Cartoon Network's animated series, "We Baby Bears," announced this week that it will air an episode with characters who use non-binary pronouns. The series, aimed at an audience of approximately six years old, is one of many that are also carrying out initiatives to celebrate Pride Month.
In the case of "We Baby Bears", GLAAD reports, they will do so in the Polly's New Crew episode. The production company calls it an "LGBT inclusive episode." Some of Polly the Pirate Captain's friends come to her aid. She is under the effect of a pirate curse and needs help.
So far so good. The problem comes when Polly the Pirate Captain's new friends arrive. Two non-binary characters introduce themselves and their preferred pronouns: "I am the great Winnifred, she/her. Actor extraordinaire!" says one of them while another character, a bear, is busy introducing the second non-binary character: "Our crew also has a new addition. Meet Box! They use they/them pronouns and they make an exceptionally good quiche!" to which Polly the Captain replies, "I use they/them pronouns as well!"
The episode sparked controversy in several parent groups. The Libs of TikTok association was the first to condemn this initiative by stating that "they're after your kids," alluding to how cartoons are gradually introducing gender ideology.
New episode of @cartoonnetwork’s kid’s show “We Baby Bears” introduces non-binary characters who go by they/them pronouns.
They’re after your kids. pic.twitter.com/DMimiXslLX
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 13, 2023
Libs of TikTok also emphasized that this type of content is not suitable for young children. It mentioned in a tweet that Cartoon Network had decided to introduce a "discussion about pronoun usage" in a program for young children, which should not be allowed.
The episode was advertised by Cartoon Network as featuring a “discussion about pronoun usage.” This is for little kids. pic.twitter.com/CCG1O8DaIs
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 13, 2023
However, "We Baby Bears" is not the only one involved in this controversy. "Looney Tunes" and even "Ridley Jones" also began indoctrinating children under the age of six on LGBT issues.
