Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown, written by Peanuts creator Charles Schulz in the early 1970s, highlights the perils and pitfalls of the election cycle that continue to be relevant. It's a mostly cynical view of politics, wrapped in the dependable humor and entertaining characters that make up the Peanuts gang. Neither pedantic nor silly, the DVD is a good choice for young kids interested in politics. The second feature is a 2006 short called He's a Bully, Charlie Brown. In this one, a mean kid misleads other kids into losing their marble collections, and he trips Snoopy and shoves him to the ground. When Charlie Brown sees what's happening, he behaves in ways that might be seen as out of character: He learns from a certain beagle named "Joe Cool" all about winning at marbles, stands up to the bully, and wins. Both features contain name-calling.
Sexual
Content
Not applicable.
Violence
In the second feature, Snoopy is knocked over and shoved by a mean kid. In the titular feature, Lucy asks fellow students to vote for her brother, and if they don't immediately agree to this suggestion, she makes a mean face at them and makes a fist, scaring the students into saying they'll vote for Linus.
Language
Classic Peanuts name-calling such as "blockhead." In the second feature, a bully thinks Snoopy is a boy and calls him "funny-looking" and "weird."
Social
Behavior
In the main story, subtle and not-so-subtle jabs are taken at the political process. Lucy bullies the school electorate to win votes for her brother, and each member of the campaign team appoints an assistant who has to do the real work. In the second feature, He's a Bully, Charlie Brown, the message is more overt -- a mean kid gets his comeuppance.
Consumerism
Based on the Peanuts comic strip, which has been used in extensive merchandising of toys, school supplies, and clothing featuring the characters.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Not applicable