Parents are expressing their outrage over a new spinoff series of the popular Netflix show "CoComelon Lane" for babies and preschoolers, claiming that it promotes a “woke” agenda. The controversy stems from the introduction of LGBTQ characters and a scene in which a young boy dresses up in a tutu and tiara.
In the segment titled "Just be me," the little boy is shown playing dress-up in a studio, getting ready for a photo shoot with his two dads. He tries on various costumes, seeking his parents' opinions on which one looks best. The same-sex couple encourages him to "be himself" and sings a song about embracing one's true identity. The boy eventually decides to dress up as a firefighter and a chef before finally donning a tiara and tutu and twirling around the room.
The clip was shared on social media by the account “End Wokeness” and quickly garnered over 7 million views in less than 24 hours. Upset parents criticized the show for what they perceived as an attempt to indoctrinate children. Will Hild, executive director of Consumers' Research, expressed his disgust, stating that the episode went beyond promoting acceptance of same-sex families and appeared to encourage cross-dressing. Hild argued that this was part of a larger agenda, citing concerns about drag queen story hours and sexually explicit books in schools and libraries.
Hild further claimed that media companies like Netflix strategically insert these themes into well-established shows to avoid alienating viewers from the start. He pointed to other children's series, such as "Peppa Pig," that have introduced LGBTQ characters after gaining a significant following. Hild's views were echoed by other parents who took to social media platforms and review sites, expressing their disappointment and frustration with the show's shift towards a left-leaning social message.
However, not all parents were critical of the show's new content. Some praised it for its diversity and dismissed the concerns raised by others as homophobic. Nevertheless, a significant number of parents vowed to stop watching "CoComelon Lane" and criticized media companies for pushing a “woke” agenda onto young children.
When approached for comment, Netflix did not respond to Fox News Digital's request. This is not the first time the streaming platform has faced controversy regarding LGBTQ content in children's shows. Earlier this year, a Netflix Jr. cartoon for preschoolers received backlash for teaching kids about nonbinary identities and pronouns.
The contentious nature of the issue is not confined to Netflix alone. In February 2023, the reboot of the Disney show "The Proud Family" drew criticism for featuring a rap in which kids debated topics such as slavery, reparations, and systemic prejudice.
The reaction from parents highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the inclusion of social and political themes in children's programming. While some argue that it promotes acceptance and diversity, others see it as an intrusion of adult ideologies into innocent entertainment. The controversy surrounding "CoComelon Lane" illustrates the challenges faced by media companies in navigating these sensitive topics while appealing to a wide audience.
