By: Maggie Grazioso
Artwork by: Morgan Epps
Do you ever wonder the reasoning behind your obsession with British accents? Naturally, our brain jumps directly to the Joe Sugg and Dan and Phil era. But, what if I told you it stems deeper than that? That there are two little blonde haired fuckers that started a revolution. And, no. I don’t mean Zack and Cody. I am talking about Charlie. And his sister. Lola.
In case you’re unaware of what this BAFTA-winning television show is, it’s a slice of life comedy between two (British) siblings, Charlie, the oldest who is always getting his younger sister, Lola, out of trouble. Lots of shenanigans ensue, strawberry milk is drunk, and lots of doodling occurs. Released in 2005, this 2D animated show occupied me while I ate my Lucky Charms before school. What started out on the BBC, and generously made its way to Playhouse Disney (Disney Junior for our younger audience,) brought British television to the children of America. Sure, there was Angelina Ballerina and Peppa Pig, but Charlie and Lola was the only British cartoon that matters. And I’ll explain why.
Let's discuss Charlie. I’ll bet you remember me dropping Charlie’s pronouns as “he.” And I bet that shocked you. I know for a damn fact that I was not the only one who thought Charlie was a female. Sure, he dressed a bit boyish, but so do a lot of lesbians. Charlie wore a baseball tee, which I guarantee you every single lesbian had at least one of those in their closet. Text your local lesbian friend and ask. And don’t be shocked when I’m right. The confusion on Charlie’s gender identity is somewhat amazing to those who experience gender dysphoria. My girlfriend just said to me the other day, “I consider it a win when an old person wonders if I’m a boy or a girl.” And that’s what Charlie is giving; androgyny realness. Leave it to Disney to accidentally promote queer icons when their intention was to do the opposite.
I recently decided there needs to be a name for the sensation I am about to describe. Because, to my understanding, this is something that everyone experiences. There is this… nostalgic longing and hunger that I feel for certain cartoon foods from my childhood. It’s an addiction that I find myself often salivating over. For example, every piece of food in every Studio Ghibli movie ever. I have this very same sensation when I think of the strawberry milk that Charlie and Lola drink. So pink, so supple. They even use a freaking curly straw. Can’t get much better than that if you ask me.
Though it sparked a lot of heated arguments with my mom on how to do a proper British accent, Charlie and Lola will forever be an iconic aspect of Maggie Grazioso’s childhood. And if you liked the show when you were younger, I hope you grew up to be as loud and obnoxious as me (and will forever be cursed with the fact that we don’t know how to talk to British people).
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