While Bugs Bunny remains one of the most beloved cartoon characters of all-time, some of his short films have become controversial in recent years. Some view them as racist and insensitive while others just see them as funny cartoons that were the products of their time.
- Hiawatha’s Rabbit Hunt
Bugs Bunny tackles the Native American Hiawatha, who looks awfully like Elmer Fudd. This short along with a string of other “Looney Tunes” shorts have become controversial in recent years due to the supposed negative depiction of Native Americans.
- Herr Meets Hare
A WWII-themed short that ends with Bugs Bunny disguising himself as Stalin to scare Adolf Hitler. It seems nothing spooks a dictator quite like another dictator. As with many WWII-themed cartoons, this one tends not to get shown on television very often as the subject matter is seen as inappropriate for young children.
- Southern Fried Rabbit
“Southern Fried Rabbit” is really controversial because of just one brief gag that sees Bugs Bunny disguise himself as an African-American slave and proceeds to beg Yosemite Sam not to beat him. The moment may seem shocking but the overall tone of the short seems to be anti-slavery and anti-Confederacy.
- Bugs Bunny Nips The Nips
Another WWII short. As you can imagine given the racial slur in the title, it’s the Japanese that get mocked here. Bugs Bunny battles a Japanese soldier clearly based on then-Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo. One scene even has him try to confuse the bad guy by dressing up as Emperor Hirohito.
- All This And Rabbit Stew
Probably the most controversial Bugs Bunny cartoon ever. Bugs Bunny fights a character simply known as ‘Black Hunter’. While he is essentially the same as Elmer Fudd, the exaggerated look and voice may make some feel a little uncomfortable.