by

Mary Cope

Who has not enjoyed a Saturday morning filled with cartoons? My children had trouble getting out of bed on a school day, but on Saturdays they were always up before I was! Cartoon characters have changed over the years, and many people today complain about finding good or decent role models on television. However, I think one of the oldest cartoon characters is one of the worst possible choices for a role model than any of the new characters on television now. Bugs Bunny is a terrible model for young viewers. When comparing his temperament and his behavior in dating to that of his fellow associate, Porky Pig, Bug’s true colors come shining through.

At first look, Bugs and Porky seem very much alike. Both characters are from the Looney Tunes family and had their voices supplied by the late Mel Blanc. Both are simple creatures that often get caught up in extraordinary events. While Porky usually gets to live in a house, Bugs must make his home in a hole in the ground. But in spite of different living accommodations, both are happy with their respective dwellings. However, that is where the similarity ends between the two.

One difference between Porky and Bugs is their diverse temperaments. Porky is mild-mannered, easygoing, and treats his fellow castmates with kindness. He seems to "go with the flow" and is always helpful and courteous when someone else is in danger or needs a helping hand. On the other hand, Bugs is often malevolent towards others. In fact, he is usually the reason a fellow character is in danger. Bugs will go out of his way to put someone else in harm’s way. He will plot, plan, scheme, and conspire to cause injury or pain. In the episode "Forward, March Hare," for example, Bugs causes an uproar on a military base by using the general’s helmet as his personal bathtub, smashing the record player that plays reveille, and causing the superior officer to lose his stripes. Bugs' malicious ways should not be copied by young viewers.

Along with different temperaments, Porky and Bugs are also very different in behavior when it comes to dating. Porky is very secure in his stable relationship with his female friend Petunia Pig. Porky wears clothing associated with males, such as bow ties, jackets, and carpenter’s overalls. He treats Petunia with kindness and affection. On the other hand, Bugs seems confused about what or whom to date. He is constantly chasing Elmer Fudd and vying for Elmer’s attention. Not only is he trying to date a male, but he is also trying to date outside of his species! Bugs often appears in women’s clothing as he pursues Elmer. He has appeared in everything from a sarong to gingham farm-girl dresses to Carmen Miranda headwear! This behavior is something most parents would not want their young children to emulate.

In conclusion, I feel that Porky makes a much better choice for a decent role model than does Bugs. Porky has many good and kind characteristics. On the contrary, Bugs is a lapin with latent homosexual tendencies. He is not a rabbit showing responsibilities or good intentions. Bugs needs the help of a well-trained therapist to help him through his confusion. I just hope that he can find one willing to be paid in carrots, since Bugs has no job or income. He needs more help than he can possibly afford.