In a recent episode of the popular kids’ cartoon “Paw Patrol,” a new character named River has been introduced as non-binary on the spinoff show “Rubble & Crew.” The English bulldog, Rubble, and the gang focus on building an observatory for stargazing in the episode titled “The Crew Builds An Observatory.”
While the episode itself doesn’t explicitly address River’s non-binary identity, LGBTQ activist Lindsay Amer, known for the YouTube channel “Queer Kids Stuff,” provided additional insights in an Instagram post. Amer mentioned being consulted for the creation of River, describing the character as aspirational and cool, aiming to provide a positive role model. The post also highlighted River’s shoes, featuring the colors of the transgender flag.
Amer expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “They found an awesome non-binary actor to voice River, and I’m so so happy about how it turned out.” This move towards inclusion and representation is seen as a positive step by advocates for LGBTQ visibility in children’s programming.
“Pushing ideologies like this is exactly what the left aims to do. Parents can no longer put on what looks like an innocent children’s cartoon & have faith that it will be appropriate, making it incredibly hard to discern & teach children..” https://t.co/a6gUXeZs4d
— National Catholic Register (@NCRegister) September 28, 2023
However, not everyone shares this view. Matt Walsh, host of the Daily Wire podcast, criticized the introduction of River as part of a broader agenda in Hollywood. He argued that the entertainment industry is attempting to introduce LGBTQ messaging to children at an early age, suggesting that it is a form of indoctrination. Walsh pointed to previous instances, such as the display of the “non-binary” flag on a boat in 2020, as evidence of a deliberate effort to familiarize young audiences with LGBTQ symbols.
Walsh also highlighted Lindsay Amer’s advocacy for introducing “big abstract concepts like queerness” to toddlers and creating a “queer and gender-affirming environment” for infants, expressing concern about the impact of such messaging on young minds.
Responses on social media varied, with some expressing support for the inclusion of diverse characters in children’s programming, while others voiced discomfort and frustration, describing it as propaganda rather than entertainment. One individual stated, “It’s not entertainment when it’s really propaganda,” while another emphasized a desire for children to be left untouched by what they perceive as intrusive messaging.
SO HELP ME GOD…LEAVE kids out of this…. https://t.co/L2cZ4MamtA
— Heather M Pelletier (@dragonfly82174) September 25, 2023
The introduction of River and the subsequent discussions around it reflect an ongoing debate about the role of representation and inclusivity in children’s media, with advocates emphasizing the importance of diverse narratives and critics expressing concerns about the perceived politicization of entertainment for young audiences.
