Article Review: Peanut writers are racist?

Today’s article review is based on an article written to discuss an episode of Peanuts. I read the article here re: the Peanuts episode. As you may already know, Peanuts is based on the main character Charlie Brown who is a nervous child that lacks self-confidence. Charles M. Shultz, the writer of Peanuts included characters that presented on situations of that time frame but moreso focused on some of the sociological, psychological and philosophical issues. It was not until readers stated racism was not represented in the popular series that the black character, Franklin, was added in July 1968. From my research, it appears this character was created to cross the color lines and Shultz was not known for being racist.


Now, based on what I read in the article, Franklin is not given the same thanksgiving day treatment as the other friends of Charlie Brown. I can see why a lot of people feel that this treatment is reflective of the racism that existed in the 60s. However, there are several programs that show racism and discrimination. That is not to normalize racism, but to recognize that racism is still alive in this country, especially in that time frame.

I do not believe that the long syndicated television series should stop because it shows how black people were treated. What I do believe is that it is a part of Black history and reflects how far we have come across many US states, cities, towns and communities. To throw those episodes to the side is to eliminate the appearance that this behavior towards black ever existed. While I do not want my child accepting racism as an appropriate way to treat others or to be treated, I do want my child to identify what it looks like and how to respond to it. I would rather my child learn about racism in a child-friendly way and use it as a teaching moment. This lays the ground work for further learning and exploration of our black history. Perhaps, I am thinking too deeply about the issue.

I have enjoyed watching Peanuts episodes and the Charlie Brown Christmas movie. With Christmas right around the corner, one question raised is, To watch or not to watch?  I’ve considered the television series classic tv.  I vaguely recall that episode with Franklin mentioned above, but I truly want to watch this episode in question to further assess it for myself. If you have seen it, what are your thoughts? If you find it, email me a link please :-) Do you think that this episode is indicative of the time it was created? If so, should the airing of any Charlie Brown episodes be brought into question? I would love to read your thoughts.

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