THE LA ROCHELLE TIMES

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Sunday, October 29, 2006

Winnie the Pooh criticized for racial slurs against Tigger

Hundred Acre Wood rocked by charges of discrimination and racial segregation

Alex Terrieur
La Lune de la presse internationale


ENCHANTED PLACE, HUNDRED ACRE WOOD

Mediators from other fictional cartoons were called in Wednedsay to diffuse a crisis in the Hundred Acre Wood, emanating from charges of racial overtones involving several notable characters under the direction of Christopher Robin. Winnie the Pooh, a notorious bear whose commentary has often led to speculation about his mental stability, was accused of derogatory racist comments in referring to "that Tigger" who lives near him in the Hundred Acre Wood.

The charges gained notoreity as other characters quickly picked up the comments.

"We don't want to deal with that Tigger, pouncing on others all the time. He should know his place in the Hundred Acre Wood," Piglet told reporters on Thursday.

Christopher Robin currently has made no comment on the situation, but inside sources said he is indeed troubled by the feline-ursine divide that is creating tensions between otherwise peaceful neighbors in the wood.

"It all began with the use of the 'T' word," said expert Hugh Murr. "It simply has spiraled out of control, creating factions that feel they can use racial terms with impunity, while criticizing others using the same language."

Indeed, Tigger - whose name has sparked controversy for being derogatory towards felines - has stated publicly that he feels inclined to use his name in context, but that it is inappropriate for others to use.

"You know, I feel like a lot of cats, they can be out there callin' me, like 'What's up Tigger?' And that's okay by me, so long as they be the kind of cats that can say it. But I mean, you not a cat, you some kind a dog out there, barkin' out, 'Tigger go home!' or 'You ain't from my neck of the wood, Tigger!' then we gonna have a little problem on our hands," said Tigger after the latest shocking incident.

Some have suggested that the situation should be addressed by Christopher Robin, who has traditionally been called in when the forest animals have had problems in the past. His silence has led to the intervention of outside fictional characters. Representatives from International Felines Against Racial Terms (IFART), including such heavyweights as Garfield and Felix, have said they will intervene if tensions continue to rise.

Although there are currently no official proposals as to how to remedy the situation, it is clear that the "Tigger problem," as it has been dubbed by some in the more remote and backward regions of the wood, will not be easy to solve. Some solutions might include future segregation of the fictional residents, as well as perhaps simply outlawing improper name usage.