A cartoon show with a Jamaican Rastafarian rodent as one of its stars has sparked a racism row in the UK.
The B B C-TV character has become a children’s favourite.
Based on the children’s book by writer Michael DeSouza and illustrator Genevieve Webster, the cartoon about a rastafarian rodent was created out of concerns about a lack of programmes aimed at ethnic minority children.
Toddlers seem to love the show and some media critics have described it as being fresh, different and humorous.
However, not all of the reaction has been positive with the crime-fighting Rastamouse being criticised by some viewers for alleged racial stereotyping and the use of slang.
Rastamouse speaks in Jamaican and covers his locks with a red, green and gold cap.
A total of 132 BBC'S viewers have complained about the language saying it could erode parents’ efforts to get their children to speak standard English.
Also, six viewers have raised the issue of racial stereotyping.
A spokesperson for the BBC'S said Mr De Souza’s books are written in ‘Afro-Caribbean Patois rhyme’ and this has been transferred to the TV series to retain its heart, integrity and distinctive quality.
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