There are so many cartoon shows on TV that teach kids absolutely nothing. Now, listen. Now, full disclosure, most of the shows I watched in the 80s (He-Man, Transformers, GI Joe, Voltron) weren’t exactly teaching “life lessons.” However, I think everyone should have a bit of healthy “escapism” in their lives. That said, there are specific topics parents find very difficult to broach with their kids that cartoons can help ease into without the awkwardness of a parental “talk” out of the blue.
Speaking of “blue,” the hit Disney cartoon Bluey manages to blend kid-friendly entertainment with very serious subject matters in a way that’s safe and easy for kids to understand. The show is about a family of dogs experiencing the ups and downs of life.
Screengrab YouTube
Over the two seasons on Disney+, Bluey covers such uncomfortable subjects as death and bulling in brilliant and creative ways. Of course, it’s a cartoon, so it’s packed with plenty of lighthearted and funny moments, but the show isn’t afraid to tackle more serious subjects. In fact, the show is probably as popular with adults as it is with kids! And recently, an adult fan shared a fascinating theory about the title character that really has fans looking at the Australian cartoon in a whole new light.
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What is the Bluey “Rainbow Baby” Theory?
For those unfamiliar with the term “rainbow bab,” it refers to a child born to a couple just after they’ve suffered a miscarriage. The theory that’s originated on Tiktok suggests that the main character is, in fact, a “rainbow baby.”
The fan who introduced this theory is @world.shaker on TikTok, and he’s a colossal Bluey fan. According to this fan, Bluey helps promote healthy families more than any other show on TV because of the show’s masterful approach to dealing with uncomfortable and controversial subjects.
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In his video, @world.shaker references a few episodes that highlight the cartoon’s willingness to take on big topics before going into the “rainbow baby” theory.
He points to episode 16 on season 2, in which Bluey and her little sister, Bingo, pretend to be parents. Bingo puts a balloon under her shirt because she’s pretending she’s a pregnant mom. However, when the balloon pops, Bandit, the children’s father, instantly takes the hand of his wife Chilli in an instinctive effort to comfort her.
Is Bluey a ”Rainbow Baby”? This TikTok Theory Has Fans Thinking She Is – Distractify: Is Bluey a ”Rainbow Baby”? This TikTok Theory Has Fans Thinking She Is Distractify https://t.co/zb6CmmiBm2 #tiktok #tiktokindia #instagram pic.twitter.com/QksX5Oa7qc
— you-betterknow (@BetterknowYou) September 30, 2021
According to @world.shaker, everything that happens on the show has meaning, significantly when it cuts to key characters at crucial moments. This makes a lot of sense, especially since, unlike live-action shows with someone picking up actors’ motion with a camera, the Bluey is animated. Creating animated shows is complex, and you won’t find a lot of wasted movements by main characters without there being a specific reason.
To show the father comforting his wife after Bingo’s baby balloon pops likely represents a deeper meaning, something many parents who experienced the pain of a miscarriage would recognize right away. The TikTok user believes that Bluey’s parents probably suffered a miscarriage before he was born. This could also explain why they are such fun and loving parents, willing to engage with their kids in various silly games, no matter how inconvenient it may be at the time.
— The Dad (@thedad) October 9, 2021
You can watch @world.shaker’s video below.
@world.shaker
What do you think of his rainbow baby theory? Is there something to it? Please be sure to pass this story along to your friends and family.