During a picnic, Peppermint Patty, Charlie Brown, Sally, can be seen seated in one side of the table, while Franklin, the only black character, is seated alone across them.
- Nov 24, 2018
AceShowbiz - Charlie Brown and his friends are celebrating Thanksgiving in a special episode of "Peanuts" that aired on November 21. While the episode, which was debuted on November 20, 1973, should have been bringing happiness to the fans, many deemed the special racist instead for its picnic table arrangement.
The episode sees Charlie and his friends, including Peppermint Patty, Linus, Snoopy, Franklin and Sally, having a picnic. The white friends, Peppermint Patty, Charlie Brown, Sally, can be seen seated in one side of the table, while Franklin, the only black character on the popular animated series, is seated alone across them on the other side of the table.
One Twitter user noticed and later blasted the show, "Why is Franklin in Charlie Brown Thanksgiving sitting all by himself at the table. Man. Things that I did not notice as a child." Similarly, another user snapped, "Not watching Charlie Brown Thanksgiving anymore, until they sit some people on the same side of the table as Franklin."
Am I woke now, why is Franklin in Charlie Brown Thanksgiving sitting all by himself at the table. Man. Things that I did not notice as a child.
— Yessam (@cmass4eva) November 22, 2018
Not watching Charlie Brown Thanksgiving anymore, until they sit some people on the same side of the table as Franklin ✊🏾✊🏾
— Vic Damone Jr (@Asharp52) November 22, 2018
As if putting Franklin alone is not enough, it appears that he topples over his half-broken chair. "They give our friend the busted chair and won't even sit on the same side of the table, more proof that Charlie Brown and his cohorts are RACIST," another fan slammed.
They give our friend the busted chair and won’t even sit on the same side of the table, more proof that Charlie Brown and his cohorts are RACIST. pic.twitter.com/Ejd7dQdMKT
— hotwealz (@mwizzy128) November 22, 2018
However, some people come to creator Charles Schulz's defense, adding that the decision to add Franklin to the cast was actually his way to stand up against racism back in 1968. "Seriously please get some historical context," California radio show host Mark Larson tweeted.
Seriously, please get some historical context. Charles M. Schulz @SchulzMuseum was a trailblazer and bucked racism in those days by adding Franklin to reflect the issue... and challenge what was then going on in society. https://t.co/pqpwiptyL7
— Mark Larson (@marklarsonradio) November 22, 2018
"Charles M. Schultz was a trailblazer and bucked racism in those days by adding Franklin to reflect the issue... and challenging what was then going on in society," he added.
The purpose of this episode was to point out the racial divide that existed (exists) in America. @SchulzMuseum recently featured a great exhibit honoring Franklin & why it was a big deal to create his character & why so many people were against the character.
— John Pruitt - JP (@pruveit) November 22, 2018
Another user explained, "The purpose of this episode was to point out the racial divide that existed (exists) in America. @SchulzMuseum recently featured a great exhibit honoring Franklin & why it was a big deal to create his character & why so many people were against the character."
