When I was a kid Foghorn Leghorn was my favorite Merrie
Melodies character. Well, actually, they all had their good points, but perhaps it
was because Foghorn seemed emblematic of what was happening in America at the
time in regards to Civil Rights. It was also the 100th anniversary of the
beginning of the Civil War. So, to me, Foghorn Leghorn “was” the Southern Dixiecrat;
and although in reality his ilk would repulse me; as a cartoon there was an
attraction borne of having seen this guy on the evening news.
In this 6 minute cartoon I’m not really sure who gets
lampooned the most; the Southerners or the “Hillbillies” who are represented by
chicken hawks, but are probably supposed to be African-Americans. But, at the
same time, they bear all of the trappings of the stereotypical “Hillbilly.”
So,
if you are offended by this type of humor, remember that this cartoon came out
just 2 years BEFORE “The Beverly Hillbillies” appeared on CBS, and which would
run for 7 more years after. The Andy Griffith Show had already begun its
classic run, and “Green Acres” wasn't even on the drawing board yet. At the same
time, most television shows were white, and shows like “Julia” were still almost
a decade in the future. And, it would be a full 10 years before Archie Bunker
made a fool of himself each week in your living room.
The voices in this cartoon are, of course, Mel Blanc.
Foghorn is hitchhiking south; presumably from D.C.; to spend the winter, being
pulled by a flock of birds. When he catches scent of the magnolias, he knows he
is back down South. Unfortunately for him, just as he is finished setting up
camp for the winter, “Elvis” and “Pappy”; the aforementioned chicken hawks;
catch his scent, and the race is on to see just who will be having who for
dinner.
Forget the political correctness, and enjoy this cartoon for
what it really represents. What is that? I’m not sure, but it looks an awful
lot like most of us to me.
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