EarthSpark TV show introduces non-binary robot that says it’s ‘great’ to be neither male nor female
Outrage as Transformers introduces new non-binary robot that says being neither male nor female is an “amazing experience.”
- Transformers: EarthSpark is based on Hasbro’s beloved robot toy – and is wildly popular with kids ages 2 to 11
- The clip has outraged many online – who say the storyline is not suitable for children
A children’s TV show has sparked outrage after introducing a non-binary robot character, who said being neither male nor female is an “amazing experience.”
The Transformers: EarthSpark show is based on Hasbro’s beloved robot toy – and is wildly popular with kids ages two to 11. But the inclusion of a gender-neutral storyline has raised concerns among some parents.
In the controversial clip, the robot named Nightshade said, “My pronouns are she/they,” to which one of the humans, named Sam, replied, “Thanks. I am she/they… I’m sorry for how I reacted.
“It’s just that the world can be a scary place sometimes. It’s hard to know who’s dangerous or not.’
Sam then tries to comfort Nightshade by saying, “I know I’m safe when I’m with my friends or other non-binary people.”
In the show Transformers: EarthSpark, the robot learns about the word non-binary
Sam, the human character, responded, “Thanks. I’m she/they…I’m sorry for how I reacted’
The robot asks, “Non-binary?” And man replies: ‘People who are neither female nor male. Ah, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have taken that.’
Sounding satisfied, the robot replies, “I’ve always known my pronouns felt good, but what a wonderful word for a great experience.”
Despite the episode airing several months ago, a clip has been circulating on social media, inciting people who claim the conversation is too controversial for young children to watch.
Among the detractors was Megyn Kelly, who reposted the clip with the comment, “This is DISGUSTING.”
Another Twitter user said, “Oh, so people who default to ‘non-binary’ are safe and trustworthy. THAT is the message here. Do you have those kids?
Stranger Danger UNLESS the person identifies as non-binary and tells you their pronouns. THEN and only then are they a good person and TOTALLY trustworthy.’
The robot sounded pleased and said, “I’ve always known my pronouns felt good, but what a wonderful word for a great experience.”
But others disagreed, saying the clip allowed kids to open up to different perspectives: “I don’t see anything wrong…it’s okay to be different…peace.”
Another said: ‘I don’t agree, I don’t think it’s disgusting. There was nothing annoying about that.
“However, I think it is stupid to inject wakefulness into a children’s show. Transformers has always been the battle between good and evil.
“The vigil is not necessary. They should leave children alone.’
But some said the messages are correct for a young child: ‘What’s the problem? Great message for children about inclusion and acceptance.’
Others simply saw the lightheartedness of the situation and joked, “They really put the trans in transformers.”
The show is a reboot and the first season, with 18 episodes, landed on Paramount+ in November 2022.