Big Bad Wolf/Red Riding Hood
Budd Root created this cartoon titled “Big Bad Wolf/Red Riding Hood. This is a social cartoon that could be for pure entertainment. But, I think it is meant for more of an adult audience. Still, this cartoon could also be a representation of how Root sees the tale Little red Riding Hood. The cartoon has a very sexual appeal with a beast like figure. The wolf looks as if he wants to devour red riding hood and from the persona of riding hood one may not blame him for having this desire.
In this cartoon, there are the two main characters; the wolf and Red Riding Hood. Usually red riding hood is “little” but in this cartoon, however, she is resembling a woman who is comfortable revealing herself and showing lots of skin. She is not depicted as innocent and naive but more seductive and mature. Her cape does not cover the majority of her body and her clothing underneath is very slim. In the original tale of Little Red Riding Hood the little girl was dressed in white with a red cape. This woman has on the red cape, but the white attire is only a shirt. The cape that is supposed to cover the duration of the body is only covering her head and her shoulders. The woman seems to be okay with being exposed and sexual because of her stance and facial expression.
The color white symbolizes innocence and purity. The lack of white in the woman’s clothing proves her defiance to the childlike aspect of the tale. She is then semi-wrapped in a red cape. Red symbolizes death and danger. She has more red exposed than white meaning she is more consumed with danger and death than being pure and innocent.
The wolf is portrayed as a huge animal who is supposed to scare red riding hood. In this cartoon the wolf is a little larger and looks more like a bear. Normally the wolf is the one who holds the power and manipulate the “girl”. However, in this scenario the the wolf is still big and bad, but red riding hood does not seem to be nervous about the presence of the wolf. The wolf has his mouth open showing its teeth to represent his power. He uses his teeth as his source of death. From this picture I am not sure if riding hood was eaten at the end, but that is how some of the versions end the tale.
This cartoon can be a depiction of a woman to man relationship. Sometimes we have this man who look aggressive and scary, but end up being the soft one. There are also women who are not feared by men who seem to be “bigger and badder” than they are. In this case it is evident that the woman is not terrified of this animal, and is content with showing off her body. However, it takes away the innocent and “kiddy” aspect of the tale.
I am not to fond of this cartoon, because I grew up reading different tales. I would have hated to be shown this cartoon as a representation of little red riding hood. I do not want my children reading or being exposed to anything like this at such a young age either. I would feel like this picture striped the child of their youth and made them conform to the societal means faster than anticipated. Although I classify folk and fairy tales with children, I know adults read them as well. However, with all the different versions out there, I do not think this is a fair representation of what the tale entitles.
Cartoonist: Budd Root
URL: https://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=202682
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