The truth about Peeing Calvin

Summary

This video delves into the origins and cultural impact of the 'Peeing Calvin' meme, a controversial image of Calvin from *Calvin and Hobbes* urinating on various symbols. The script explores how the meme spread from a Florida football rivalry to a widespread cultural symbol. It also highlights Bill Watterson's refusal to license *Calvin and Hobbes* for commercial use, his commitment to artistic integrity, and how this decision inadvertently led to the meme's creation. Ultimately, the video reflects on the tension between preserving artistic purity and the pressures of commercialization in the age of fandom and consumerism.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Peeing Calvin' meme, which depicts Calvin urinating on various objects, became widespread despite the creator of *Calvin and Hobbes*, Bill Watterson, actively opposing it.
• 😀 Bill Watterson refused to license *Calvin and Hobbes* characters for merchandising, including toys and other commercial products, in order to preserve the artistic integrity of the work.
• 😀 The 'Peeing Calvin' decal likely originated from a modified *Calvin and Hobbes* comic strip from 1988, where Calvin was originally filling a water balloon, not urinating.
• 😀 The meme spread initially through Florida sports rivalries, specifically between the University of Florida and Florida State University (FSU), before it became a broader cultural phenomenon.
• 😀 Despite widespread belief, Watterson was not the creator of 'Peeing Calvin' decals, nor did he profit from them. This idea was often conflated with other cartoonists who commercialized their work.
• 😀 Watterson’s stance on licensing was motivated by his desire to keep the work 'pure,' rejecting the commercial pressures that artists and cartoonists often face to profit from their creations.
• 😀 Watterson's refusal to license the comic strips led to a public debate about the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success, with Watterson standing firm in his principles.
• 😀 Bill Watterson saw licensing *Calvin and Hobbes* as compromising his role as an artist, stating he would rather not make the money than tarnish the purity of his creation.
• 😀 Watterson’s decision not to license *Calvin and Hobbes* is viewed as pioneering within the comic industry, as it set an example for other artists about maintaining creative control.
• 😀 The broader message from Watterson’s decisions highlights the choice between being true to one’s artistic vision or succumbing to commercial pressures, with Watterson’s path embodying the former.
• 😀 Ultimately, Watterson’s refusal to commercialize *Calvin and Hobbes* was not about rejecting financial success, but about rejecting the commodification of his characters, preserving their integrity and his vision as an artist.

Q & A

What is the 'peeing Calvin' decal, and why is it controversial?

The 'peeing Calvin' decal is a popular image of Calvin, the main character from the 'Calvin and Hobbes' comic strip, urinating on various objects, logos, or symbols. It is controversial because it distorts the character’s original persona, turning him into a crude symbol of defiance or disdain, which goes against the values intended by the comic’s creator, Bill Watterson.

How did the 'peeing Calvin' meme originate?

The 'peeing Calvin' meme originated in the 1990s, particularly from a Florida football rivalry between the University of Florida and Florida State University. It began with a decal showing Calvin urinating on the letters 'FSU' and spread as a meme to various other objects and brands.

What is the significance of Bill Watterson's stance on licensing 'Calvin and Hobbes' merchandise?

Bill Watterson strongly opposed licensing 'Calvin and Hobbes' for commercial merchandise, believing it would compromise the integrity of his work. He refused to allow characters like Calvin to be turned into consumer products such as toys, video games, or dolls, even though it would have generated significant revenue.

What was Bill Watterson's main concern about licensing 'Calvin and Hobbes'?

Watterson’s main concern was that licensing would transform him from an artist into a brand manager, forcing him to focus on merchandise rather than creating his comics. He also worried that such commercialization would tarnish the purity and integrity of 'Calvin and Hobbes.'

How did the 'peeing Calvin' meme contradict Watterson’s intentions for the comic?

The 'peeing Calvin' meme completely contradicted Watterson's intentions by turning Calvin into a rebellious and crude figure, which is far removed from the imaginative, innocent, and thoughtful character he created in the comic strip. The meme commercialized Calvin’s image without permission, violating Watterson’s strict refusal to license his work.

What was Watterson's public position regarding the commercialization of 'Calvin and Hobbes'?

Watterson publicly opposed the commercialization of 'Calvin and Hobbes.' He gave speeches and interviews to defend his refusal to license his work for products, arguing that the creation of merchandise would undermine his artistic vision and transform his characters into mere commodities.

How did the 'peeing Calvin' meme spread despite Watterson’s opposition to licensing?

Despite Watterson’s opposition to licensing, the 'peeing Calvin' meme spread because there were no significant legal actions taken to stop it. The absence of licensing meant there was no funding for a legal team to pursue knockoffs, and the meme gained popularity organically, becoming a widespread phenomenon.

Why did some people believe Bill Watterson was profiting from the 'peeing Calvin' decals?

Some people mistakenly believed that Bill Watterson was profiting from the 'peeing Calvin' decals because the character’s image was being used commercially. However, Watterson had nothing to do with the production of these decals and was not benefiting financially from their widespread use.

What lesson did the speaker learn about Watterson’s approach to licensing over time?

Over time, the speaker came to understand that Watterson’s refusal to license 'Calvin and Hobbes' was not naive but a deliberate decision to maintain the purity of his work. Watterson chose artistic integrity over financial gain, even if it meant his work would be misused or misinterpreted by others.

How does the concept of the 'transmogrifier' relate to the broader message of the video?

The transmogrifier, a machine that transforms Calvin into different forms, serves as a metaphor in the video for personal choice and transformation. Just as the transmogrifier changes Calvin, individuals can choose how they are transformed by external influences, such as consumerism or fandom. The message encourages viewers to make conscious choices about their identity and the influences they allow into their lives.