The cartoon network show We Baby Bears introduces two non-binary characters that use the pronouns “they/them” in a new episode
- The animated episode, titled “Polly’s New Crew,” will star two non-binary characters – a box and a parrot – in the network’s push for inclusion
The Cartoon Network series We Baby Bears will use characters identifying as non-binary and using their pronouns in a new episode airing Saturday.
The animated episode, titled “Polly’s New Crew,” will feature gender-neutral characters – a box and a parrot – in the network’s drive for inclusion.
In the trailer for the children’s show, a character says, ‘I’m the great Winnifred, she/she.’ Extraordinary actor!’
At this point, one of the bears introduced a non-binary character named Box.
The bear says, ‘We have a new addition to our crew too.’ They use the pronouns ‘they/them’ and make an exceptionally good quiche!’
Box, a new character, is referred to by the pronouns “they/them” in the episode We Baby Bears
Polly the pirate captain admits that they are not binary in the episode
Polly, the pirate captain, then flies over and says they use “they/them pronouns” too.
The new episodes of We Baby Bears will air on Saturday June 17th and the network pre-warned parents that they will “feature two non-binary characters and a discussion of pronoun use”.
The show first aired in January 2022 – and is a prequel to the series We Bare Bears.
In a March 30 tweet, Transgender Visibility Day, Cartoon Network said, “When you address someone by their pronouns and names, you show that you RESPECT them as their authentic self!”
“Celebrating the journey of our trans and gender-nonconforming friends.”
One disgruntled adult wrote on social media after the news: “Not the first time Cartoon Network has done this, not the last. They come for your kids 100%.”
Another person chimed in, “I’m not that old, but I’m old enough to remember when Cartoon Network was bringing everyone joy without pushing an agenda.”
A third added, “I still can’t understand the obsession with introducing sex and gender ideology into children’s spaces.”
While a fourth said: “The rule of thumb is don’t let your kids look at anything made in the last 7 years.”
But others thought there was outrage over nothing.
Michael Ouweleen, President of Cartoon Network
One person said, “Imagine seeing a box and a parrot walking past their pronouns and crying over it.”
This isn’t the first time non-binary and transgender issues have made waves on children’s television.
In March, Netflix “quietly discontinued” a children’s animated series about a bison who comes out as non-binary to his grandmother.
Ridley Jones released its fifth and final season last week, which was unpromoted, series creator Chris Nee claimed in a tweet.
The two-time Kidscreen Award-winner and Emmy-nominated series received a strong criticism on the Internet – and it is also voiced by Cyndi Lauper.
Some viewers criticized the show on Twitter, claiming Fred’s non-binary identity leaked into the show’s narrative.
“Are your kids watching Ridley Jones?” asked a viewer. “It shows a female bison who doesn’t identify as female or male and wants to be addressed with the pronouns ‘she/they.'” Slipped in quietly. “Drip, drip, drip… What a message to send to young girls in particular.”