Transformers: EarthSpark is one of the latest iterations of the Transformers multimedia franchise. The ongoing Transformers animated series is facing backlash, however, for its use of gender pronouns.
The new series currently airs on the Paramount Plus streaming service. It’s intended for children from ages 2 to 11 years old. And while some viewers are happy to see new examples of diversity inserted into the show, others believe that the use of “they/them” pronouns is inappropriate.
The scene features a moment where the character Nightshade introduces themselves to a human character named Sam. Nightshade introduces their pronouns as “they/them” to the character, while Sam uses “she/they.” This leads into the following conversation:
“Sometimes the world can be a scary place,” says Sam. “It’s hard to know who’s dangerous or not. I know I’m safe when I’m with my friends or other non-binary people.”
Nightshade asks what being “non-binary” is and Sam gives the following response:
“People who aren’t female or male.”
Nightshade caps the conversation with, “What a wonderful word for a wonderful experience.”
It’s become a divisive scene to say the least. As you can see below, many Twitter users have vocalized their disapproval of pronouns becoming a subject of conversation in Transformers: EarthSpark:
Recent episode from the kid’s show Transformers: EarthSpark. They’re after your kids. pic.twitter.com/D7TYsP9Sb0
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 11, 2023
Liberal woke insanity https://t.co/YDxagoBsiN
— Superintendent Ryan Walters (@RyanWaltersSupt) May 13, 2023
”I know I’m safe when I’m with friends or other non-binary people.”
How do you know that about other non-binary people!? Just because you belong to the same minority or group or whatever doesn’t mean they will not hurt you! This is so stupid!🤦♂️ https://t.co/u9j7qLMbSz
— Fenrir the ice wolf (@Fenrirtheicewo1) May 12, 2023
I’m really sick of this shit. https://t.co/ng10Ce0Pou
— McKaylaRose (@McKaylaRoseRed) May 12, 2023
They’re more than meets the eye. They’re groomers in disguise.
This new generation of Predacons is something else. https://t.co/DfMhm09Gb3
— Matthew E. Cochran (@matt_e_cochran) May 12, 2023
This is DISGUSTING https://t.co/RcRiUIcmqd
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) May 12, 2023
World needs to get nuked already. https://t.co/5pKlqTetXr
— Playoff JD (@PlayoffJDBack) May 12, 2023
This is out of control!
I’m so outraged at this perversion and sexualization of children. It is pure evil & keeps me up at night.
Here I am, tweeting at 3 am… just like @elonmusk.
Hopefully I don’t get spanked by the new Twitter CEO who says it’s not good to tweet after 3 am. https://t.co/6UbwQzTGCl
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 14, 2023
Now the Transformers are grooming your kids. This evil garbage needs to be done away with. The Trans-Cult are emboldened predators grooming children in every medium they can find. This madness will never end with the Dems in power. https://t.co/Gy7uc1oTEC
— James Lauder (@JamesLauder12) May 13, 2023
This isn’t woke. This is a demonic political strategy to create gender dysphoria and LGBTQIA-ism in kids. They’re grooming a voting bloc that will have parents adopt the political party that supports their confused kids. Both political parties will cater to this demographic. https://t.co/j0mTfEpyg3
— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) May 13, 2023
I hate this account not just for moral panic crap, but also for the fact it has people pretending this is good writing. It sounds like a discount Sesame Street.
Also, both sides don’t seem to notice that kids aren’t interested in this stuff.https://t.co/1DQJsxScno
— Danny’s Hot (And Not-So-Hot) Takes (@DanGuy96) May 13, 2023
There is yet to be an official response from Paramount Plus or Nickelodeon regarding the scene. But this is only the latest example of more diverse characters being implemented in children’s programming. As of this writing, it appears to be a trend that will continue in addition to the diverse characters being added in live-action media and films and shows for older audiences as well.
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates as we may have them. As mentioned, Transformers: EarthSpark is available to stream via Paramount Plus. The ongoing series first premiered on November 11, 2022. The entire Transformers franchise stems from the toy line of the same name that originally launched in 1984.