In 1938 the Beano introduced satire to children’s literature

Dear Editor

The uniqueness of the Beano is that the characters are not only rebellious, and play pranks against each other, but they also challenge aspects of society that impact on their freedom which is perceived as being authoritative and restrictive; adults are generally illustrated as being over-bearing, self-righteous, and also flawed. Teachers, policemen, politicians, Hitler, royalty, and celebrities have all been subjected to the humour and unfettered opinion and actions of characters such as Dennis the Menace and The Bash Street Kids. For child readers, and many of their parents, the appeal of the comic is their admiration for the characters, who despite being aware of the possible consequences, continue to rebel each week finding new, creative ways to challenge the status quo.

It can be assumed that The Bash Street Kids response to the “BMJ investigation” would be to adopt their usual disregard for adults who attempt to impose their perceptions and beliefs on children especially if they are viewed as being light on logic. The difficulty that the BMJ has is that junk foods are not banned substances and remain widely available in shops, cafés, and take-aways. Children recognise this and also note that even people in smart suits and posh cars enjoy burgers. The obvious logic from children is – if junk food is not good for child or adult health, why is it available? The answer is that in the adult world nobody is willing to make a decision and it is easier for experts to pass the responsibility on to parents, their children, and in this discussion Beano script writers. The response of the Beano to this behaviour will continue to be satirical, using exaggeration, irony, humour and ridicule to criticise and expose the perceived flaws in human nature.

It may be that the food and obesity experts who criticised the Beano should eat humble pie and collaborate with the Beano writers and artists to see if they can deliver a message on junk food that will attract the inevitable humour and ridicule but will also culminate in acceptance by the rebellious Beano characters and their many readers.