“Entering The Culture”

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The true test of popularity is when the catch phrase of a cartoon becomes part of the language.  “Yabba-dabba-doo” is one good example, but others like Astro’s “Rats rall right Reorge,” and of course, Yogi’s “smarter than the average bear” have become universal as well.  Hanna-Barbera’s characters have had a knack for entering the culture since the beginning.  Partly due to the immense power of television, and partly due to the great writing, design and voice characterizations of the characters, everyone from Huckleberry Hound on down has influenced American pop culture.

The Flintstones effect is obvious.  Try singing the theme song at a party and see how many people join in— and know all the words! (OK, maybe not the part about “through the courtesy of Fred’s two feet.”  But that’s a tricky line.)  Even before the Stone Age, the beatnik era saw the impact of Maynard G. Krebs (“You rang?”) and the equally cool, like, feline hipster, Mr. Jinx. “I hate you meeses to pieces” was on everyone’s lips in 1958.  Many fathers have been tempted to say, “my son, my son,” after our own Doggie Daddy.  And who hasn’t said, “Exit…stage left!” when in a tight spot?  (if not out loud, then under your breath.)

It’s always amusing to hear someone brag that they are “smarter than the av-er-age bear.”  While it works well for Yogi, it is kind of self-deprecating for humans to say.  But that’s the nature of the beast.  A catch phrase becomes a catch phrase, even if it means admitting you’re not too bright!

“Entering The Culture”
Essay #3 (of 15)
Original essay written by Bill Burnett, Creative Director, Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, 1993-1996