The Powerpuff Post!

“So, once again, the day is saved.  Thanks to the Powerpuff girls!”

Perhaps the Powerpuff Girls is one of those really few cartoon shows, just like Dexter’s Laboratory, that has survived the test of time.  I’d even call it a classic, even though it still feels modern to me.  It still inspires a feeling of currentness, doesn’t it, simply because the producers have made it a point to still come up with new storylines ten years after the show was first aired in Cartoon Network.

I remember watching the Powerpuff Girls fight crime and monsters in Townsville when I was in high school and that was a long time ago.  It somewhat irks me that these girls never seem to age.  As in, they still look as cute as ever, don’t they?  Why has Professor Utonium never thought of having new dresses made for the girls or has never considered bringing the girls to the salon for a haircut?  Blossom, I’m talking to you, kid, your hair’s too damn long already.  And they have had no progress in school whatsoever.  I mean, heller, when will girls be promoted from kindergarten, Ms. Keane?  Come on now.

Kidding aside, I think the most powerful message that the Powerpuff Girls, as a show, has been sending out to their predominantly young audience (I’m saying predominantly as I am not exactly “young” but I still watch it whenever I can) is that girls can do things at whatever age.  It is cartoon show fraught with ideas on feminism and female empowerment.  However, it also stays true to the fact that these are extremely young girls who have been burdened with so much at such a young age because of superpowers they had never asked for to begin with.  But they cope with the obligations that come with the territory with such candor, childllike ease and generally no complaints.  Does it not make you wish, as an adult, that you could face your own monsters and beat them without becoming depressed?

If we truly want to categorize the girls, perhaps we can say that Blossom represents brains and control(-freakness), Buttercup represents brawn and aggressiveness and Bubbles represents breeding and daintiness.  All of those B’s and their associated characteristics are traits that we relate to the quintessential woman, although I have no idea how the quintessential woman can be both aggressive and dainty at the same time but she works it out.

As a 12-year-old, I had wanted to be Buttercup because she was such a kick-ass girl.  If these girls ever grow up, I bet Buttercup would be like Angelina Jolie.  But, as I grew older, I started admiring Blossom’s leadership and tactical skills.  Have I mentioned I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of becoming a redhead?  She could probably give both Condoleezza Rice and Hilary Clinton a run for their money.  Although I’ve always liked Bubbles, I’ve never wanted to be her.  I don’t like the fact she’s always crying and, sometimes, her little voice annoys me.  But she makes me want to take care of her.  She’s such a cutie.

I truly hope that my friends’ kids still get to meet the Powerpuff Girls.  Me?  I bet I’d still be watching the show when I’m already in my 30’s.  Child at heart and all that.  Childhood deep inside never sleeps!