An Ode To The Nervous Wreck Cartoon Characters We All Became
It’s time to admit it. We never became the strong-willed, carefree, annoyingly positive protagonist that we all dreamed of being.
We don’t run down the street in the rain and proclaim our love to our high school sweethearts with a glittering soundtrack swelling to climax, making the clouds part down the centre revealing a sun that could never burn your skin but makes you shine like a glowstick.
We aren’t crowned the heir of a country that we’ve never heard of. Or gifted the ability of a double life as a pop star slash regular student. Or any number of things we may have aspired to be.
Instead, we became the nervous wreck side characters that were often the butt of the joke.
But before you start blaming yourself, this trope is through no fault of our own. The world is scary and the sticky combo of unlimited access to communication and the relentless churn of negative news is a recipe for mental overload.
But it’s about time we own it. And to do that, we need to first thank the nervous wrecks that came before us and made us who we are.
Melman, Madagascar (2005)
Melman’s affliction with medical treatments is poorly disguised health anxiety, which feels a little bit of a personal attack but that’s okay. In Madagascar, Melman was scared to venture from his comfy spot at the zoo and be put in a situation where he’d be without easy access to medical professionals. He was made fun of for this, but I think he made fair, lifesaving points.
Tutter, Bear In The Big Blue House (1997-2006)
Tutter is a chronic over-thinker. Whether it’s deciding what to wear or the outcome of literally any situation, Tutter would descend into a speedy spiral of thoughts and simply pass out from thinking too hard. Been there, Tutter. Sometimes we need to talk through things, and that just needs to be okay. Okay?
Rex, Toy Story (1995)
The infamously fantastic Rex line from Toy Story, “the panic is attacking me!” gives you all you need to know about him. Rex scurries around behind the other toys quietly panicking about everything, while also being anxious that he’s annoying everyone with his internal monologue. He’s simply doing his best, as we all are.
Piglet, Winnie The Pooh (1968)
Piglet’s fear of the unknown doesn’t stop him from pushing through his anxiety and participating in the many adventures his friends pursue on the reg, which is pretty iconic. Piglet is often reluctant to leave the house (same) but he drags himself out and ends up having a good time. He is a testament of inner-strength, and the bravest piglet we know.
Written by Talecia Vescio, your local Aquarius Junkee Producer & Presenter. Find her on Instagram as @taleciavescio if you want to be friends.
Image credit: Disney