Australian children’s cartoon “Bluey” is loved by a wide range of people, young and old. People appreciate the show’s unique way of blending wholesome humor with mundane and difficult situations in a mature and whimsical way.
In a recent “Bluey” episode titled “Exercise,” Bluey’s father, Bandit, stepped on the scales, grabbed his tummy, and became disheartened after declaring that he needed to start exercising.
“Oh, I need to get some exercise,” Bandit laments.
“Tell me about it,” Chili, Bluey’s mother, chimed in before stepping on the scale herself, sharing a similar reaction to her own number.
Reaction to the episode was mixed. Many Australian viewers who watched the episode expressed concern that they were unwittingly sending toxic messages to those around them. body weight— especially the message that equates exercise with losing weight rather than overall health.
@laceyjadechristie I have so many thoughts on this scene and am very interested to see what you think. #bluey#fashaming#body positive#fat release#parenting♬ Original song – Lacey Jade Christie
1 viewer wrote twitter: “I love Shinshin & the message it sends [but] Seeing bandits on the scales, squeezing their bellies and frowning, sends the message to kids that fat = bad & exercise = weight loss. V upset.
Some felt that the show only reflected the honest part of parenting and that the backlash was unwarranted.
“I’m a parent and I really felt seeing my body change after having kids because I don’t have the time or energy to exercise like I did when I was a kid.”
Still, some real-life medical professionals have spoken out to see how the scene could pose a problem. Instagram, pediatric nutritionist Kyra Ringrose, PhD, explains that she liked the show because it was so relatable to parents, but that the show “missed a big opportunity” to teach kids other, more intrinsic benefits of exercise. And I could never have a “trusted adult” again. Dogs!) Express dissatisfaction with how your body looks. All bodies are good bodies. ”
Kayla Ringrose, Ph.D., pediatric nutritionist on Instagram: “So many discussions are being generated in my inbox that I’m putting these stories into feed posts. @officialblueytv’s latest update called Exercise. I’d appreciate it if you could share your thoughts on the episode… I’d love to see the first 30 seconds change and other trusted adults (even dogs!) see what their bodies look like I don’t want my daughters to see me complaining about something.All bodies are good bodies. What do you think?”
Ringrose adds: “If this episode was remade and Bandit was losing energy in the first 30 seconds or Chilli was feeling a little down and they decided to put in some movement to make them feel better, I’m very happy with that. @OfficialBlueyTv What do you think?”
The creators of “Bluey” noticed the complaints and quickly fixed the episode for both ABC (Australian Broadcast Corporation) and BBC.
New scenes can be seen online thanks to the generous souls of TikTok.The clip below is shared by a ‘Bluey’ enthusiast @AussieGirlMagicis a side-by-side comparison of the two versions. This time Bandit is seen simply pulling out a fitness mat and creating an exercise playlist.
@aussiegirlmargie Ludo studios listened to HEALTH PROFESSIONALS and changed Bluey episode exercises from season 3 #bluey#blueytok#blueyseason3#blueyexercise#disney#ludostudios#blueyheeler#banditheeler♬ Bluey Theme Tune – Bluey
So far, many have applauded the decision, especially those who had to grow up with their own issues with the movement that began with the early messages.
Below is a comment from TikTok.
“Seeing my parents so focused on their body image, I’m glad they’re doing this.
“I’d love to see it! I’m glad they embraced our genuine concerns about health and wellness.”
“As someone with ED, I’m really happy they made this decision.”
“This is great! Exercise should be motivated by health and enjoyment, not by shame or fear of weight.”
This episode of “Bluey” hasn’t aired in the US yet, but it’s safe to assume that American viewers are watching an edited version.
