Rastamouse.

He is a Rastafarian mouse on a mission to make "bad tings good" and he somehow has managed to start up a racism row. He is based on a book series, he is in a reggae band(how cool is that?!!) and he solves crimes(like CSI).I watch Rastamouse on BBC iPlayer with my whole family, and it is really funny. However some people do not get it, many are saying that it will encourage young children to use wrong English and bad grammar because every character in the cartoon does speak patois.

Now to all the parents saying it will influence their child's to use the word " rasta" and "irie". Firstly, let me just say that your child lives in Britain and will sooner or later be exposed to these words. Just the same way that your child will be exposed to swear words( I am sure these parents must have sworn or said a naughty word in front of their child). I am Zambian and when I came to this country, most of my peers spoke bits of patois. Everyone must have at one point used the term wagan? and don't most young people use the word ting? As a parent it is your responsibility to teach your child which type of English is acceptable and where. I know that my sister would always correct me when I spoke, and still speak incorrect English.

 Lastly, heavens forbid there is anything on television that shows Afro-Caribbean in a positive manner or even shows them at all! Tell me one programme on TV, except Tinga Tales, that is mildly based on Afro-Caribbean? There is a massive Afro-Caribbean population in Britain, why should their culture and language, be side line because they are a minority? I never knew any patios, and my exposure to it was limited to Sean Paul songs! It is a lovely and nice way for young children to learn and understand the language.

P.S your white child will most probably end up with an Afro-Caribbean( this is Britain!) so if I were you concerned mother, I would watch and learn.