The “N” Word plus Cartoon Network: Class of 3000 Sophomore Season Launch

Unconfirmed reports say controversy erupted around Cartoon Network’s Class of 3000 original series when it was announced that an upcoming episode would feature the “N” word as a way of teaching a lesson about racism. That’s a big “unconfirmed” since the information was recently posted on Wikipedia but hyperlinks did not lead to the source.

(Coincidentally, the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning Larry Wilmore, The Daily Show’s “Senior Black Correspondent,” discussed the “N” word at length yesterday in his interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air. Click here to listen.  Highly recommended, especially if you missed his Daily Show and The Office appearances the first time around.)

Even if the Wikipedia report is true, Class of 3000 certainly won’t be the first cable series to take on the “N” word.  Class of 3000 is executive produced/created by Tom Lynch and Andre 3000 (Andre Benjamin), the other half of the legendary hip-hop duo, Outkast.

Outkast is experimental and Benjamin tends to push the envelope. Outkast’s Hey Ya Grammy Award performance — a kitschy, booty-shaking extravaganza, complete with marching band — triggered outrage in the Native American community. 

But Cartoon Network’s happy, neon-bright Class of 3000 is completely kid-safe and full of good, clean adult fun, too. Benjamin writes an original song for each episode.

Tomorrow (Thursday) is the big day as the sophomore season commences.  The buildup starts in the early afternoon, at 12:30 p.m., with a season one marathon and sing-along. Benjamin provides commentary on the songs and music videos airing within each episode. Enthusiasts can participate Karaoke-style by following the lyrics on-screen.   The day-long festivities top off at 7p.m. with the second season premiere episode.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS!  AND TO SEE PICS of the series and the CARTOON NET PRESS KIT