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Tinky Winky is the first Teletubby in the children's television show of the same name.He is the largest of the Teletubbies, is covered in purple terrycloth, and has a triangular antenna on his head. He is notable for the red luggage (described by the show as a "magic bag", but often described by other media as a handbag) he always carries.His character has caused much controversy due to allegations that his character's behaviour carried homosexual undertones. He is also found dancing in a ballet-style tutu from time to time, which is also often worn by Laa-Laa.
Controversies
In 1999 Falwell said he thought that Tinky Winky was an example of a "gay" person. Falwell wrote about it in his National Liberty Journal. He said that in the Washington Post "In/Out" column someone had written that lesbian comedian Ellen DeGeneres was "out" as the main gay model, while the fashionable Tinky Winky was "in". Falwell said it was because of the Teletubby's purple color, the "purse", and the triangle antenna which all represented homosexuality.This has caused many Christians to boycott Teletubbies because it makes them think that Teletubbies support homosexuality.Also,Tinky Winky dances in a tu-tu ,which supporters of the interpretation that Tinky Winky is gay take as evidence. A February 1999 article in the National Liberty Journal, published by evangelical pastor Jerry Falwell, warned parents that Tinky Winky could be a hidden homosexual symbol, because "he is purple, the gay pride colour, and his antenna is shaped like a triangle, the gay pride symbol".
A spokesman for Itsy Bitsy Entertainment Co., who licenses the characters in the United States, said that the bag was just a magic bag. "The fact that he carries a magic bag doesn't make him a homosexual. It's a children's show, folks. To think we would be putting sexual innuendo in a children's show is kind of outlandish", he added.
In an unrelated incident reported in 2000, a girl's Tinky Winky toy reportedly said "I got a gun". Kenn Viselman, then chairman of the Itsy Bitsy Entertainment Co., claimed the toy actually said "Again, again!", a catchphrase from the show. This thing about Tinky Winky saying "I got a gun" has also started controversies.
References
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XKbqIAJtBg Video "Tinky Winky gets shot" at YouTube.
- http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F05E4DD1F3BF932A25751C0A96F958260
- Dotinga, Randy (April 12, 2000). "Lawsuit to Target Teletubbies for Gun Talk". APBNews.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJt1U_8UYBs Video "Tinky Winky Says 'I've Got A Gun'" at YouTube.
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