In the UK a tiny animal has kicked off a big debate. 
 
'Rastamouse' is a much talked-about new animated BBC children's show. The star of the programme is a cute Rastafarian mouse who, together with his reggae band, solves crimes.  

 
The show has caused a stir with viewers of all ages. Its humour has won it many devoted adult followers and it has been praised for its educational value.

 
But it is the way Rastamouse and his band – Da Easy Crew – speak that has put the cat among the pigeons. The characters talk in a Caribbean English patois. For example, Rastamouse's motto is "makin' a bad ting (thing) good". The characters greet each other by saying "Wagwan!" (What's going on?). 

 
For many, it's part of the show's appeal. But some parents have complained that it is encouraging the use of slang amongst their children. Other viewers feel that the mice are stereotyped or condescending versions of Rastafarians. Around 190 complaints have been submitted to the BBC. 
 
The show's creators – one of whom is himself a Rastafarian – insist that no offence was intended and the BBC has defended the show for its "compelling stories, great music and positive messages". 
 
The backlash hasn't halted Rastamouse's progress. He has already released a single – Ice Popp – and an album is also planned.  
 
Quiz 测验
 
1. True or false: Both children and adults like Rastamouse. 

2. Why do parents object to the way Rastamouse speaks?

3. True or false: Some people think the programme is racist.

4. Has the controversy surrounding Rastamouse made it unpopular?

5. Look at the article. What word means a wave of unpopular feeling that follows something successful?  
 
 
Exercise 练习
 
对照本文找出与争议有关的词语完成下列填空练习。
 
1. At the wedding, Debra's hat really caused _______ _______.
 
2. Her remarks really put the cat _______ _______ _______.
 
3. ______ me, the food in that restaurant is too spicy.
 
4. The Prime Minister was hoping to calm things down, but instead his statement kicked _______ _______ _______ _______ about immigration. 
 
5. John's band was enormously successful, but there quickly followed a _______.  

Answers and Glossary 答案与词汇
 
Quiz 小测验
 
1. True or false: Both children and adults like Rastamouse. True 

2. Why do parents object to the way Rastamouse speaks? Because he uses non-standard grammar.

3. True or false: Some people think the programme is racist. True

4. Has the controversy surrounding Rastamouse made it unpopular? No

5. Look at the article. What word means a wave of unpopular feeling that follows something successful?  Backlash 
 
Exercise 练习
 
1. At the wedding, Debra's hat really caused a stir.
 
2. Her remarks really put the cat among the pigeons.
 
3. For me, the food in that restaurant is too spicy.
 
4. The Prime Minister was hoping to calm things down, but instead his statement kicked off a debate about immigration. 
 
5. John's band was enormously successful, but there quickly followed a backlash. 
 
Glossary 词汇表
 
to kick off a big debate   引发了一场大辩论  

much talked-about    议论纷纷的

Rastafarian    信奉拉斯特法里教的

to cause a stir   引起争议

devoted followers  忠实的追随者

to put the cat among the pigeons   惹事生非

patois   方言/土语

stereotyped   老套的 

compelling    有说服力的

backlash    反弹