Projo Offbeat Blog

Like a lot of readers who responded to our survey, I'm disappointed by the decision in Tiverton to replace the Easter Bunny with Peter Rabbit at tomorrow's school fair.

Unlike many of the readers, I'm not so upset that this is an example of political correctness run amok, an assault on religion or family holiday tradition.

I just don't think Peter Rabbit is a good example for schoolchildren.

Just compare the images in this blog, and you'll get very different pictures of these two rabbits. The image on the left shows Peter Rabbit sneaking into Mr. McGregor's garden to steal lettuce, French beans and radishes. The picture on the right shows the Easter Bunny in a typical encounter. He's greeting a child and brightening the kid's day.

The Easter Bunny gives. Peter Rabbit takes.

Peter Rabbit may have had it tough growing up, with his father ending up in one of Mrs. McGregor's pies, but that's not an excuse. His three siblings, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail, didn't resort to theft.

I'm not alone in my concern. Catholic League President Bill Donohue summarizes the issue perfectly in a statement saying in part, "It is unconscionable in this day and age [Tiverton Schools] Superintendent [William] Rearick would choose to honor a thief."

Holding Peter Rabbit "up as a role model to impressionable youngsters sends the wrong signal."

Couldn't the people in Tiverton have done better? Replacing the Easter Bunny with Peter Rabbit is like replacing Santa Claus with The Grinch before his epiphany. (And don't think that couldn't happen.) Rabbits are legendary for their reproductive prowess. Surely, there are plenty of others to choose from.

If not the Easter Bunny, why not Bugs Bunny?

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