TV network censors gay parents from cartoon in Africa
A cartoon that featured same-sex parents will be censored in Africa.
The popular animated series ‘The Loud House’ this month became the first Nickelodeon cartoon to feature gay parents, in a very low-key way.
In a recent episode, main character Lincoln’s best friend Clyde McBride is invited over for a sleepover, and is dropped off by his two slightly-overbearing gay dads,
The scene does not make fun of their sexuality, and instead makes a joke about how overprotective Clyde’s dads are – piling a white noise machine, humidifier, dehumidifier, inhaler, and allergy medication into Lincoln’s arms.
Fans praised the scene for featuring the parents in the exact same way it would a heterosexual couple: the only difference is Lincoln greeting “Mr McBride and Mr McBride” instead of Mr McBride and Mrs McBride.
But according to South Africa’s Channel24, the episode will be banned from airing on the channel in the African region.
The outlet reports that Viacom International Media Networks Africa has “reassured” consumers that “the episode will not air on the channel” in the region.
It states: “Nickelodeon has confirmed that an episode of The Loud House featuring two gay dads will not air on its channel in sub-Saharan Africa
“Nickelodeon strives to ensure that content respects the varying traditions and family values in each country.”
LGBT representation in children’s programs is on the rise, with RuPaul making an appearance on ‘Bubble Guppies’ and the lesbian romance in ‘Legends of Korra’, but Nickelodeon “making history” in such a natural and accurate way still puts a huge smile on our faces.
