Empire 308. Asterix and Obelix, Babar The Elephant, & Colonial Cartoons
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Nov 18, 2025 Explore the origins of Babar the Elephant, from a mother's bedtime story to a global franchise, and the colonial themes within. Uncover the immigrant creators behind Asterix and Obelix and how their love for France shaped these iconic cartoons. The discussion dives into the problematic portrayals in both franchises, sparking debates on race and representation. With a mix of nostalgia and critique, they assess how modern audiences perceive these beloved characters in light of contemporary values.
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Babar Began As A Mother's Bedtime Tale
- Jean de Brunoff's wife Cécile invented Babar as a bedtime story for their sick children.
- Jean drew the book and published it, then their son Laurent continued the series after Jean's death.
Babar Reflects 1930s Colonial Narratives
- Babar emerged during France's 1931 Colonial Exposition that promoted Western superiority.
- The book reflects contemporary colonial narratives equating 'civilization' with Western culture.
Civil Rights Changed How Kids' Books Were Viewed
- By the 1960s US civil rights momentum forced re-evaluation of racist depictions in children's books.
- Laurent de Brunhoff later expressed regret and sought to withdraw or clean up problematic images.
