On September 17th Cartoon Network will officially debut the newest member of the Powerpuff Girls and not everyone is happy about it. As the world evolves and acknowledges the importance of diversity, there remains those who refuse to accept that change is inevitable. There are some who are simply angry at the addition of a fourth member of the super heroine squad, which breaks away from the 1996 original series, while others are angered more by the new characters ethnicity. This post isn't about said racist, this post is to celebrate diversity which remains a center piece of conversations today. After all, for every Ed Skrein there's a Billy Magnusson.
Captured from a video online, ahead of the network premier, fans caught a glimpse of the soon to be member and it's easy to see she looks very different from her sisters (if she's a Powerpuff she must be a sister). The character is clearly African American with blue hair, a contrast that brought out the inner racist of many commenters online. Small criticism aside, there's high anticipation for the character to debut as her name and powers remain a mystery.
Needless to say, since their creation there has been a longing for an African American Powerpuff, with Buttercup coming to serve as a stand in with her tough talking and vernacular.
One can only hope that the addition of this new character isn't only a special instance or one shot and that she will remain a mainstay in the series. Not only will this help the show teach and promote diversity but it will help to bandage a long time wound for African American fans of the show. We no longer have to imagine Buttercup as the "black" PPG, now we actually have one.
Tune in September 17th to find out all about the newest Powerpuff Girl.
