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50 MPs in England demand ban on 'Masha and the Bear'
The popular Russian-made cartoon 'Masha and the Bear' faces propaganda accusations in England. More than 50 MPs are calling for the series to be taken off air, arguing it sends pro-Russia messages to children.
The popular Russian-made cartoon 'Masha and the Bear' has sparked a political storm in England amid its global success. More than 50 MPs have moved to halt its broadcast, arguing the series contains pro-Russia propaganda messages for children.
The production, which follows the adventures of a mischievous little girl and a bear trying to fix her messes, has reached a massive global audience. The series has broken records, with over 150 billion views and over 1 trillion minutes watched across company accounts. The episode 'Recipe for Disaster' alone has become the 16th most-watched video on YouTube of all time, with 4.6 billion views.
Which Episode Drew Backlash?
The MPs' anger is particularly focused on the 2010 episode 'Border Closed.' In that episode, a scene where little Masha wears a green military cap and guards a carrot field is being labeled propaganda, as it is said to evoke Soviet-era border guards.
The reason the backlash is flaring up now is that Netflix and the British streaming platform ITVX have signed a deal to broadcast new seasons of the cartoon in the United Kingdom. This development prompted the parliamentarians to act.
Ukraine and Estonia Had Also Banned It
England's move is not the first. Ukraine halted the cartoon's broadcast when the war began, and Estonia deemed it dangerous for its children.
Clear Statement from the Production Company
The Russian production company Animaccord dismissed the accusations as 'completely baseless.' In a statement, the company said, 'Masha and the Bear is a pure entertainment product that carries no political agenda.' Animaccord also stressed that it operates outside Russia and receives no government funding.
Russian state media, meanwhile, mocked the issue. Outlets that labeled the British MPs' claims 'Russophobia' circulated a video in which Masha humorously responds to the accusations.
What Are Viewers Saying?
Viewer comments featured on Al Jazeera's 'Shabakat' program revealed the social dimension of the debate. One viewer defended the production, saying, 'On the contrary, Masha and the Bear is the only safe, clean, and entertaining cartoon for children. It contains no immoral behavior or unusual agenda.'
Another commentator noted that all countries use art and digital platforms to plant messages in children's minds, asking, 'Why is this only banned for Russia and allowed for others?'
Another viewer, pointing to parents' attitudes, argued the ban would be ineffective in practice: 'A British mother won't stop her child from watching Masha just because the government banned it, especially if the child is crying to see it. She'll definitely find a way to let them watch.'
Some linked England's move to jealousy. According to one comment, England cannot stomach the series' success and the huge profits it has made. It was also suggested that Europeans, especially the British, panic whenever Russia or Putin is mentioned.
As the cartoon continues to be beloved by millions of children worldwide, it will become clear in the coming days whether it will remain in the shadow of politics.
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