Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
This adult-flavored 'toon toes the line on taste.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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?
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
- Premiere date : November 6, 2005
- Cast : Adam De La Pena , Carlos Alazraqui , Dana Snyder
- Network : Cartoon Network
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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