Cartoon Black History: Betty Boop

Ten weeks before the first female entry is clearly sexist. Speaking of sex, this post is dedicated to the beautiful Bettina Boopington.

Contrary to popular belief, Ms. Boopington was biracial… she was black and white *cough. Whether or not they knew her true ethnicity, she was the object of affection for all men (and a lot of women).

Bettina was a gorgeous, poor, mixed girl from the south with a funny name that dreamed of stardom. She knew her looks and fair skin could get her into any door. So she changed her name to something more palatable. In addition, she chose to speak in shorter and cuter nonsense sentences so to not pick up on her southern accent.

Only thing left to fix was her low income so she could make it to Hollywood. She decided to try exotic dancing under the name Betty Boop. But she danced in a way no one had ever seen before.

Not only was she the Dita Von Teese of her time, she single-handedly created burlesque. Without showing one naughty bit, Boop’s show brought in all walks of life from everywhere on the planet.

Her dream finally came true when she took her show to Hollywood. She got so much attention in California, that it lead to many a movie role.

Naturally, the pressures of being famous came down on her like a ton of bricks. She got strung out on absinthe and required years of rehab. BUT, she personified determination. Madam Bettina “Betty Boop” Boopington, we salute your contribution to our race… Boop-Oop-A-Doop, indeed.