A cartoon rat was to marry a cartoon aardvark on May 13th on Alabama Public Television, but that didn’t happen and has set off a series of silly outrages that will continue until at least June 15.
This silly decision by APTV has alerted people to the fact that “Arthur” is still on TV, made me watch a children’s cartoon where kids are invited to their teacher’s wedding, made Mr. Ratburn a “gay icon” and received condemnation and mockery worldwide.
On June 15, Methodist Church in Birmingham will play the episode as part of a celebration of LGBTQ people at the church.
Alabama Methodist church to screen shunned 'Arthur' episode https://t.co/CDW9x9CL9b pic.twitter.com/bezZ2A51yE
— 8News WRIC Richmond (@8NEWS) June 3, 2019
The event will consist of showing the episode, wedding cake, sparkling apple juice and a helping of “indoctrination.” Obviously, any kids that are brought to this event will be there with their parents, but would they have ever seen this show otherwise?
Doubtful.
Organizers and advocates nationwide should be thanking the functionary at APTV for all of this attention. Had the episode aired as planned, it is almost guaranteed that no one would have noticed. Those that would have complained would have been dismissed and none of this would be happening.
Instead, “The Streisand Effect” is now in play.
The phenomenon is named after musician Barbara Streisand’s ridiculous reaction to a photographer posting a picture of her house online. The photo was only accessed six times (twice by her lawyers) before she sued the man for $50 million.
She lost, had to pay almost $150,000 in legal fees and the photo was splashed throughout the media. The silly story ended up leading to the original website that hosted it being seen over one million times.
If APTV just left this one episode alone no one would have noticed. People should be smart to pick their battles on issues that really matter, otherwise you get this kind of silliness.
Next time, wait until one of the kids gets an abortion.
If you think “The Streisand Effect” is not in play here, ask yourself this question: “When is the last time someone talked to you about ‘Arthur,’ APTV or gay marriage?”
Dale Jackson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 7-11 am weekdays on WVNN.
