Arthur‘s Mr. Ratburn Comes Out as Gay, Gets Married in Season 22 Premiere
Here are two things you probably didn’t know: First, the animated children’s series Arthur is still on the air, entering its 22nd season on PBS Kids. Second, Arthur’s teacher — the well-read, well-dressed, well-liked Mr. Ratburn — is gay.
The news comes out in Monday’s premiere, titled “Mr. Ratburn and the Special Someone,” in which Arthur and his pals are shocked to discover that Mr. Ratburn is engaged — mostly because they refuse to accept that their teachers actually have lives outside of school. “When they go home, they sharpen pencils, eat kale and dream up homework assignments,” Buster insists. “They don’t even sleep! They just go into low-power mode and watch documentaries.”
This paranoia only grows when the gang spots Mr. Ratburn having lunch with an uptight woman (voiced by special guest star Jane Lynch), who tells Mr. Ratburn that he’s “too soft” and needs to “toughen up.” They decide that marrying her will make Mr. Ratburn miserable, which will then make his students miserable, so they set off to nip the nuptials in the bud. Little do they realize, the woman in question is actually Mr. Ratburn’s sister, who just wants the best for his big day.
Arthur and his gang of mostly recognizable animal friends show up to the wedding ready to object, but when they see who Mr. Ratburn is actually marrying — not to mention how happy the couple appears — they decide not to sabotage their teacher’s big day, after all. They do, however, make fun of the way Mr. Ratburn and his new husband dance, which is fair.
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Of course, this isn’t the first time the Arthur-verse has featured a gay character. A 2005 episode of the show’s spinoff, Postcards From Buster, found the titular rabbit visiting Vermont to learn how maple sugar is made. While there, he met several children whose moms were lesbians, to which he commented, “Boy, that’s a lot of moms!” (For what it’s worth, the word “lesbian” wasn’t actually used in the episode, just as Mr. Ratburn doesn’t use the word “gay” in Monday’s Arthur premiere.)
Click here to watch the episode in full, then drop a comment with your thoughts below.
Whoa, Arthur is still on?? That’s fantastic but really surprising. As is the storyline!
Terrible!!!. My children won’t be watching this anymore
I hope your children all come out as flaming homosexuals. There’s more than one way to be and more than one way to live happily. I commend pbs for doing this, although they’re a little late to this type of television. Being gay isn’t abnormal or disgusting, but being nasty to someone for their dating preference is disgusting and abnormal.
It’s not up to PBS to brainwash/recruit childen. The gay community is in the vast minority. One wouldn’t know it though between tv, movies, commercials, etc. The Gay Mafia is out in full force.
Having one gay character is “brainwashing” now? I swear some of you really don’t know how ridiculous you sound 😂
it is brainwashing because your not suppose to show little kids about this stuff if they wanna learn about it they shoukd talk about it with there parents! MAD AT YOU GOD WILL GET FOR THIS
Anne — you do realize decades of straight couples still created gay people no matter how much they saw women and men as wife and husband these heterosexual couples on TV recruited children to be gay, somehow. Perhaps, if more children saw gay couples on TV they will rebel and become straight? Given your logic?
Wrong its completely abnor.al and disgusting not to mention a sin
And why is this comment allowed ADMIN? not a logical, debate able comment but inflammatory. Not good monitoring.
Zero profanity, nothing directed at anyone.
And I hope your children become blatent heterosexuals! What’s up with that comment, Hi mom? I don’t think anyone has suggested gay as being disgusting or anything else. But school age children should be able to live as freely from sexualizarion as long as possible. Let them grow up a bit before you start throwing all the different lifestyles at them. I’m sure the child will come to you when the time is right and they are interested in finding out about alternatives. And quite honestly, it’s my job as a parent and not PBS, government, school, or anyone else to guide and help them in this.
you do realize that the only”sexual” part of this episode was a marriage? do your children not realize you are married as well? gosh, how could they handle such blasphemy as the marital bond that god created?
If marriage is “sexual” then why are children allowed to go to weddings? LOL.
I have nothing against the heterosexual community, but Television should let me decide when I will tell my kids about it. If the media exposes all these children to the straight community they might be confused and lost. It is my God-given right to protect the innocent from the heteros. Seeing straight couples might give them unhealthy questions about sex. We must do all we can to boycott PBS until Arthurs’s mom and dad get a divorce.
I’m apalled that PBS would allow such serious content to young children!!! I didn’t realize that it was also done back in 2005, this show “Arthur” should be CANCELLED AND IMMEDIATELY, as children are like sponges, they absorb what used to be safe & educational television. Adult sexuality preference is not for young children, I believe that it’s time to BOYCOTT PBS!!!
serious content!! omg!! you do realize that this conent has persisted since the beginning of the show? in the read family, even! mr. and mrs. Read are married from the start!! outrageous! marriage should not be forced upon the young and depveloping minds of children!
Now why would you even wish for someone else’s kids to become homosexual as some kind of “punishment” (on heterosexuality)? Way to implied that homosexuality isn’t something natural or some kind of bane on humanity there, buddy. :|
nice try, but that’s not even what they meant at all but your twisted mind just couldn’t help but take it there right. they meant so the parents would have to reflect on how they talked about gay people knowing it’s their own child.
Mine neither.
It’s not out of nowhere; Arthur was the first to break that ground. A decade ago there was an episode of the spinoff Postcards from Buster that had a lesbian couple and some affiliates refused to air it.
It’s almost as if you didn’t read the article,,.
I’m glad my children are adults now. We enjoyed Arthur so much when they were young. I’m very disappointed that cartoons are pushing homosexuality to children. It should be up to parents to explain sexuality to their children as they see fit, not the media, schools, books, etc I’m very against this whole agenda.
I’ll preface this by saying I’m straight, so I may just be talking out of my butt here, but – to me – saying “is a homosexual” kind of rubbed me the wrong way.
I fully know you didn’t intend it that way, but, I dunno, it just came off kind of “othering” him in a way saying “is gay” doesn’t.
Maybe it’s just the use of the indefinite article.
I’m not straight, so that certainly wasn’t my intention. Changing it to avoid any confusion.
Love you Andy!
I think it’s funny that the non-homosexuals are offended by something that the “not straight” person wrote about a gay cartoon character. SMH
This is terrible. My rat children won’t be watching.
Your rat children? Do they know you speak of them that way?
It’s ok, they are actually rats.
The level of trolling on this comment thread is hilarious. I enjoy all the freak outs.
Watch the show, don’t watch the show. Who cares.
Seriously I thought this episode was more about inter-species marriage. At any rate, I found the characters flat and two-dimensional, almost cartoon-like.
You’re right. A lot of place have stopped using the word “homosexual” because these days it’s primarily used by anti-gay groups and has a negative connotation. Most people/places just say “gay” now so it’s always kind of jarring to me to see “homosexual” used.
Ryan, are you suree that youre straight and not bi or pan? Unless youre a staunch ally, why would it bother you about one word being used over the other?
JayJay,
Maybe because no one likes to be labeled. Even us “heterosexuals”. Many gays use the word heterosexual like it’s a dirty word, just because I don’t believe like you do. Don’t put a label on me. I’m human, I have certain beliefs, but I can be compassionate to others. I can agree to disagree; aka tolerance.
Are you kidding me??? There is NOTHING politically incorrect or offensive about saying ‘homosexual.’ That is quite LITERALLY what gay and lesbian people ARE.
Aw, that’s really cool :). I’ll have to check out that episode when I get a moment free here.
.
Add me to the list of those who are amazed at how long this show’s been on, too! I loved it as a kid. Good to see it’s still going and entertaining a new generation of kids.
I grew up watching Arthur, and it still holds a fond place in my heart. I’m so glad to see the show growing with me, and attempting to accurately reflect the times its viewers live in. I always got that “vibe” from Mr. Ratburn, so I’m glad the show is portraying it more directly now. Representation matters, especially in children’s programming — it’s important for young ones to see a whole spectrum of people, to help our future generations become more aware and accepting of differences. It’s even more powerful when it’s a character that viewers have loved for decades, and who is known as a good teacher and positive role model. Good on you, cast and crew of Arthur.
I am appalled!! I watched this show growing up… and enjoyed having my kids watch it as well. Arthur and PBS kids pride itself on good moral family values. So you can imagine how shocked I was to see they have totally turned their back on what good moral values are.
I agree with Tracy
Tracy’s burner account
Since when could a beloved character being in a committed, loving relationship be classed as not “good moral values”?
Your kids deserve better than having to suffer the wrath of your bigotry.
I wish this site would moderate the hateful comments such as yours, it’s really unnecessary to provide a platform this kind of backwards thinking.
So, because someone disagrees with you, they should be silenced? What about when your views are not in agreement with others? Should you be silenced? Why can’t everyone just be allowed to speak their mind? That is the only way freedom will ever be upheld. Quit trying to shut people up just because they disagree with you.
Lol your ~precious freedom~ is not at risk just because someone said TVLine shouldn’t leave up hateful comments. Don’t worry, telling Tracy to shut up isnt going to singlehandedly undo the first amendment (which doesn’t even apply to this website). and, for the record, being homophobic isn’t a simple “disagreement” – it is not an opinion, it is bigotry. Bigotry has no place in society.
I dont agree with tracy at all, im gay and honestly have no opinion on this situation but i gotta say its a slippery slope when you start to silence people for their opinion. Even if i dont agree with the opinion id much rather discuss it then have someones comment removed for not being a popular opinion. You are the type of liberal that gives the rest a bad name, loud shouting and silencing tactics against those you dont agree with.
Lesbian here, in total agreement with you, Steve. Do I like her opinion? Nope. Do I want her silenced? Not at all- that’s super dangerous. Even on a privately-owned site like this. She’s not saying we should die or anything that I would put in the category of dangerous hate speech. We need to be so careful about not shutting down opinions we don’t agree with.
nope, not agreeing with a lifestyle is not “homophobic” that word is yet another inflammatory word used to silence people with a different opinion. yep it is an opinion, yes it is our choice to disagree and no it is not bigotry. Trying to silence peoples opinions has no place in society. if your so firm in your beliefs than someone elses opinion in those beliefs should not set you off. your words are actually more hate speak than many of the others I have read. you seem to think that only your perspective matters oh and of course those that agree with you. mature adults can actually interact with people of all walks of life and lifestyles without shutting them down. your comment only confirms the fact that this is all an agenda. silence anyone who does not agree. control with fear and intimidation. wow thats some lifestyle you support.
Morals come from God. Human beings did not develop morality by our own logic over time. The one who made us instructed us on how to conduct ourselves, concerning every aspect of our existence. He commanded mankind NOT to engage in any form of homosexual activity. He has never changed His word. This was wrong. No matter how the times have changed and no matter how a person feels in their heart. The Word of God is right and must be obeyed. We are teaching children disobedience. This is a very sad time in our history and we will pay for it.
Morals are intrinsic to our human society and have no relation to God. If you’re only going through the motions of having morals because God told you to, that’s terrifying.
The bible was not levitated down here by God, but put together by people who decided which books to be included and which not. You don’t know what word was changed, added, reworded or left out entirely. It actually does matter how you feel in your heart. Your belief in the bible doesn’t absolve you from bigotry, own your opinion.
King James changed one of the 10 Commandments so that it said not to kill, rather than the original, which said not to murder (a fine legal distinction). And the Bible was pretty OK with slavery, exterminating non-believers, and beating one’s wife, so it was sort of a mixed bag.
They’re are alot of cultures that still believe all of that is ok and its their right to do it. Are you gonna bash them too? I’m guessing not because that would be racist and discrimination, right?
I agree with Fred
So I assume you don’t wear blended fabrics, avoid menstruating women, cut the fat off all of your meat, make sure farmers only plant one kind of seed per field, and of course make sure to avoid any kind of shellfish, cause Bible says so
Also, no Bacon.
The Bible also says, when fighting another man, chop off his wife’s hand. The Bible also says that it’s a sin to eat seafood. Wearing clothes made from two different kinds of material is a sin. Eating pork is a sin. Sex before marriage is a sin. I’ve done all four, so I guess I’m a sinner. Everything is a sin. The Bible says that it’s okay to kill a woman after they have sex. Why follow one command and not the others?
Wait – you listed five things that the Bible says. Was cutting off the hand of some guy’s wife one of the four you’ve done? If so, that’s cold (and a bit serial-killer-like). Sorry – I couldn’t resist… ;-)
If I may voice my opinion; There are no lines in the christian bible that it states that God hates homosexuals, using God as a way to… justify your hatred for the homosexuals is not a smart idea, because if anything using God as a crutch for homophobia is just plain… disgusting frankly, and it makes us “homosexuals” look like saints because of how much a normal christian valued family sins in one day let alone one month or a year, so quite frankly, if homosexuality is a sin, then so is using Gods name as a justification tool for yourself is horrendous, and let’s not forgot God created all men equal and were told not to hate one another, in fact, live in harmony, as hatred is a sin. So can we please all be at least happy that in today’s generation our kids can learn to not hate one another and hope we all live peacefully? I am happy “Arthur” took this turn and showed a gay marriage on a kids show, it helps kids who are still developing learn that it’s okay to like the opposite or same sex, and to teach them that hating someone for who they are is wrong.
You do understand that human morality existed long before Christianity (or any Abrahamic religion) was a thing, and that there were laws and codes of conduct that governed ancient societies, right? Morality is absolutely one hundred percent human, and thus has evolved over time, as humans evolve and (we can only hope) become more understanding and accepting. There are many, many things laid out in the Bible that modern society no longer follows (do you wear clothes made of mixed fabrics? I presume you also don’t keep kosher, despite the Bible being quite clear in regards to things like pork and shellfish. Amazing how “morality” only comes up when used to oppress LGBT and other marginalized people). The book, compiled by men, is flawed and allegorical. I agree with John, if you only think morals should be followed because they were handed down from on high by God, that’s frightening, as it would seemingly mean you hold no value in being kind, thoughtful, and giving simply for the sake of other living beings in the world. Morals driven by religious fervor alone are not truly moral at all, and I would rather be amongst people who are compassionate and thoughtful without faith than people who use their religious doctrine as a weapon of fear mongering and oppression. (And I say that as a spiritual person.) I’m so glad the kids of today will have some examples of openness and diversity. The world needs it.
Preach🙌🏻Arielle
Who knew that God read Arthur book?!! Cool!!
Amen
Never believed in fairy tales nor believed in any sort of higher diety and “book.”
This is the 21st Century.
I believe himans have great capacity to create whatever they desire. Science and technology is pretty much it.
Until there’s unrefutable evidence such “beings” exist via by a scientific community of peers…this “god” phenomenon is but an imaginary fairy tale passed down the generations akin to Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, etc.
Homosexuality…all human deviances. No need to correlate to higher power influences. Genetic corrections are always possible when it comes to next generation Crispr gene editing.
Morals?
It is what one makes of it whether it be ones life lessons/experiences, etc.
I don’t see how “morals” is connected to any higher powers.
Some people just crack me up in having so little faith in themselves that they would default to crediting “others” like some “god” created this or that, morals are somehow bestowed upon us, etc.
I suppose “god” instructed broadcast channels to censor programming?smh
…you…do get that there are children who are growing up in homes with same-sex parents, or know other people in their lives (such as teachers) who are LGBT? Seeing a show acknowledge that fact, and reassuring these kids that there isn’t anything unusual or wrong about that, is a good thing.
.
You know what’s part of living with “good moral values”? Accepting people for who they are. Maybe you should try it.
Thank you, Angela! I love these holier-than-thou types who preach kindness and love but then spew hateful rhetoric towards anyone who is marginally different from them (because of a two-thousand year-old book written by fellow human beings with an equal propensity for hate). It’s truly upsetting to behold. We’re all humans trying to make it through life, suffering through many of the same problems. Maybe things be a little easier if we tried to…y’know…support and understand one another, regardless of who we love? As a straight man raised in a Catholic household, it makes my head spin how people are unable to comprehend this simple truth and prefer to go on hating.
…you also understand kids are ALSO growing up in pedophilia homes, drug users homes, etc?
Let’s not be hypocritical and only show “the love between LGBTQ.”
Let’s expose all children to the reality of mankind…via a cartoon character.
Allow these kids to experience the abuse, hardships of mankind’s true morality.
There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s a GOOD thing.
You too should open your eyes and try it.
Open and honest.
Wow Tracy you kind of suck. You realize the shows spinoffs had lesbians in them, right? Jeez, you must be great at parties.
AlsoTracy, you are dead wrong. Tracy doesn’t kind of suck- she TOTALLY sucks.
Mr Ratburn and his husband literally sucks.
I also watched this show growing up, which only makes me happier about this turn of events.
I think it upheld moral values just fine. The kids realized it was wrong to try to break up a marriage, and they realized it’s good to just let people be happy together. So while they made a mistake, they learned from it and will probably be better for it.
Tracy, they’re screwed up because of you, not this show.
They haven’t turned their back on what good moral values are. They have simply (and finally) expanded what they are. I know plenty of gay people who live good moral family lives (and I likely know more straight people who don’t). You have to admit, heterosexuals don’t have a great track record on the morality scale. No grouping of people does, just as no grouping of people are exclusively immoral.
lol die mad about it
How is this immoral? Loving someone of the same gender is not wrong, still showing love and family values, nothing inappropriate was mentioned. Your the one that needs to check your morals, get off your high horse!!!
I agree as well. Pushing any sexual orientation on children is absurd. Keyword in sexual orientations is sex children shouldn’t even be concerned with things like that. I’ve been watching Arthur since I was a child I’m 27 now and I’m shocked.
Arthur’s mom and dad have been characters on the show since season one, clearly demonstrating their sexual orientation. Did you have a problem with THAT married couple? Your prejudice is showing.
😂😂😂Eric
^^ this. I’m not anti-gay but I totally agree that the whole topic of sexual orientation is kind of inappropriate for a cartoon for pre-school / elementary school kids.
There are 22 seasons that explicitly show heterosexual sexual orientation. Even a few instances of straight PDA! Heavens to mergatroid the immortality! If you want to avoid discussing sexual orientation with children you’ll have to do that with more than just the orientations you find yucky.
I would like to discuss sexual orientation with my children when I decide they are adult enough to have this talk or when they show a clear interest in it. I can’t really say I’m comfortable with a kid TV show raising this kind of interest in them.
There are life situations far beyond “why Mr Ratburn is marrying another male rodent”, far more disturbing and unfortunately far more common (as in concern more than 2% of the population). Not “why does Johnny have two dads” but “why doesn’t Johnny have a dad whatsoever”, “why does Johnny have bruises” or “why hasn’t Johnny eaten in the morning”. I don’t see many kid shows tackling these topics…
I agree with Aston, as a parent we should have the right to decide when to talk to our kids about things. My kids grew up watching Arthur and I’m so very happy that they are told old to be watching it now. There are far more important things going on in the world to be considered about who is sleeping with or marrying the same or opposite sex. I don’t think it’s fair to push an agenda on kids or anyone. I could care less about a persons sexual orientation to me that’s your business and cross to bear, I have enough of my own problems to worry about.
200% agreement with Aston.
So what if you see gay people or people shooting up drgs all around the child? It’s not up to the writer of some cartoon to talk to these kids about these types of subject matter.
The parents would make that decesion if and when they deem the time is appropriate…not the tv.
Wow, do your kids believe that -all- cartoons reflect reality?
I mean, do they think that animals talk and wear clothing, just like humans?
Do they wonder why your car doesn’t transform into a robot?
How about turtles liking pizza?
As for your second thoughts, are you relying on cartoons to teach your children about topics?
(I swear, it’s like people don’t know how to change the channel or something…)
I actually agree with you there, Aston, and I’m actually fine with LGBT rights. But in the end, it’s really up to the parents or guardians to decide what and when their small kids should know about LGBT issues (or not) from their own household or community. I feel the real issue in the grand scheme of things has really less to do with seeing gay characters or marriages on TV, and more to do with the age-appropriateness of depicting them in children’s content for the masses at all. It may all depend on the different cultures or beliefs of those kids and families and not really something for TV shows, movies, schools, or the government to go around undermining or infringing against everyone’s will (especially in young kids of all demographics that are barely developing grade school level skills and basic cognitive skills within their own families and traditions). I mean, it’s all fine for some parents or families to teach their own kids about LGBT issues in their OWN terms (if they actually expressed interest in learning about it, have a lgbt relative, or are from same-sex families themselves–which is practically a given) and for others to wait until their kids are at least a bit older enough to be able to grasp the complexity of it all. I really see nothing wrong with either option depending on beliefs, customs, or scenarios. Every responsible parenting style is different and should be respected, right? If only the liberal media or agenda ever got that kind of notion (I’m apolitical btw).
You know who else watches this show growing up? Young gay kids. You know who else will watch this show with their children? Same-sex parents. Stop going off about “morals” when you’re getting salty over kids having good representation and role models, you crusty raisin.
There are really no such thing as gay or straight kids until puberty hits them.
I share your exact thoughts Tracy. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion on this subject of course. But I believe in, traditional marriage between a man and woman.
I believe in traditional marriage!
A union between a 50-year-old man and a 14 year old girl for a dowry of 18 cows, that only lasts until the man gets bored and tosses the girl aside for a new one
Just because something is traditional doesn’t mean it’s the only acceptable thing, and when it comes to denouncing all relationships of consenting, loving adults other than those *you* approve of, that tradition is quite an *un*acceptable thing
It’s very disturbing that now a children’s cartoon on PBS is promoting the LGBTQ+ agenda. However, apparently, it isn’t the first time this has happened. I’m very disappointed in PBS.
Another comment I would like to make is how “some” want to express their beliefs, but want to thwart any beliefs that aren’t in agreement with theirs. Now, that’s “BIGOTRY”!!!
And what is their agenda exactly? Making everyone gay? Turning people to the dark side of acceptance and tolerance of others concerning their own personal life which is absolutely no one else’s business . And what we are sinner because we don’t promote hatred?
What is acceptance and tolerance? Defined, acceptance is the agreement with or belief in an idea, opinion, or explanation – or more in context to the discussion, it’s welcoming the idea that same sex marriage is ok. Tolerance is defined as the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with. When one takes time to consider the two definitions, it becomes clear that they are at odds with one another. Tolerance implies that you don’t have to agree with a perspective and that’s ok. But in that disagreement, you should still be kind. Acceptance implies it’s not ok to disagree with a differing opinion, idea, or in this case life-style. Take a moment to consider that. Take a moment and look up the definitions of the words because they having meaning. Yes we live in a world where we should be tolerant, but have the right not to accept. Conservatives, Christians, …or those from other religions have a world view based on a belief they believe to be true. And therefore, as a result of that worldview can never accept. Likewise, those who don’t believe in the conservative perspective or in religion cannot accept that God is real and shared a model for living that rejects all sin; not just same-sex relationships, but divorce, greed, drunkeness, etc. If we are to live more harmoniously, we all have to recognize the difference between acceptance and tolerance. We have to stop pushing for acceptance because the worldviews are incompatible, but rather need to embrace tolerance. It is ok to have different ideas, it is ok to disagree about life-sytles, it is not ok to be rude or vulgar to one another. And to those who invoke the name of Jesus to ridicule, don’t forget the command Jesus gave in John 13:34 “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another” repeated in John 15:12 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” which is an extension of Leviticus 19:18 which reads “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” And to those who invoke the Old Testament and pull law out of context or fail to take time to study the Christian faith comprehensively, please stop. You lose all credibility to any believer when you can’t even grasp the implications of the old and new covenants based on levitical law and Jesus’ death.
sheesh…another bible thumper.
Formerly serving in the military; me and my squad were tasked to shepard a flock of you bible thumpers trying to “spread Christianity” in the middle east.
Sadly; tolerance/acceptance was a lost cause. In fact so were some body parts; as we literally had to tie these thumpers down, dragging kicking and screaming as we all ran for our lives as natives were screaming “Allah is great!!!!!….with machetes and gun fire.
Ironically none of us got a thank you other than a kick in the groin and spat upon.
THERE’s your tolerance and acceptance.
Cps; yes I’m a Christian and yes I read the Bible. And your response to my comment illustrates my point. You use “bible thumper” pejoratively; as if my worldview is derogatory in nature. Therefore, based on your response to me as well as other comments you’ve provided in this thread its safe to conclude that neither you nor I will accept the other’s perspective. An guess what – that’s ok! We live in a world where individual thought and perspectives can make it a better place – has made it a better place. Group think and the expectation that we all agree is dangerous. That said, what is not ok is to diminish another’s perspective or treat it with contempt because you do not agree. The ability to remain courteous and respectfully disagree is tolerance. My point of my intial post was that acceptance and tolerance, by definition, are mutually exclusive when other’s have opposing worldview as is the case in this thread between conservatives and or Christians and those who don’t believe the Bible is the moral standard established by God. There is no need for individuals with either perspective to treat opposing perspectives disrespectfully through name calling or offering insulting remarks.
Now to address your comments regarding your time in the Middle East. First, thank you for your service. I, as should all Americans, appreciate the personal sacrifices endured by our veterans, their families and friends, sothe ideals of our nation captured in the Constitution are upheld. And I agree with you whole heartedly that niether acceptance nor tolerance are often displayed in our conflicts within the Middle East. That said, I doubt you were literally kicked in the groin and spat upon by those profession to be Christians, but your statement is more figurative in nature. However, if I’m mistaken, and you were physically assaulted by my brothers and sisters in Christ, I on behalf of them aplogize and ask your forgiveness. Remember, tolerance is a choice and begins with one person at a time.
It’s very disturbing that you are promoting the bigoted anti-LGBTQ agenda on this site where children can see it. I’m very disappointed in you.
I’m sorry, but how is loving someone a “bad moral”? I applaud PBS for showing children that it’s okay to love whomever they love, regardless of sex and gender identity. I hope your children get this message from someone somewhere, because they clearly aren’t getting this message from you at home. Downright shame…
Oh, it’s okay for them to love whomever they love, eh? Yes, we should all love one another in a brotherly way. But you’re really saying that anyone is free to marry whomever they want because they “love” them. So if you love your brother or sister or your Grandma, you should marry them as well? Or what if you love your pet? There’s a difference between loving someone and being sexually attracted to them. Gay marriage is all about being sexually attracted to the same sex/gender. Don’t believe me? Find a gay married couple that doesn’t have sex. Do you really want kids to start thinking they can marry whomever or whatever they want?
The stupidity….I have no words.
I mean, straight people who get married are -never- sexually attracted to each other, right? They just decide to do it for the tax benefits, and trying to have children brings no pleasure whatsoever between partners. Do you really want kids to start thinking that sex is a part of a loving marriage between a man and a woman?
(btw, I’m pretty sure that a gay couple can have sex without being married, kinda ruins your argument)
There are those that love their farm animals as well. What’s the term?..SCAT?lol!
Did you mean bestiality?
I mean, if you want to argue for bestiality, I’m not going to stop you.
Comparing a loving relationship between two humans to a loving relationship between a human and a farm animal though… you should try and find a better way to make comparisons that justify your hate.
Finally someone said it. I loved Arthur growing up and I looked forward to showing it to my kids until now. I’m glad that it’s been on for so long but at this point it’s officially going down the drain.
Mmmmm Tracy I would love to hear what you define as “good moral values” …..
What an ignorant comment. Human sexuality and “good moral values” are mutually exclusive.
How is showing children that there are different types of people who love different types of people not good moral values again? Not like they threw up gay porn or anything. They had a man who loves another man. And before you say they’re too young keep in mind kids run into people before they get old enough to learn about sex. Their teacher or friends parents or even friends could be gay. If it’s ok for them to know about boys and girls relationships then it’s ok to know about gay relationships.
Yep, TV isn’t as moral as it used to be, unfortunately.
Yes, where is that very special episode of Arthur where they bully the gay kids so our kids learn that being gay is wrong and shameful? They can send the gay kid harassing messages, perhaps the gay child can be sent to one of those camps to learn how to be not-gay anymore? Totally a better morality lesson in that.
you’re disgusting <3 hope you rot in whatever hell you believe in
This was wrong and we cannot believe what television and America in general have become. And no one cares. When you are appalled by such things nowadays, you’re the bad guy!
I mean considering you’re the dwindling minority of people who are appalled and will spend your long life alienating people at the dinner table every Christmas complaining about the gays and how family values are gone instead of accepting an ever shifting landscape of the world that continues to march forward without you because nope, this was good enough for you, grandpa and grandma are gonna stay right here. Heaven forbid someone does something the bible equates to wearing mixed fabrics which by the way I really hope you don’t own any polyester. Jesus said love thy neighbour, you’re going to hell.
The Laws in Leviticus have been fulfilled & were no longer relevant w the birth & crucifixion of Jesus & God’s forgiveness. I wish people would quit throwing this up as if it is a valid argument. It’s not even relevant anymore. Have a nice day.
You’re right Fred!
You are the bad guy! What is “appalling” about two people falling in love? If you don’t like it, there are plenty of backwards countries you could move to. And you people are the ones who typically worry about Sharia Law coming to America, though you’re clearly fine with a Christian version of it. The only appalling thing here is you’re backwards bigotry. Why would you broadcast that to everyone when it’s so much easier to just shut up?
I’m more surprised this show is still on rather than Mr. Ratburn is gay. I slightly remember it being on when I was kid but I’d already aged out of its primary demographic when it premiered.
Ha! My friends and I guessed this years ago when we were all in 3rd grade. This is so cool. I’m going to have to watch this episode when it airs. And to all of the appalled and offended people: kids know a lot more than you think. They choose to accept people for who they are and not make a big deal out of it. Maybe you could do the same.
Just finished watching the episode – it was fantastic! It brought back a lot of childhood memories, and the wedding was handled very tastefully. Having Jane Lynch in the episode was a nice touch, too!
The fact that kids in 3rd grade are guessing if a cartoon rat in their TV show is gay is kind of wrong, from my perspective at least. Not the “gay” part but “3rd grade” part.
I am against this simply for the fact that I dont want my grandchild toddling into the kitchen and asking “Why did MR. Ratburn marry a man?” I want to control WHEN I tackle that mature issue with my kids/grandkids, Not the TV station. Turning the channel now.
It’s not a mature issue at all, and the answer is simple to boot – “because he loves him”.
Ewww
I mean, I’m all for parents and grandparents talking about this stuff with their kids, but the problem is that there’s a lot of them who don’t. So that’s not always a solution. And you can always take this opportunity to fill in and expand upon whatever they touched on in the show if your kid really does have a lot of specific questions.
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That said, seekingrapids’ response is spot on.
I doubt your kids/grandkids would ask that question, any more than they would ask why Mr. Anybody married Mrs. Anyone. That sounds like a question fearful adults dream up because they can’t deal with their own prejudices. Kids are much more accepting of the current state of marriage, unless they are hobbled by the ignorant opinions of the adults around them.
“Kids are much more accepting of the current state of marriage”
How you exactly know about this one for sure? Have you actually spoke to or survey any actual kids before of homophobic, conservative, or religious families? Or do you just simply stop with the “yes-man” group of kids? Don’t some parents not have the right to feel a little bit concern about what could be age-inappropriate topic for their kids to understand or question what is being presented at them through mass media. I supposed you also believe those same kind of parents should turn a blind eye from those really kid-unfriendly and disturbing content of Youtube “kids” videos and apps too (especially the ones that feature Frozen, Spiderman, and Peppa Pig characters a lot done in cheap animation)? Because kids after all do know what scat, foot fetishes, weapons, sexual harassment, graphic childbirths and pregnancies, and bloody needles look like….right?
“Kids are much more accepting of the current state of marriage”
How would you exactly know about this one as a fact for sure? Did you also actually ask other kids before of homophobic, conservatives, or religious families? Or just stuck with the opinions of the “yes-man” group of kids? Are some parents not allowed to feel a little bit concern of what might be considered ‘age-inappropriate’ messages being presented to their own kids through mass media? I supposed that you also feel those same kind of parents should turn a blind eye from all of those really kid-unfriendly and disturbing contents of Youtube “kids” videos and apps too (especially the ones that feature bootleg version of Frozen, Spiderman, and Peppa Pig characters a lot done in cheap animation)? Because kids after all do know what scat, foot fet, weapons, sexual harassment, graphic childbirths and pregnancies, and bloody needles look like…right?
Just an on-topic tale from an older person’s memory, and while this may not be exact- this is as close to what I remember how it happened waaaay back!
From the time my children were born(late 80s, early 90s), my ex-husband and I had many friends from many different walks of life over to visit on the weekends. We never “explained” anything about our friends one way or another to our children prior to their visits…other than to behave and to not expect our friends/guests to break our rules and give them extra dessert or anything. (Which often happened anyway! LOL) We also had never talked to our children about LGBTQ topics, preferring to just let our children be around all people and have the questions, if any, come naturally. Our friends were a rainbow coalition, all races, creeds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. My father, who we invited once, didn’t approve of us not having only straight, Catholic/Christians in our home, but “my children, my household, my rules.” Anyway, during one of our parties one of the couples we invited, a lesbian couple who had been in partnership for many years and who arrived with their own young son, gave each other a hug and a brief mouth to mouth kiss. The kind of hug and kiss that no one would EVER tell a straight couple not to do in front of their children. In other words, it was a loving kiss, not a sexual one. A little while later my daughter, who was maybe 4 years old at the time, came to me. She said, “Mom, I just saw “G___” and “S___” kiss each other.” I replied with a smile, “Yes.” “The way you and daddy kiss,” her eyebrows and face scrunched up the way it did when she was puzzled about something. So, I told her that “G___” and “S___” loved each other and were partners the way her father and I were. She paused a moment, looked up at me with a huge smile, and said, “OH! OK!” and walked back to the living room and the party.
If you don’t teach children one way or another that peoples “differences” are “normal or abnormal, right or wrong, good or evil, etc.” children will grow up into adults who just accept that everyone IS different…and that in my humble opinion, is how the world should be.
Answer the question the same you would answer if your grandchild were to ask why *you* married your spouse.
You really shouldn’t let you grandchildren or anyone toddle in the kitchen. That should be a private experience or with a non-familial loved one.
It really isn’t a mature topic though. You wouldn’t be talking to your grandchild about intercourse. (Although, when my children were little, we answered those birds and bees questions by allowing our children’s questions to guide us to our answers – if they are old enough to formulate a specific question, then they are old enough to hear an age appropriate answer. FYI – neither of my now 30ish year olds were “ruined” or “spoiled” by that upbringing! ;D) Anyway, this isn’t about intercourse, it is about LOVE. All your response has to be, as seekingrapids says, “because he loves him.” And I think that’s the problem a lot of the people who are angry about this episode have – they automatically equate the introduction of LGBTQ characters with the topic of sexual intercourse, and this has nothing to do with introducing children to the birds and the bees.
Wow, Arthur still has new episodes? What grade is he in? Lol
But really, that’s awesome. When does it air?
It already aired early this morning. But it re-airs tonight at 9 Eastern on YKids. And it is also on the website at this link. https://pbskids.org/video/arthur/3028697275 It was a great episode! Hope you enjoy it!
he’s still in third grade even though there is an episode “The Last day” where they show that they’re going into 4th grade but they’re still in 3rd grade for some reason (I guess they couldn’t do anything with that even though they could have hidden that fact that, spoiler alert, Mr Ratburn ends up becoming their fourth grade teacher)
It already aired early this morning. But it will re-air tonight at 9 Eastern time on YKids. And it is also on the website at https://pbskids.org/video/arthur/3028697275 It was a great episode, hope you enjoy it! (sorry if you see two replies, I didnt see my first one show up)
this is so incrediable, i grew up on this show and to think kids get to grow up with this being so normal is so frigging awesome ! we stan also who knew this was still on i got like 14 years of this ish to catch up on
It is incredible!!! But for the past 20+ years I’ve been shipping Mr. Ratburn and Ms. Turner,(the librarian),lol.
This is so horrible. Why do kids need to be exposed to this? Less than 2% of population are gay yet they over saturate television with so much LGBT that it becomes too much. Just terrible.
0.5% of the population is blind. Do you think we should hide blindness from kids and pretend it doesn’t exist? Does the thought of a visually-impaired character chill your blood?
Also, 2% is a very conservative figure; it is actually closer to 5%. It would even be a little higher were it not for the gay kids with hateful parents who must hide who they are for the fear of being kicked out of the house/told they are evil by those who are supposed to love them.
I’m going to guess no more than 2% of characters who have been introduced over 22 years of Arthur have been gay, I’d over-saturation is your big concern. Don’t think it is though!
Yes, we should totally be worried about demographic accuracy in a cartoon series about talking animals.
There is sex material on Arthur?
It’s not as though they’re showing any sexual acts between Mr. Ratburn and his husband, only their marriage. I remember seeing many other weddings in children’s TV shows growing up. What’s the issue?
No, it has nothing to do with sex and everything to do with love.
It’s cute the way the story unfolds. It sounds as though they’ve done a good job making this a story of funny misunderstandings where everything turns out okay in the end. Now, when the kids who have watched this episode see same sex couples in real life, it won’t be a surprise or a big deal. It will just be another facet of their community. What parent wouldn’t want their child prepared to live in the real world?
My third grade class watches this all the time on YouTube during inside recess. I might have to see if I can find this episode.
I dont know if it will be up on youtube or not, It might be right from Arthur’s channel or PBS Kids if they have one. But I do know it is up on their website at https://pbskids.org/video/arthur/3028697275 And good for you Meghan! I hope you and your class enjoy the episode if you can watch it!
Very tasteful and appropriate episode for those who needs to snap out the old world and know in this day in present there are kids out there who have wonderful parents who are in the LGBTQIA community and turned out very great. Kudos to The show from a African American gay man who has a godson that got accepted to Princeton with no so called brainwashing whatever that is.
I am a teenager, I have been watching Arthur since I was a little girl. And never have I known off what was going in the spin-off but what I do know as a fact, is that in this bible says sodomy is an abomination and God never ever allowed this. Not only does this go against nature of us as humans the way God created us but it also, is so wrong. Just because majority of humans thinks it is ok means nothing , God is an majority, he as a majority said this is wrong.This type of stuff is not ok but yet people are ok with it, but it was supposed to be man and woman, not man with man and woman and woman , you can’t even make baby that way so there is more proof . Also I do not hate people at all, I just disagree with this tyoe of thinking
One more thing the bible I am talking about is kjv , not the common bible people use on sunday
You know these are animals, not humans, right?
Hi Polly, I wish to talk with you about how… yet again… The bible says nothing of God disliking Homosexuality. In fact, most people are okay with it because, well, frankly people interpret homosexuality as a sin, but in reality it’s not a sin, in fact, if we talk human nature, let alone animalistic nature, there are sometimes within an animal that it ends up trying to… breed another male, because of how animals are designed to breed and us, as humans, are animals too, but we’re more intelligent. Keep in mind God created us all as equal individuals who can believe what they want to believe, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter your Race, Religion, Sex or S/O, we’re all children of God and he loves every one of us equally as we were created by him, the real demons are not homosexuals, but those who do unspeakable acts of violence to one another, they are the demons, having feelings for someone of the same sex is not a bad thing, because we go with what the heart believes and when the heart guides you, you find happiness, do not let people say otherwise that God hates Homosexuals, only those homosexuals who commit crimes against family or another being shall be frowned at, but not hated as God does not want hate. If anything these events now in the world are Gods way of saying; “Enough violence against your fellow brothers and sisters.” “Enough hating on one another.” “Live in peace with one another.” Is what God wants us to do, and we must make a change now, starting with the hating of homosexuality, then work towards peace between nations and religions.
PBS made a smart decision showing this episode as a way to change how we are today, and how we hate anyone different from us, if there is a lesson to be learned from this episode it’s this; We are all equal, we all have lives that differ from one another and that we all are still bound under the guidance of Christ, and that homosexuality should be accepted for future years to come or there will be no peace among the incoming generations and this episode shows that it’s okay to love who you love as long as you are guided by Christ in every step, even if you are a male/male couple or male/female couple or even female/female couple, as long as you both agree to let Christ bind your souls to life and follow Christianity still.
Thats nice and all but there’s really no denying that the bible is 100% against homosexuality. Something about if 2 men lie together they shall be stoned. Interpret that whichever way youd like, but it seems clear to me.
Thank you !!
All I have to say is that I am talking about a different bible called King James version , not the Sunday,And that you are entitled to what you believe but I will stand by what I said Thank You
Huh. I went on a hunch to see if any kids in the Arthur Universe are divorced, and apparently Buster (Arthur’s best friend) has divorced parents.
WHY ARE YOU EVEN PAYING ATTENTION TO THIS SHOW? I mean, what God has put together, let no man separate, right?
Oh, you didn’t know about that, and you’re just worried about the gay marriage thing?
Sounds a bit hypocritical, doesn’t it?
Nicely stated Polly.
Although I’m non religious; everything else you’ve stated is spot on. Man and woman produces a child. Reintegration both sexes for nurturing; despite what the LGBTQ community would like to sell people in their Kool Aid.
*Requires..not reintegration
Your god and the Bible condones war, murder, rape, and slavery. Clearly they’re not a really good example of a good moral compass. Unless you agree with those things. Your go and Bible are very sexist as well.
I cannot believe they did this! It was such a good show.
You misspelled “is”
Love this so much!! Its great to introduce children to real world situations and to normalize equality at the youngest age possible. Im really proud of the writers and the network for doing this!
Yep, let’s introduce them to the topics of substance abuse, domestic violence, adultery or even molestation because you know, these are real world situations. Every goddamn show is pushing an agenda these days, why not that? More than enough kids have first-hand experience with this already when they shouldn’t. Can the rest have a normal, you know, childhood?
Those are dark and mature topics. This episode is about love. If you equate marriage with domestic violence and molestation, I feel terrible for your partner.
No it’s forcing kids to act on certain things and think things they shouldn’t have to like why are you bringing that to kids attention let them decide for themselves why present that to them like come on
I am saddened to see that a country built on the Bible and good morals is now promoting these types of relatipns on childrens’ programming. I will not be supporting this.
I am saddened too, but for an entirely different reason. The blatant homophobia in this comment section is truly sickening. I’ve been checking this page all night, and I can’t believe that so many people who preach morality can be so hateful toward fellow human beings. Shame.
I don’t even believe in god AND certainly don’t support this type of indoctrination bs gor children. It’s bad enough the network powers that be are introducing LGBTQ story arcs as “normal” in their programming.
It also doesn’t mean i need to accept it either.
It also doesn’t mean you have to watch it if it bothers you that much! Novel concept, I know.
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.And “indoctrination”? Please.
Don’t worry i don’t.
I did however support PBS like many others that support varios programming with our donations. You do realize programming like this doesn’t magically appear?…or possibly you do?lol!
Good luck with your fairy tales and beliefs!
I though america was built on native americans corpses
I think it is so wrong that they’re invading Mr. Rat Burns personal life it has nothing to do with the children that are the main characters I fell like children do what they see on TVI used to watch Arthur growing up and I definitely know that I did but I think it is wrong by making it a fad for children to do the same as they see their favorite characters doing the lesbian and gay community choose these lives because of what they went through growing up I don’t think that is should be bestowed upon our youth the has no idea what’s going on busters adventures with the 2 moms is understandable but this is just nosy in Mr. Ratburn life And there’s other topics they could be touching rather than turning all the youth gay
I’d just be worried about making sure Mr. Ratburn is marrying another rat. The last thing we need our children learning about inter species marriage.
Everyone knew Mr Ratburn was gay. Everyone.
Wow. Finally! Twenty-plus years I’ve been waiting for them to have a blond character (other than those singing holograms in Binky Rules/Meet Binky.) Thank you for Mr. Ratburn’s sister!
They’ve had a couple of blonde characters. D.W.’s friend Emily & Nadine, her imaginary playmate. There’s a teacher or mom, but she’s rarely on the show & I have no idea who’s mom she is.
Yep. PBS is “liberal”… No more Arthur in our household…
Honest question…. homosexuality aside, why would you want pbs in your household in the first place?