The Antenna Controversy

Authors: Lidia Figueroa & Valeria Muscato

When television made its appearance in our homes in the ‘50s, the parents of those times gladly trusted the content of TV shows. Programmes not only entertained but also transmitted the social values that families expected. Nothing was questioned because the stories seen on TV were similar to everybody’s life. But things are changing and the TV programme Teletubbies is a clear example of this because some parents do not trust in its content as they used to. Therefore, Teletubbies’ content is no apt for grown-up conservative minds as it goes against traditional sexual models.

The colourful characters of this programme named Tinky Winky, Laa-Laa, Dipsy and Po made people feel annoyed due to the fact that they do not know what sex they are. None of us know the truth but there is a hidden symbolism in the antenna that each of the characters has on their heads. Laa-Laa, the yellow Teletubby, is a female and she has a curly antenna which symbolizes, according to Berit Kjos who is a respected researcher in educational issues, the evolution of the universe. Po is also a female and her antenna is a circle. Dipsy, the green Teletubby is a male and his antenna is straight, needless to say what body part of men it represents. But the most controversial character is Tinky Winky the purple Teletubby, although he is a male he carries a red purse which is – in general – associated to women. The antenna on his head is the biggest of all, its shape is a triangle pointing down and it has a feminine connotation because it symbolizes a female womb.  According to this explanation, people who may be offended can deduce that Tinky Winky is a homosexual. Furthermore, members of the homosexual community claim that they are represented through the purple colour, because in the 1920s the purple colour indicated an effeminate style. Besides during the years 1950s and 1960s homosexuals were called “lavender”.

In addition, conservative people can also argue the relationship between the characters as they show emotions and feelings openly. These people consider this kind of behaviour confusing for the youngest viewers of the TV programme presuming  the homosexual connotation of the characters.

The TV programme Teletubbies is a mirror that reflects our changing society and children do not care about homosexuality because they are naturally immersed and see things through innocent eyes. However, conservative adults may not accept this new society that leaves behind old stereotyped conceptions.