Warner Brothers in 1938, The ‘Isle of Pingo Pongo’ was banned in the late 60s.
8. All This and Rabbit Stew
Initial release: 13 September 1941
Why it was banned: Racial stereotypes against black people
The Warner Brothers also had their share of banned cartoons as other production companies. It was banned especially for its racist stereotypes of African Americans as many others.
9. Uncle Tom’s Bungalow
Initial release: 5 June 1937
Why it was banned: Stereotypical portrayal of black
For the same reason of racist stereotyping in some Warner Brothers’ banned works, ‘Uncle Tom’s bungalow’ suffered the same rejection. The work is based on a book (Uncle Tom’s Cabin).
10. Ren and Stimpy (Man’s Best Friend)
Aired date: June 23, 2003
Why it was banned: Excessive violence
Not all banned works are due to racist stereotypes as many in this list. In the case of Ren and Stimpy (man’s best friend), violence is portrayed and as such Nickelodeon did not allow it to be aired again. Aside the violence showed in the series, the mention of tobacco was made at different scenes. The two above mentioned qualified the cartoon to be banned.
11. Beavis and Butthead (Comedians)
First episode date: 8 March 1993
Why it was banned: Violence among other things
Comedies are loved by many and some can be imitated by some kids. The cartoon was immediately banned by MTV for claiming that burning was fun as well as influencing a five-year-old to burn his house with his sister inside.
12. Rude Removal (Dexter’s Laboratory)
Original air date: February 21, 1998
Why it was banned: Excessive use of profanity
In the cartoon, Dexter invents a machine to remove rudeness from his sister in Dexter’s Laboratory episode. Both Dexter and his sister Dee Dee have double versions of themselves – one sweet and the other rude. The use of language in the cartoon is above kid and hence the episode was banned. The evil version of Dee uses the four-letter words.
13. Mighty Mouse The New Adventures – (The Littlest Tramp)
First Aired: October 31, 1987
Why it was banned: Suggestion of drug use (Cocaine)
A lot of parents were against the use of drugs in the cartoon. To many of them, Mighty Mouse snorted cocaine in the Little Tramp episode. However, the creator of the cartoon denied this claim and said that Mighty Mouse snorted crushed flower and not cocaine as claimed by many. Even with his claim, the episode was removed from the series.
See Also: Best King of the Hill Episodes – Top 12 You Should Watch
14. Sailor Moon (Neptune and Uranus)
Date aired: October 1, 1994
Why it was banned: Theme of sex
Neptune and Uranus were originally made to be lovers in Japan in the series. However, the romantic parts of the episode were removed and the two were made to be cousins instead. The original part where the two were showed as lovers was removed.
15. Talespin (Flying Dupes)
Date Aired: 8 August 1991
Why it was banned: The theme of terrorism
Centered on Baloo the Bear who’s in love with adventure, Tailspin had its own share of ups and downs. In the episode Flying Dupes, the lead character faces terrorist and this didn’t go too well with a lot of people. Later, the episode and the themes of terrorism were banned from the cartoon.
In as much as a lot of cartoons have been banned over time, many have been held so close to people’s hearts and many have also succeeded in making great history. Most cartoons of the modern age have isolated themselves from racist stereotypes, drugs, and violence amongst many. Also, there are many other cartoons that have been banned but are not included here.
