ENTERING THE CULTURE

The true test of popularity is when the catch phrase of a cartoon becomes part of
the language. "Yabba-dabba-doo" is one good example, but others like Astro's "Rats rall
right Reorge," and of course, Yogi's "smarter than the average bear" have become
universal as well. Hanna-Barbera's characters have had a knack for entering the culture
since the beginning. Partly due to the immense power of television, and partly due to
the great writing, design and voice characterizations of the characters, everyone from
Huckleberry Hound on down has influenced American pop culture.

The Flintstones effect is obvious. Try singing the theme song at a party and see
how many people join in-- and know all the words! (OK, maybe not the part about
"through the courtesy of Fred's two feet." But that's a tricky line.) Even before the
Stone Age, the beatnik era saw the impact of Maynard G. Krebs ("You rang?") and the
equally cool, like, feline hipster, Mr. Jinx. "I hate you meeses to pieces" was on
everyone's lips in 1958. Many fathers have been tempted to say, "my son, my son," after
our own Doggie Daddy. And who hasn't said, "Exit...stage left!" when in a tight spot?
(if not out loud, then under your breath.)

It's always amusing to hear someone brag that they are "smarter than the av-er-age
bear." While it works well for Yogi, it is kind of self-deprecating for humans to say. But
that's the nature of the beast. A catch phrase becomes a catch phrase, even if it means
admitting you're not too bright!

Bill Burnett
Creative Director
Hanna-Barbera Cartoons Inc.