Netflix’s ‘BoJack Horseman’ Becomes Subject of Racism And ‘White Privilege’ Petition


Netflix’s cartoon drama and comedy BoJack Horseman has earned praise from a diverse audience. However, a Change.org petition against the show says it is racist. The mission statement of the petition makes its stance clear.

“The critically acclaimed Netflix show BoJack Horseman tries to hide its racism and white privilege though micro aggressions by being a cartoon. The unflattering title character is a dark-skinned horse. The sexual abusing villain is a dark-skinned hippopotamus. The slutty girlfriend is a dark-skinned owl. It goes on and on.”

The petition adds that all the likable characters, such as the yellow lab Mr. Peanutbutter, have noticeably lighter skin. Apparently, the fact that the character Diane Nguyen is a light-skinned Asian who is half white, but has an unlikable adopted brother who is a “black” sheep, is problematic. The writer of the petition even goes on to chide actor Aaron Paul for being white and playing a character with a Hispanic last name (Todd Chavez).

Aaron Paul Bojack
Aaron Paul plays the role of “Todd Chavez.” [Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images]
Like some other petitions at Change.org, there is a possibility that this is just a “troll” petition aimed more at riling people up rather than trying to cure a perceived social injustice. However, some of the people who signed the petition are pretty angry.

“There are a lot of racist undertones to this show. The producer made the very few black characters annoying, especially Diane’s ex boyfriend,” says Viola Young of Costa Mesa, California.

“This show is blatantly racist and I’m not even sure if they are trying to hide it,” claims Brett Semblan of Torrance, California.

“If we don’t do anything about white privilege, future generations will suffer,” says Zal Horn of Palatine, Illinois.

Even though the petition only has about 30 signatures right now, new signatures seem to be added regularly. There will also likely be a backlash to the petition. If it is just a troll petition, it has certainly worked.

Paul Tompkins Mr. Peanutbutter
Paul F. Tompkins plays “Mr. Peanutbutter.” [Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images]
Perhaps, the social justice warriors will be happy when they learn about the possibility of BoJack Horseman having a gay affair with Mr. Peanutbutter. Reddit poster horsefandom has the “alleged” details.

“After Diane divorces Mr. Peanutbutter, he is left alone, depressed, and turns into a raging alcoholic. He spends some time with BoJack, who is supposed to make sure he doesn’t drink too much. One evening, both of them have a little too much to drink and end up, well … you know.”

The poster was allegedly at the episode readings and gives even more details. One of the main feminist characters, Diane Nguyen, supposedly loses it this season.

“Speaking of Diane She REALLY loses it this season. Not only does she beat up Mr. Peanutbutter, but she has an affair with Hank Hippopopalous … In the final reading, Diane gives birth to a baby yellow lab and this is where she and Mr. Peanutbutter reconcile, although no hint if they remarry again,” says the poster.

It’s important to note that Hank Hippopalous was a Bill Cosby-type character who Diane tried to expose, only to have her life and the lives of her loved ones threatened. It sounds far-fetched, but one never knows. At least one other poster believes the original synopsis may be correct about some of the details.

“Actually, the Mr. Peanutbutter and Diane fight has been talked about on several forums. I’m beginning to think that this is true,” says poster Pantomine13.

Others aren’t so keen on the alleged rumors. However, all the talk — good or bad — is certainly increasing anticipation for the third season of BoJack Horseman, which should premiere on Netflix sometime during the second quarter of 2016.

[Photo by AP Images/PRNewsFoto/Netflix, Inc.]

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