One would not think of a rabbit as a pop culture icon, let alone a cartoon rabbit. Bugs Bunny first appeared on screen on April 30, 1938 in Porky’s Hare Hunt. Co-directed by Ben “Bugs” Hardaway and an uncredited Cal Dalton who was responsible for the original design. Bugs became very popular during the second world war. Bugs represented a care free attitude and was an underdog of sorts. His personality would be described as clever and being able to outsmart anyone who would antagonize him and in almost every conflict he would most likely win. Like other successful studios during the world war two era, Warner Brothers put their characters up against the axis powers. Bugs would put up against a group of Japanese soldiers in the cartoon “Bugs Bunny Nips The Nips”. Due to its depiction of Japanese people, its distribution was ceased and has not been re-distributed since.
Bugs Bunny has been used in countless cartoons, and was very successful. Always being able to out smart his opponent, Bugs appealed to an audience that always felt as if they were the underdog. Bugs Bunny is seen as a hero in the way that he can defeat all his foes. During World War II, this would have been very important to viewers. Countless times he is the victor. A sign of victory, Bugs was cocky at times but that only enforced the importance of being the underdog. In some of the cartoons, Bugs is hunted during rabbit season, and constantly out smarts his counterpart. Showing triumph through rebellion is a sign of freedom. Bugs Bunny is the true symbol for underdogs in american culture.
Bugs Bunny has been used in countless cartoons, and was very successful. Always being able to out smart his opponent, Bugs appealed to an audience that always felt as if they were the underdog. Bugs Bunny is seen as a hero in the way that he can defeat all his foes. During World War II, this would have been very important to viewers. Countless times he is the victor. A sign of victory, Bugs was cocky at times but that only enforced the importance of being the underdog. In some of the cartoons, Bugs is hunted during rabbit season, and constantly out smarts his counterpart. Showing triumph through rebellion is a sign of freedom. Bugs Bunny is the true symbol for underdogs in american culture.