Peanuts are considered to be some of the most loved and recognizable characters in the world. Whether he is lying on top of a red doghouse or dancing to a catchy tune, Snoopy is seen everywhere today.
First published on Oct. 2nd, 1950, the comic was inspired by the creator Charles M. Schulz’s own life experiences. In these comics, the children go about their everyday lives, exploring their emotions and themselves. But what makes this group of kids so appealing to everyone? With so many comics around the world, what makes Peanuts stand out from all the others? When Arcadia High School (AHS) students were asked, they had many varying answers.
Nostalgia was a common answer among AHS students. Many recalled their early experiences with Peanuts and the cartoons.
“Back in school, my teachers would occasionally put it on for us to watch, so over time, it became iconic,” said sophomore Sophia Zheng.
The comforting and timeless charm of Peanuts seems to be what gives so many of the students nostalgia. Scenes and bits such as Lucy’s psychiatrist help stand, the Thanksgiving feast from “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” and the Red Baron from “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” seem to bring people back to simpler times, when time was spent on watching cartoons, such as Peanuts. Good memories lead to positive associations, which is a large factor in why the Peanuts are adored by so many.
“Whenever I see it, it brings me back to when I was a child and had more free time,” recalled Zheng.
Both teachers and students at AHS have many stories of Peanuts and their childhood.
“I have fond memories of my cousins and I watching ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ at my grandpa’s house every holiday season,” said English teacher Ms. Grubbs.
She recalls, “We would always get up and dance when that iconic dance scene happens in the film. I just loved every character, especially Linus and his blanket, as I still have my baby blanket!”
Another frequent answer was the positive messages that the comics sent. Many comic strips in Peanuts show a problem and a character resolving it, learning to work with it, or even just making a simple deadpan joke about it.
For example, in one story arc, Snoopy receives a letter from Woodstock charging him $6 after a New Year’s party, which an angered Snoopy refuses to pay. Once they talk, Snoopy learns that the broken item was Woodstock’s heart, which had broken after Snoopy had spent the entire night talking to a cute bird that Woodstock wanted to get to know. After guiltily reflecting, Snoopy embraces Woodstock in a hug and says, “Don’t you realize that your heart is worth much more than $6?”
Messages such as these seem to draw in students because of their heartwarming and relatable disposition. The comics solve relatable problems in a sweet and humorous way that leaves people with positive life lessons. Students at AHS were able to recall encouraging messages that Peanuts left with them.
“Charlie Brown’s deep connection with Snoopy has shown me from a young age what it truly means to be there for one another, which I have continued to embody in high school,” said junior Lorraine Ann Bernadino. “His many humorous failures taught me that it’s okay to be imperfect. It is more important to be proud of who you are—flaws and all.”
Of course, Peanuts are also loved simply because of their adorability.
“I like the Peanuts franchise, even though I haven’t really watched the shows before. The main thing I love about it is all the merch and collaborations it has with different brands,” says sophomore Jiannie Ma. “The simple but iconic designs of Peanuts draw me in and make me want to buy them.”
Peanuts have drawn in students from AHS and people around the world with many notable features, from sweet and childish tales to the lovable characters. They have captivated generations and will likely continue to do so in the future.
