#arthurization

Image description: An anthropomorphic bear and rabbit done in the style of the PBS Kids cartoon, “Arthur,” stand in front of a sign on a grassy field. The sign reads “Elwood City Limits.” The characters pose as if taking a photo, probably for the ‘gram (meaning Instagram). [End image description]

I won’t mince words: @elwoodcitylimits is a gem of a podcast.

As of this post they’re approaching the 100th canonical episode, and that’s honestly a real big feat! Congrats Will & Lucas. Every week you deliver on the laughs and good vibes, not to mention your wit and insight. We listeners sure are spoiled! 

The inspiration for this comes from a listener asking: “What animals would you two be if you guest-starred on Arthur?” (listen here, around the 10 minute mark) Will said bear. Lucas said either a duck or a bunny. I cannot be responsible for whatever creature that might arise from a duck/bunny “Arthurization”, so I hope bunny suffices. Credit to Lucas for the term “Arthurization,” btw.

Image description: Three anthropomorphic characters, drawn in the style of the PBS Kids cartoon, “Arthur,” come together for a group hug.

The character on the viewer’s left, who looks to be a four year old child, is holding a plush toy. The character on the viewer’s right looks to be about eight years old and is running right up to accept the hug. The central figure, an adult, acts as the bridge between the four and eight year old. He wraps them up in the hug.

All of these characters share similarities with each other. This is because they all represent the same person. [End image description.]

Arthur’s been on the brain lately. Thank you to Mr. Ratburn for coming out, but really, thanks PBS, WGBH, and Marc Brown for making such a kindhearted cartoon for children?

I grew up watching Arthur. The show has seen me through a lot, especially when it comes to my own development as an individual. The line in the theme song that goes “believe in yourself, for that’s the place to start” has always felt like a positive affirmation, no matter what hardships I may have had throughout my life.

This Pride Month is a milestone celebration in the US, and for myself, it’s no different. Kid me really didn’t have any idea about what I’d be doing at age 21. Now that I’m here, though, it feels pretty cool.

If I could tell kid me something, I guess it would be that I still love Arthur! And that we’ve done a lot of work that we should feel proud of.