Implying drug use in kids programming can be funny for adults and weird for kids. But when do some beloved characters go too far? Since the PC times have taken over mainstream programming and kids shows, we don’t see too many drug references (at least not blatant ones) in movies and TV.
When was the last time you saw Goofy going after a cigarette? Or Felix the Cat getting punch drunk? Still, animators and writers manage to sneak some in here and there and these scenes are totally bizarre. Let’s take a look at some cartoon characters who definitely got high on screen.
Berries (The Good Dinosaur, 2015)
Not as good as Toy Story (1995) or The Incredibles (2004) but Disney/Pixar still managed to come up with a new spin on prehistory in The Good Dinosaur, the story of a little Apatosaurus named Arlo and a little caveboy named Spot. On their journey they eat some fermented fruit. The rest is self explanatory. Let’s just say the movie explains how songs like “Sweet Leaf” or “White Rabbit” were made.
Kelp Shakes (SpongeBob Squarepants, 1999–present)
Fans of this crazy show will tell you it’s full of drug references. Not to mention innuendos. Many people go as far as to say the cartoon characters were always on drugs. But one episode of SpongeBob Squarepants takes the kelp cake (literally). In the episode “Best Frenemies” (season 4, episode 78b) a new drink called “kelp shakes” takes over the city of Bikini Bottom and the citizens become physically attached to it. The characters will do anything to get it. Obviously that description alone explains how powerful addictive substances can be.
60s Survival (Cars, 2006)
Two Pixar movies on this list is saying a lot. One character in Cars has one big drug reference. After crash landing in Radiator Springs, Lightning McQueen meets a VW bus named Filmore (voiced by George Carlin). Filmore is totally spaced out and raves about Woodstock. Then one character asks the bus if the 60s were good to him. He doesn’t respond but we were laughing.
Marihuana – “Speedy Gonzalez” (various dates)
If you’re a fan of the Looney Tunes franchise (who isn’t?) then you know Speedy Gonzalez. How could you forget the cute little Mexican mouse with super speed. Small and sneaky, Speedy might be one of the cutest of the Tunes. But he and his brother sing about a certain green plant throughout the series. In their version of a children’s song “La Cucaracha” Slow Poke sings how a cockroach can’t stand because he hasn’t smoked pot.
Drunken Witch – Pink Panther (1969)
After his iconic appearance in the 1963 film, the fabulous Pink Panther became one of the most popular cartoon characters of his time. He even had a hit series of shorts. But in the fairy-tale themed episode Pink-A-Rella, Cinderella gets a modern makeover, in more ways than one. In the episode a very drunk witch drops her magic wand. The Pink Panther uses it to grant the wishes of a young woman. And what’s even funnier is the witch is still drunk even after she gets her wand back.
Primate Punch – Darkwing Duck (1991)
If you’ve never heard of “jungle juice” (a term for a deadly cocktail) then you won’t get the joke in the hit series Darkwing Duck (part of the original Disney Afternoon). In the episode “The Apes of Wrath” the egotistical duck superhero, his sidekick Launchpad and adoptive daughter Gosalyn meet an anthropologist and her gorilla friends. At one point Darkwing is offered a drink called “primate punch”. Then he starts bouncing around the jungle like he’s high.
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FAQs About Cartoons Who Tried Drugs
How does drug use in cartoons influence young viewers?
Drug use in cartoons can subtly normalize harmful behaviors, particularly for impressionable children. Seeing beloved characters engage in or joke about substance use can make drug use appear cool or acceptable. This portrayal may encourage young audiences to mimic behaviors without understanding the real-world consequences.
Why is normalizing drug use in cartoons dangerous?
Normalizing drug use in cartoons softens the severity of substance abuse. By portraying it humorously or without consequences, these depictions can mislead young viewers into thinking drug use is harmless. This can amplify curiosity, reduce awareness about the dangers of drugs, and increase peer pressure among children and teens.
How is Shaggy from Scooby-Doo connected to drug-related stereotypes?
Shaggy Rogers is often associated with marijuana-related stereotypes due to his insatiable appetite, laid-back demeanor, and humorous situations like smoke-filled scenes in the Mystery Machine. While these depictions are subtle, they align with common stoner tropes, reinforcing cultural perceptions about cannabis use.
How does the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland symbolize drug use?
The Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland is portrayed smoking a hookah while speaking in cryptic, dream-like language, symbolizing altered states of consciousness. His surreal demeanor and interactions are often interpreted as a metaphor for psychedelic drug use, making him an enduring figure in stoner culture.
What parallels exist between Popeye’s spinach and drug use?
Popeye’s dramatic transformation after consuming spinach is sometimes interpreted as a metaphor for performance-enhancing drugs. The sudden boost in strength, aggression, and confidence reflects themes of dependency, instant gratification, and behavioral changes often associated with stimulant use.
How is Brian Griffin’s alcohol use depicted in Family Guy?
Brian Griffin, from Family Guy, struggles with alcoholism, which is portrayed both humorously and seriously. His drinking habits are a recurring theme, with storylines showing him attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. This dual portrayal adds depth to his character but also trivializes addiction in some instances.
What traits of Dopey from Snow White suggest drug use?
Dopey’s silent nature, distractibility, and quirky, sluggish movements subtly align with stereotypes of marijuana users. While not explicitly stated, his carefree demeanor and behavior are often interpreted as an innocent representation of substance-induced states.
Why is Sonny the Cuckoo Bird’s behavior compared to addiction?
Sonny’s obsession with Cocoa Puffs mirrors addiction patterns, showcasing compulsive behavior and loss of control. When he tries to resist the cereal, he is easily tempted back, emphasizing themes of craving, relapse, and the challenges of breaking free from addictive cycles.
How can cartoons trivialize the consequences of drug use?
Cartoons often portray drug use humorously or with minimal consequences, trivializing its risks. By softening the outcomes, they create a misleading narrative that drug use is harmless or even entertaining, influencing young viewers’ perceptions of substance abuse.
How does drug use in cartoons affect peer pressure among young audiences?
By depicting drug use as cool, funny, or socially acceptable, cartoons can amplify peer pressure. Young viewers may feel a need to experiment with substances to fit in or emulate their favorite characters, leading to risky behaviors without fully understanding the consequences.
What real-world issues are reflected in cartoon portrayals of substance use?
Cartoon portrayals of substance use reflect broader cultural issues, including the normalization of addiction, desensitization to its harms, and glamorization of risky behaviors. These depictions, while entertaining, can distort perceptions of drug abuse among impressionable audiences.
How can parents address concerns about drug-related content in cartoons?
Parents can address these concerns by monitoring the content their children watch, discussing the realities of drug use, and fostering open communication. Educating children about the dangers of substance abuse helps counteract misleading messages presented in cartoons.
