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Parents' Guide to

Minoriteam

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

This adult-flavored 'toon toes the line on taste.

TV Cartoon Network Comedy 2005
Minoriteam Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 16+

Based on 1 parent review

What's the Story?

As members of the crime-fighting MINORITEAM, five motley superheroes use the power of racial stereotypes to challenge a villain known as the White Shadow, the oppressive and influential leader of an evil band of racists and bigots. The Minoriteam includes Non-Stop, an Indian man who runs a convenience store; Fasto, an African-American man who can run really, really fast; El Jefe, a Mexican man who loves his leaf blower; Dr. Wang, a Chinese businessman who owns a Laundromat; and Jewcano, a Jewish man who fights crime with the power of his religion and the unexplained aid of a volcano. The White Shadow's cronies include Hot, Stuck-Up Bitch, an attractive woman who refuses to \"put out\"; the Black Cock, a mysterious man in a rooster costume; and Seamus McFisty-Cuffus, an Irish alcoholic who hates Chinese people with a vengeance.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Taking a concept that could be funny and really overdoing it, this animated spoof of classic cartoons and comic books thumbs its nose at the concept of political correctness and toes the line between clever and crude. Part of the good news is that the show is short, with each episode lasting a mere 15 minutes. But while the humor will probably satisfy most open-minded adults, the show's penchant for turning racial slurs into a gag runs the risk of influencing older teens (and especially young children) to be less sensitive when it comes to matters of racial, religious, and ethnic prejudice.

Perhaps more disturbing is Minoriteam's reliance on explicit language to make a joke. (And even though the really bad words are bleeped out, most older kids will know exactly what's being said.) For example, one episode ends with a member of the Minoriteam uttering this thoughtful insult to the White Shadow: "Once again, you (bleep)-ed up, you triangular (bleep)-face!" before adding "What a (bleeped)-up ending!" In short, the show is shocking without a whole lot of substance, resulting in a program with a list of "cons" that far outweighs its "pros."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the pros and cons of using prejudice as a punch line, which can either point out its ridiculousness or reinforce its usage. Why do minority groups so often become the target of tasteless jokes -- and, more importantly, why do we laugh? Would a member of the groups that are mocked in this series find it funny or offensive? Does glorifying racial, ethnic, and religious intolerance for comic effect make the concept easier to swallow?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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