Graphic by Henry Barraclough
A new wave of the MeToo movement, called Despicable MeToo, has appeared. It focuses less on seeking justice for sexual assault and more on the oppressive and abusive practices weaponized against Minions.
Minion oppression is especially present in the workplace, where Minions have been exploited for slave labor – especially in the jelly factory for the jelly company Mr. Gru’s Old Fashioned Jelly™. Without proper Minion protection laws, they will continue to be forced to work illegal hours under inminionane conditions. Furthermore, there are no programs in place to help overcome the Minion-human language barrier.
Of course, within this Despicable MeToo movement, we cannot ignore the additional struggles of Minions of color (MOC). For example, Purple Minions have been portrayed in the media as crazy and not as competent as yellow Minions. This problematic representation is exemplified in the film Despicable Me 2. During auditions, the purple Minion actors were asked to audition with “more of a stereotypical purple accent.” With the name of this new movement being a homophone of the film’s title, Minions of all colors are reclaiming the movie along with their agency.
Minions are asking to be thought of as more than just “funny little guys” and to be taken seriously. Behind all of the toys and memes that died with Facebook, Minions are real people, with vibrant communities and culture often overlooked or flanderized by media that presents only one story. So if you identify with and care about Minion rights, stand up and say “Despicable MeToo!”
