Category: Culture

By Abby N.

Princess Angelina Contessa Louisa Francesca Banana Fanna Bo Besca III, aka Dot Warner, is the youngest of the Warner siblings. She is self proclaimed to be “the cutest on the show.” She cares deeply about her appearance and takes pride in her sarcasm and wit. 

Appearance 

Dot has black fur, a red nose and white paws. She wears a pink skirt and has her ears tied up with a yellow sunflower, kind of like a ponytail. 

Species

Though all characters ask the Warners the same question, they never reveal what species they actually are. The Warners always give an unclear answer such as “cute” or “infested with fleas.” They have shown off some dog-like characteristics such as howling, barking and doing tricks for treats. The Warners have taken a DNA test in one episode where Wakko has said he was 5% salamander before dropping and regrowing his tail. The theory is that they are obviously some kind of hybrid. 

Description 

According to her Fandom page on the Animaniacs Wiki, Dot is “dainty, demure and deliciously witty, this precocious little sweetheart is seriously cute…and she knows it.” 

Personality 

Dot Warner is the baby of the family. She uses her cuteness to get whatever she wants and if she doesn’t, she resorts to violence. She uses “unexpected” comedy as she always uses her adorableness to rise above her enemies then uses whatever she has on hand. Whether it’s an oversized mallet or setting loose one of her demonic “pets,” her solutions are always unexpected. 

Despite being the youngest, Dot is very independent. In fact, she often takes care of her older brother Wakko, instead of the other way around. In “Be Like Me,” she described herself as “perfect, funny, cute and smart and strong,” as well as being able to fight off her enemies. Dot can sometimes be rude, usually by accident. She doesn’t care if she is annoying to other people and loves the attention she gets. She does get upset when she is not successful trying to get attention and becomes (more) aggressive. 

Despite her confidence and independence, she is a little sensitive, such as when she had a meltdown about messing up her lines in “Cutie and the Beast” and when she cried when someone else was known as “cute” in that same episode. 

She uses her cuteness to get out of difficult situations, such as when in the episode “Mr. Crazy Person,” she resorts to baby talk. Despite this, she actually hates being treated like a baby when she is not using her cuteness to her advantage. 

She is very musically talented, being able to play almost any instrument, but she can’t read sheet music. According to her brothers, she has a very bad singing voice and, according to Yakko, she is a bad actress. She likes reading, but she needs a certain level of noise to focus on reading; she can’t read when her brothers are playing because they get too loud. But, also if it is too quiet, she puts on death metal music. 

Though the Warners love each other, this doesn’t mean they do not argue. Dot gets upset at the boys when they flirt with a girl in front of her. When this occurs she says her iconic line, “Boys, go fig.” 

History

The full history of the Warners is shrouded in mystery. The parents are unknown, but they are sometimes connected to royal heritage. Dot’s full name is that of a princess, and they are shown as fighting for the throne in the episode “King Wakko.” They also have talked about their cousin Sakko Warner from time to time, but Sakko was never in an episode. 

Trivia

• She is 9 years old. 
• She is ticklish. 
• Dot is the same height as Babs Bunny.
• Dot’s name came from the dot (period) at the end of the Warner Bros. title.

“And the Warner sister!”-Dot Warner

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Read more about Dot’s brothers, Yakko and Wakko!

By Abby N.

Wakko Warner is the middle child of the Warners. Out of the three, Wakko uses the most physical comedy such as shapeshifting. He also uses the least wordplay, unlike Yakko, as he takes everything literally. He is also the only Warner to not speak in an American accent. He actually takes on a Scouse-British accent and sounds a bit like Ringo Starr. 

Appearance 

In the original show, he has a white face, black fur and white paws. He also has a red nose. He wears white gloves and has a backwards red baseball cap with small holes on the top for his ears to stick out. He also wears a sky-blue turtleneck sweater. He never wears pants as he said it’s “in his contract.” I think he just doesn’t want to, but who am I to judge? In the reboot, nothing has changed in his appearance except his colors are more saturated. 

Species

Though all characters ask the Warners the same question, they never reveal what species they actually are. The Warners always give an unclear answer such as “cute” or “infested with fleas.” They have shown off some dog-like characteristics such as howling, barking and doing tricks for treats. The Warners have taken a DNA test in one episode where Wakko has said he was 5% salamander before dropping and regrowing his tail. The theory is that they are obviously some kind of hybrid. 

Description

According to the Animaniacs Fandom Wiki, Wakko is “the younger brother with an unlimited slapstick energy and an appetite for pranks-and anything else he can fit in his mouth.” 

Personality

Wakko is a very sweet, loving, fun and positive little boy, and very few things disappoint him. As such, he does the least intentional harm of the trio, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love joining the fun! In his segment “Be Like Me,” he describes himself by saying “(He) eats everything he sees, and will constantly stand up for (his) friends and fight back against bullies.” Despite his loving nature, he is prone to aggression and gets angry easily. 

Wakko carries a “gaggy bag” everywhere he goes (except the elevator apparently) from which he can pull anything he thinks of. His biggest trait is his appetite. He will eat anything he can get his hands on, edible or not, like rocks, tables, milkshakes (glass and all), iPads and even 22-year-old sandwiches. However, he will not eat mayonnaise. His hunger, usually for the sake of comedy, is briefly explained in one of the episodes. He is hypoglycemic, which means he has low blood sugar. 

Due to his chaotic tendencies, Wakko has some odd quirks. He is very musical as he can play piano, fiddle and harmonica. He has also been known to take off body parts temporarily, such as the time he used his tail as a golf club. As seen in the segment “Go Fish,” when he gets bored, he will play war with himself which usually ends in chaos and destruction. He also likes to mimic people when bored, as well as mimicking Yakko’s expressions and copying Dr. Scratchandsniff. He is very active. He is usually seen spinning or bouncing in the background. He seems to tug on his ears when anxious or upset. His favorite actor is Don Knotts, and he talks about him often. 

In the original show, he is very flirtatious and shows a large amount of interest in girls along with his brother Yakko. They like calling “Hellooooooooo, Nurse!” to any girls they find attractive (especially the character Hello Nurse). They often jump into their arms and laps, much to Dot’s disapproval. Yakko and his brother are very flirty, often asking women out or trying to kiss them. This trait is toned down in the reboot. 

Wakko takes everything literally. It takes Dr. Scratchandsniff, a psychiatrist, multiple times for Wakko to answer his questions like, “How do you feel?” Wakko responded to the questions like “my clothes” or “my head” instead of his emotions. He also is unable to pick up social cues without his siblings, remaining oblivious to Mr. Plotz’s frustrations with him in “Temporary Insanity” and Dr. Scratchandsniff’s anxiety when being trapped in an elevator with him. He also doesn’t seem to know what is considered “unusual” such as waving to a woman stuck in a tree without taking a second glance. Due to this trait, he is a little less knowledgeable of the world but is able to learn quickly when taught lessons or facts. 

His personality is notable through his unconventional traits which seems to give him low self esteem. He gets extremely upset and insecure when his siblings have bigger accomplishments than him such as Dot getting more fan mail than him or “Yakko’s World” being more popular than his own geography song. 

History

The full history of the Warners is shrouded in mystery. The parents are unknown, but they are sometimes connected to royal heritage. Dot’s full name is that of a princess, and they are shown as fighting for the throne in the episode “King Wakko.” They also have talked about their cousin Sakko Warner from time to time, but Sakko was never in an episode. 

Random Facts 

• In the song “Hello Nurse,” Wakko claims to be 7 even though he is actually 11 years old. The writers of the song picked seven because it rhymes with heaven. (But so does eleven, so this is quite confusing.) 
• Wakko is extremely afraid of clowns and dirty restrooms. 
• He is the same height as Buster Bunny. 
• Wakko is non-binary but goes by he/him pronouns. 

“Faboo!”-Wakko Warner 

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Read more about Wakko’s sister, Dot, and his brother, Yakko!

By Abby N.

The Beginning

Barbie was created in 1959 by Matel. She was the first doll to show multiple jobs that, at that time, girls rarely did. She is the most famous doll in the world. She is an inspiration to little girls all around the world. Today, she shows girls they can be whoever they want to be, but that was not always the case. 

History

The creator of Barbie, Ruth Handler, made Barbie for her daughter. According to Barbie’s Wikipedia entry, “Ruth Handler watched her daughter Barbara play with paper dolls, and noticed that she often enjoyed giving them adult roles.” At the time, most dolls that were sold were mostly baby dolls, so no one thought to sell anything different. Barbie was created on March 9, 1959, which is her official birthday. Her first design was a blonde 12-inch tall doll wearing a black and white striped bathing suit. She didn’t have a smile on her face until 1977. 

Biography

Barbie’s full name is Barbra Millicent Roberts. According to Barbie’s Wikipedia page, “…her parents’ names are given as George and Margaret Roberts from the fictional town of Willows, Wisconsin.” 

She had a romantic relationship with the doll Ken, who first appeared in 1961. A news release from Mattel in February 2004 announced “Barbie and Ken had decided to split up but in February 2006, they were hoping to rekindle their relationship after Ken had a makeover.” The pair officially got back together on Valentine’s Day 2011.

Barbiehas three younger sisters named Skipper, Stacie, and Chelsea. Barbie’s younger sister was named Kelly until she disappeared and got replaced with Chelsea in 2011. Barbie’s friends include Teresa, Midge, and Summer. Barbie also was with Blaine, a surfer, after she broke up with Ken. 

The Barbie Dream Gap Project

In 2019, Mattel started the “Barbie Dream Gap Project” to raise awareness of the “Dream Gap.” According to Barbie’s Wikipedia, “…Beginning at the age of five, girls begin to doubt their intelligence, where boys do not. This leads to boys pursuing careers requiring a higher intelligence, and girls being underrepresented in those careers.” This inspired Mattel to make a Judge Barbie. 

Controversies

Many people say that Barbie promotes an unrealistic idea of body image for girls and many parents worry about their kids developing eating disorders. Barbie’s proportions had been measured at 36 inches at the chest, 18 inches at the waist, and 33 inches at the hips. This means if Barbie was real, she wouldn’t even be strong enough to lift her head off the ground!  According to research by the University Central Hospital in Helsinki, Finland, “…she would lack the 17 to 22 percent body fat required for a woman to menstruate.” In 1963, the playset “Barbie Baby-Sits” came with a book titled “How to Lose Weight.” When you opened the book there was just one page telling kids not to eat. The same book was included in another playset called “Slumber Party” in 1965. It came with a pink scale permanently set at 110 lbs. In 1997, Mattel redesigned Barbie and gave her a wider waist.

There are also bad influence controversies like the “Teen Talk Barbie.” Out of the 270 phrases she said, “Math class is tough.” Parents were outraged because they thought if their children heard Barbie say that math was hard, they would not try in math class. 

Another infamous controversy was “The Pregnant Barbie.” According to Barbie’s Wikipedia page, “In 2002, Mattel introduced a line of pregnant Midge (and baby) dolls, but this Happy Family line was quickly pulled from the market due to complaints that she promoted teen pregnancy, though, by that time, Barbie’s friend Midge was supposed to be a married adult.” 

“The Oreo Barbie” was a black-skinned Barbie that was decked out in Oreo clothes. Obviously, this was poor wording because the word “Oreo” is a derogatory word used to describe some black people. These Barbies had good intentions but were seen in the wrong way. 

Barbie Syndrome

Barbie syndrome is a type of body dysmorphia disorder that mostly affects young girls who want to look exactly like Barbie. According to Barbie’s Wikipedia page, “Ukrainian model Valeria Lukyanova has received attention from the press, due in part to her appearance having been modified based on the physique of Barbie. She stated that she has only had breast implants and relies heavily on makeup and contacts to alter her appearance.”

These controversies have changed many people’s opinions about Barbie. Many parents have banned Barbie from their homes completely and do not allow their children to play with them. Has this article changed your view on Barbie? Did you know about the Barbie controversies? 

By Julia M.

The word “creepypasta” is similar to the word “copypasta” (text that is shared across the internet, an example would be an email). According to TheBarkBlog, “Copypasta, in turn, got its name from the actions of ‘copy and pasting’ stories in emails, message boards, and websites.” This relates to the idea that people copy and paste these stories on many different websites to share and collaborate while solving them. 

But what is a creepypasta? Creepypastas are interactive, horror stories that are shared across the internet on various platforms. In general, creepypastas tend to be text, but they can also include photos, videos, audio recordings and more. Many people enjoy debunking viral creepypastas by uncovering clues throughout a series of different hints and tasks. 

Where do creepypastas originate? Although there are thousands of different creepypastas out there, it is still unknown who created the very first one or who even started the ‘trend’ of creating these stories. According to TurboFuture, “A lot of older creepypastas appear to have originated from the /x/ board on 4chan, which is a board dedicated to the paranormal. It’s also possible that a 2001 creepypasta known as ‘Ted the Caver’ was one of, if not the original creepypasta, but this isn’t known for sure.” There are common websites in which you can find these stories, but even then, the authors of these stories are usually not revealed. 

You may know of some of the well-known creepypastas such as the backrooms, the Russian sleep experiment or Slender Man. These stories are often popular for their unnerving storylines that make you feel as if they could happen in real life. There are thousands of these chilling stories that you can access through typed stories or chains of videos. I especially enjoy how the creators of these stories always come up with creative plots that will pull you into a rabbit hole of uncovering clues and finding out what happens to the characters. 

By Gigi L.

So many women have influenced our society from the beginning of time, from art and science, to literature and entertainment and activism and bravery. Out of the millions of fabulous females of the past, present, and future, here are five women who changed the world.

1. Ada Lovelace

Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician and is considered the first computer programmer. She was born on Dec. 15, 1815 in London, England. In 1833, Ada was introduced to engineer Charles Babbage and became fascinated with his ideas and machines. In 1843, she translated and annotated an article written by an Italian engineer named Luigi Federico Menabrea about Babbage’s idea for an “Analytical Engine,” which was a machine designed to calculate scientific and mathematical equations. She then developed a code for the engine that could be used to compute Bernoulli numbers. According to Britannica, she said that the Analytical Engine “weaves algebraic patterns, just as the Jacquard-loom weaves flowers and leaves.” This Analytical Engine is known today as the first computer. Ada contributed not only to the development of modern technology, but to women in mathematics and engineering everywhere.

2. Susan B. Anthony

Susan B. Anthony was an activist and one of the most prominent champions of women’s rights. Her work is even considered to have influenced the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Susan was born on Feb. 15, 1820 in Adams, Massachusetts. As a child, Susan showed incredible intelligence and learned to read and write at just three years old. In 1846, she accepted a position as a teacher at a female academy in upstate New York. She was a strong advocate for African American rights and worked with many famous abolitionists, including Fredrick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison. Through her research, she came to realize just how many challenges women faced in society. She began to stand up for women’s rights and in 1868, co-founded a newspaper entitled “The Revolution” with her long-time friend, Elizabeth Stanton. She spread ideas of equality for women and used the newspaper to support the women’s suffrage movement. She became known across the United States. Many were inspired by her courage, but others looked down upon her for being too bold. In 1869, she formed the National Woman Suffrage Association to push for voting rights for women. In 1872, as a protest, Anthony attempted to cast a vote in an election. She was arrested and fined $100. This angered many people and brought national attention to her movement. She spent the rest of her life working for women’s rights, traveling across the country giving speeches and petitioning. Unfortunately, she died in 1906, 14 years before women were given the right to vote. However, her efforts paved the way for the women’s rights movement and inspired many women to stand up for what they believe in.

3. Ida Lewis

Ida Lewis was a lighthouse keeper for the U.S. Coast Guard, and was once regarded as “the bravest woman in America.” She was born on Feb. 25, 1842 in Newport Harbor in California. Her father, Hosea Lewis, was a Coast Guard captain appointed to guard the Lime Rock Station. The lighthouse oversaw the passage of commercial ships as well as military vessels from Fort Adams. In 1857, Hosea suffered a stroke and turned his lighthouse duties over to his wife, Zoradia. However, Zoradia had other responsibilities, such as tending to her sick husband and children. So, teenage Ida helped her mother with the lighthouse. Growing up, Ida was very adventurous and was known for her daring personality. During her first rescue in 1858, she rowed out to sea to save four young men after their boat turned over. Most notably, in 1869, she saved two soldiers from drowning after their boat capsized near Fort Adams. After spotting them in the water, Ida ran down to shore and rowed her own small boat through the frigid waters and pulled the men into her boat. This gained her as recognition as a national hero. She received several military medals, presented by President Ulysses S. Grant. Her image challenged the traditional ideas of gender roles. She was the hero of the story, risking her life to save others. In 1879, Ida was officially appointed as the keeper of the Lime Rock Light Station. She received multiple other awards for other brave rescues, such as the Gold Lifesaving Medal in 1881. In 1924, 13 years after her death, the Lighthouse Service renamed the lighthouse to the Ida Lewis Rock Light Station. Ida is an inspiring example of bravery, courage, and sacrifice.

4. Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart was an American aviation pioneer and was the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She was born on July 24, 1867 in Atchison, Kansas. Even when she was very young, Amelia showed an interest in adventure. In 1918, during World War I, she left college to become a nurse’s aide for wounded soldiers. After the war in 1920, Amelia returned home to live with her parents in California. There she went on her first plane ride and instantly became interested. She started taking flying lessons and bought her first plane in 1921. Throughout her life, she set multiple flying records, but the most notable was when she flew solo across the Atlantic in 1932. She became the first woman to complete this journey, and the second person after Charles Lindbergh. According to History.comhen she returned, Congress awarded her the Distinguished Flying Cross, a military honor for “heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.” She was the first woman to receive this award. Throughout her life, she encouraged women to break societal norms and set new standards. She was and still is a role model of what it means to be brave, bold, and heroic.

5. Oprah Winfrey

A more recent figure, Oprah Winfrey is a television host, actress, and philanthropist, and is now one of the richest and most influential women in the United States. She was born on Jan. 24, 1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi. In her early teenage years, she moved to Nashville and later received a full scholarship to Tennessee State University, but she left to pursue a career in television. At 19, Oprah became a news anchor at the local CBS television station. In 1976, she was offered a position as a reporter for ABC in Baltimore, Maryland. She accepted, eventually becoming the co-host of Baltimore morning show “People Are Talking” in 1977. She shined as a talk show personality. In 1984, she moved to Chicago to host the talk show “AM Chicago.” It was a huge success, and it was renamed “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 1985. It quickly became the highest rated show in the U.S. and won multiple Emmy awards. Oprah went on to star in movies, write books, pilot companies, and build an empire of modern entertainment. She is now noted as one of the richest women in America, with a net worth of $3 billion. Oprah is an inspiration and example of hard work and determination.

These and countless other inspiring women have shaped the world. They have paved the way for the newest generation of leaders, learners, thinkers, and creators, and will continue to be examples of greatness for years to come.

By Gigi L.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is moving through the country with sold out stadiums across the board. The tour continues until Aug. 9, meaning that millions of people still have yet to see it. Let me say, the show is incredible, but it can be a nightmare if you are not prepared. As a recent attendee and self-appointed expert, these are some helpful tips that can make your night go as smoothly as possible.

1. Buy your tickets close to the show date.

This may be controversial, but I think that it is best to buy your tickets as close to the show date as possible. I know that a lot of people don’t like waiting until the last minute, but it’s the best option if you want to get a good deal. Most of the time, ticket prices will drop as the show gets closer because sellers are desperate to get rid of them. When tickets were first being sold, they could range anywhere from $1,000 to even $30,000. This price drop can be seen across platforms, specifically StubHub, one of the most popular websites to buy concert tickets. For example, a few months ago, floor seats for the show in Houston, TX on April 22 were about $6,000. Now, as the show date approaches, the same seats are $1,000-$2,000. People buying those seats will save $5,000 just by waiting. Yes, you do run the risk of the stadium being completely sold out, but there is usually a number of people trying to resell their tickets.

2. Get there early.

Stadiums usually open 1-2 hours before the show actually starts, so get there as early as possible. Yes, you’ll have to wait in your seats for a while, but you’ll save yourself from getting stuck in the flow of thousands of people trying to get to their seats. In a sold out stadium, parking and walking to your seats is an absolute nightmare. By getting there early, you can park your car and get through the doors in a quick and orderly fashion. You can also get food, go to the bathroom, and watch the opening performers if you want to keep yourself busy. Trust me on this one.

3. GO TO THE BATHROOM!

I cannot stress this enough. GO. TO. THE. BATHROOM. I’ve seen people get to the show and say, “Oh, it’s fine, I’ll just go to the bathroom during ‘All Too Well 10 Minute Version.’” Don’t do that. Remember, these stadiums are full of tens of thousands of people, and I can promise you that the bathroom line does not take 10 minutes. Just go to the bathroom right before the show starts. If you wait, you could end up missing a lot of the show because you’re standing in line for the bathrooms. 

4. Wear comfortable shoes.

I know you want to wear your cute pink heels or cowboy boots, but honestly, that’s not the best option. It’s a concert, so you’ll be jumping around and dancing the whole time, and your feet will be dead by the end of the night. Even though it’s not as cute, you’re better off just wearing tennis shoes. In this case, comfort comes before style.

5. How to take good videos

I made this mistake. I took so many videos and pictures of the concert, but when I got home, they looked so bad. They were blurry, the lights were obstructive, and it just wasn’t pretty. The best way to take photos and videos is to lower the exposure on your camera. You do this by tapping on the thing you want your camera to focus on (Taylor), and that little yellow box will pop up. On the side of the box, there is a little sun icon. Hold and drag it down to lower the exposure. This way, you’ll be able to see the graphics on the stage and the screen without it just being a white blob.

6. Participate!

It’s a big deal, so make it one. Dance, scream, sing along, have fun. Don’t just sit in your seat the whole time. You’ll have a much better time if you get involved. This is a special moment, maybe even a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make the most out of it.

These tips are of course just suggestions, but you should really take them seriously. This concert can either be the best experience of your life or an absolute disaster, and I think that most people don’t want a disaster. If you are going to the concert, have fun, be safe, and GO TO THE BATHROOM!

By Abby N. and Zoey G.

School: A place of learning, books, and cafeteria food. But every school is different and offers different things to the world of knowledge. Let’s take a look at Spring Valley School, a very interesting and unique school. 

What is so unique about Spring Valley School, you may ask? Well, we’re going to try to answer that question and many more including location, setting, and activities children do throughout their day. 

About Spring Valley:

Spring Valley is a Sudbury school based in Palm Harbor, FL, according to the Spring Valley School’s website. A Sudbury school is a school where kids choose what they want to learn and what they want to get taught by themselves. What makes this school unique is that the students basically run the school. In other words, the kids run a democracy. According to the website Spring Valley School, the students have a leader who is a part of the “Judicial Committee” that discusses rules, punishments, and more. Spring Valley students decide on many different, important factors of the school such as: controlling the school’s budget, hiring or firing staff when they choose, and suspending or expelling students, along with increasing or decreasing the tuition. The school accepts kids ranging from the ages of 5 to 18 years old.

After Graduation:

One interesting fact about the school is that if students stay there for at least 3 years, they can get their high school diplomas. In addition, they can graduate whenever they choose to. Some of the kids who have recently graduated from Spring Valley include a current college student, a bartender, a nutritionist, and a child who had thought of a truck driving career the last time the school checked with the student.

Interview

Interviewer: Do you think the Sudbury method is better, or do you think the traditional-method schooling is better?

Mrs. Rogan: “The Sudbury method is easy to implement as grades advance. More appropriate for older students and not as effective for younger kids. Considering 3rd grade, and if 3rd graders had different interests, it wouldn’t be effective for twenty kids and 2 teachers to depend on by themselves.”

Interviewer: Do you think it would be more effective to implement the Sudbury method in high school to get prepared for college?

Mrs.Rogan: “Learning to manage time as you need to and developing interests is a better option  for older kids such as in high school. They can express more in their areas of interests, and speak more for what they like and have learned, along with getting the help they need to pursue what they want.”

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the school might work, but not for all kids. It depends on which kid you send to that school. Some students might need more help academically, so they may do better in a traditional school. Kids who are more gifted academically and ready to graduate early might do better in an environment like Spring Valley. In addition, different ages of kids might be better suited than others for this unschooling method. The unschooling method will help kids pursue what they want, but it also comes with pros and cons. 

By Abby N.

These examples come from a compilation from Cinematics, and let me tell you, I was not expecting to know almost all of these cartoons!

• “Southern Fried Rabbit” (1953): Bugs Bunny poses as a slave to fool a confederate soldier. He paints himself brown, wears rags, and plays the banjo while singing country music. 
• “Peter Pan” (1953): The musical number “What Makes The Red Man Red” is perceived as a wholesome and fun scene in Peter Pan, but the way the Native Americans are shown on screen is highly stereotypical. They are all red-skinned, shirtless, and have no eyes as their long hair covers them. The kids are dressed like the Natives as well but do not call them Native Americans. They call them racist names like Red Skins and Indians. 
• “Santa’s Workshop” (1932): Santa is seen checking dolls to see if they are good to go for all the kids. A white doll comes down the conveyor belt and Santa picks her up. He tells her to say “Mama” which she does, and she gets to go in his bag of toys. After she goes in, a black doll with excessive black stereotypical features comes down the conveyor belt. She then says “Mammy,” which is a black mother or caretaker, and leaps into Santa’s bag while Santa laughs hysterically. 
• “The Three Little Pigs” (1933): The Big Bad Wolf tries to trick the little pigs by pretending to sell brushes as a Jewish seller, speaking in a Yiddish accent and wearing oversized clothes. 
• “Fantasia” (1940): A black centaur with very stereotypical features named Sunflower was seen cleaning the hoofs and putting flowers in the tail of a white centaur. Later she was removed from the movie completely instead of addressing the situation or re-animating her as a central character. 
• “You’re a Snap, Mr. Jap” (1942): The Popeye short was war propaganda for America during WWII. It was anti-Japanese and extremely racist. A Japanese soldier is seen with stereotypical small eyes, big teeth, and a heavy accent and has an excessively large can of gasoline and firecrackers. He then drinks the gasoline and eats the firecrackers and lights them on fire in his mouth to try and kill himself. 
• “Popeye’s Pappy” (1952): Popeye is seen punching native Africans into a fence where he puts a sign on one of them that says “Cheaper By The Dozen.” 
• “Mickey’s Mellerdrammer” (1933): Mickey and his friends are seen getting ready to perform in blackface. Mickey gets dressed in rags and then lights an explosive in his face to change the color of his skin. He then says “Mammy” as practice. 

As you can see, your childhood favorite cartoons are darker than you thought. 

By Abby N.

Yakko Warner is the oldest of the Warner siblings and easily takes the role as the leader in all of the siblings’ antics. His full name is Yakko Alvin Warner. 

Appearance 

In the original show, Yakko has black fur with a red nose and white face and feet. He wears a pair of beige slacks that are pulled all the way up to his waist and are held in place with a black belt. In the reboot, his face and feet are a more saturated color and his slacks are less baggy. 

Species

Though all characters ask the Warners the same question, they never reveal what species they actually are. The Warners always give an unclear answer such as “cute” or “infested with fleas.” They have shown off some dog-like characteristics such as howling, barking, and doing tricks for treats. The Warners have taken a DNA test in one episode where Wakko has said he was 5% salamander before dropping and regrowing his tail. The theory is that they are obviously some kind of hybrid. 

Personality

Described in the theme song, Yakko is the one who “yaks” which is shown by his clever wordplay, irony, and wit. According to Yakko’s line in “Pitch Bible,” he says he is “the glib, fast-talker and sly wise-guy[…] the thinker, the planner, the schemer, and the trio’s recreation director.” 

He is indeed the talker of the siblings and is playfully cocky and disrespectful to adults. He is persistent and positive, determined to complete anything he sets his mind to. He is extremely hyper, rarely ever sits still but however, he is able to multitask. In the episode “Plotz’s Orders,” he plays paddle ball while having a conversation with someone behind him. 

He is known to tell the most adult jokes in the series and will end accidental innuendos by blowing a kiss and saying “Good Night Everybody!” He also has a large interest in girls with him and Wakko calling “Hellooooooooo, Nurse!” to any girls they find attractive (especially the character Hello Nurse). They often jump into their arms and laps, much to Dot’s disapproval. Yakko and his brother are very flirty, often asking women out or trying to kiss them. This trait is toned down in the reboot. 

Yakko is the main caretaker of his siblings for they are never seen with parents and apparently the siblings don’t even know if they have them! Though his siblings love and respect him, this doesn’t mean they don’t argue from time to time. It is revealed in the reboot that his siblings are jealous of his famous “Yakko’s World” song that is more successful than their own. He defends his role as “Teacher” and says he is the “smarty pants” and in fact “the only pants.”  

Family

The full history of the Warners is shrouded in mystery. The parents are unknown but they are sometimes connected to royal heritage. Dot’s full name is that of a princess, and they are shown as fighting for the throne in the episode “King Wakko.” They also have talked about their cousin Sakko Warner from time to time, but Sakko was never in an episode. 

Random Facts

• Yakko is 14 years old. 
• Yakko is ambidextrous. In most episodes he writes with his left hand but sometimes he writes with the other one.
• His favorite color is lavender. 
• He is lactose intolerant.
• He is the same height as Bugs Bunny.

“Goodnight everybody!” -Yakko Warner 

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Read more about Yakko’s brother, Wakko, and his sister, Dot!

By Abby N.

Jess Lee says, “Since the game’s launch in 2014, there have been more than 50 packs (including Kits) released across four different tiers of price points.” 

• Get to Work: In this expansion pack, you can control your Sims as they go to work. New career choices are added to your game such as a detective, doctor and so much more! You can create your own business too! Customize your business to your liking and see those simoleons rolling in! Help your Sim learn new skills such as baking and photography! So many AMAZING new build mode items and CAS items are installed in your game so you can decorate to your heart’s content! 
• City Living: Explore the city of San Myshuno! This new world has a neighborhood  filled with people of all ages and backgrounds! This gives your sims plenty to explore! Go to festivals to enrich your Sims in culture and entertainment. Let them watch street performers and meet many new people from all over the sims world. Choose the right apartment for your Sim and their family to live a life of luxury! All new CAS and build mode items are added to your game for hours of decorating fun!
• Cats and Dogs: Create dogs and cats for your Sim to love! The special create a pet tool is added to your CAS. Choose the breed, fur color, pattern, and traits! Have your Sims bond with your pets and teach them tricks such as sit and fetch! A new career branch opens up as you can run and own your own vet business! Explore the new world, Brindleton Bay. Meet all the new people (and stray pets), and become friends! New CAS and build mode items are added for you to make your Sim’s companionship with their new pet as fun as possible!
• Seasons: In the normal Sims game, it’s sad and boring. But with the Seasons Expansion Pack, it’s a new weather report every day! Enjoy Fall, Winter, Summer, and Spring and all the weather changes that will affect your Sim’s daily life! Celebrate holidays with your Sim’s family and friends with the holidays that show up on the calendar. Just don’t plan any outdoor outings on a thunderstorm day! Discover the gardening career with lush beautiful plants you can grow in your Sim’s own backyard! New CAS and build mode items are added to your game to maximize the fun! 
• Get Famous: Now your Sims can live their wildest dreams of fame and fortune. Claim their fame as an actor or influencer! But remember, the more fame you have, the more attention you get. Get your big break with commercials or a small role on television! Run the town in the new world added to your game called Del Soy Valley! Buy a house in the Hollywood Hills, and live a glamorous life! New CAS and build mode items are added to make your sim and their house as chic as possible! 
• Discover University: Welcome to University! When your Sim ages to a Young Adult, you can apply to two universities! The University of Britechester or Foxbury Institute, you decide! After you apply, you get a letter in the mail that you got accepted! You can stay on campus, off campus, or at home! Enroll in classes that help you get a degree! Your grades matter, so make sure your Sim doesn’t skip class! Meet, mingle, and more with new people, and maybe fall in love! Explore the new world of Britechester, and love your life as a scholar! New CAS and build mode items make your experience many times better as a university student! 
• Cottage Living: Welcome to Henford on Bagley where you can raise animals on your farm! Collect eggs, milk, and wool from animals that you raise! But look out for foxes that will eat your precious chickens! Live off the land with extensive gardens where you can grow crops and flowers to sell or eat! Embrace the village life and meet new people along the way! New items in CAS and build mode are bonuses for a fun time with your farm! 
• High School Years: Welcome to Copperdale! Our school is Copperdale High School where you can follow your teen Sims to school and experience school with them! So many fun teen experiences can happen for your Sim like taking someone to prom, graduation, after-school activities, and a roller coaster of puberty! Sneak out, discover yourself, date many new people, and express yourself through style and the new social media app Social Bunny that is added to the phone! So many new teen outfits and teen decor in CAS and build mode are waiting for you!