Here are some brutal truths about the Smurfs that many fans may not be aware of. These include:
1. The Smurfs were originally created as a marketing tool. Peyo initially created the Smurfs as a way to promote his other comics, but they quickly became popular in their own right.
2. The Smurfs were originally called “Schtroumpfs,” which is the French word for “smurfs.” The name was changed to “Smurfs” in English-speaking countries to make it more pronounceable.
3. The Smurfs have been the subject of controversy due to their portrayal of gender roles. The vast majority of the Smurfs are male, with only one female character, Smurfette, appearing in the original comics.
4. The Smurfs have been criticized for promoting materialism and consumerism. Many episodes of the animated series revolve around the Smurfs wanting to acquire new possessions or live in bigger and better houses.
5. The Smurfs have been accused of promoting racist stereotypes. Some critics have pointed out that the Smurfs’ physical characteristics, such as their blue skin and white clothing, resemble those of blackface minstrel performers.
6. The Smurfs have been accused of promoting communism. Some critics have pointed out that the Smurfs live in a utopian society where everyone works together and shares resources, which is similar to communist ideology.
7. The Smurfs have been accused of promoting drug use. Some fans have pointed out that the Smurfs’ mushroom houses resemble the type of mushrooms that are used to make psychedelic drugs.
8. The Smurfs have been accused of promoting violence. Some fans have pointed out that the Smurfs engage in violent activities such as battling their archenemies, the evil wizard Gargamel and his cat Azrael.
While these brutal truths may not change the way fans feel about the Smurfs, it’s important to be aware of these criticisms and to consider the potential messages that the Smurfs may be sending.
Also, the color blue for the Smurfs is likely a creative decision made by their creator, Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford, better known by his pen name Peyo. The Smurfs first appeared in a comic strip in 1958 and the blue color was a distinguishing characteristic from the start. The blue color also made the characters stand out and easily recognizable in the comics and later in the animated television show. Additionally, blue has been used as a symbol of unity and trustworthiness. It’s also important to note that the Smurfs are not forest-dwelling creatures, their village is a small village in the forest. They live in mushroom-shaped houses and dress in traditional medieval clothing. The blue color does not have to blend in with the forest but is part of the Smurfs’ aesthetic.