I was having a conversation the other day that led me to realize there were major issues surrounding some of the most beloved cartoon spokespersons for the popular cereal brands that were most prevalent throughout my childhood.

I was telling my coworker that I never understand why the Trix Rabbit never met a nice female Rabbit and made a small adorable but intimidating bunny army that could assist in attaining the cereal he so desperately wanted when I realized something. The real problem with this scenario was that General Mills was actively portraying a situation where they saw it fit to exclude someone from a nice thing for no reason. It actually was suggesting to kids that it’s okay to NOT share the good things you have with others. What kind of subversive message is that to present to children?

General Mills didn’t really up the ante with Cocoa Puffs either. What are they trying to say with Sonny the Cuckoo Bird? Well, obviously that you’ll go “cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs,” but is that a fear you want to instill in children? Oh hey, kids. These are delicious. So delicious, in fact, that you’ll go certifiably insane if you eat them. Don’t even try to tell me you won’t eat them because I know you can’t resist. They’re that good. Damn you, General Mills. I’ll eat them, but I won’t enjoy staying up at night worrying that I’ll be fit for a straightjacket after my morning bowl.

There is no mistaking that Buzz Bee is an absolutely terrible choice for a serious mascot. Sure, it makes sense that a bee would represent Honey Nut Cheerios, but children should not be told at a young age that bees are lovable, friendly creatures. Who’s to blame when little Timmy approaches a nest in the hopes of meeting a friendly, cereal-wielding member of the swarm and gets stuck more than Thomas J at the end of “My Girl”? They may as well have a sexual predator as their mascot for crying out loud.