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Peppermint Patty and Marcie: BFFs or GFs?

Heather Hogan

A wise scribegrrrl once said, "Even in a two-dimensional story like this one, there can be a poignant layer of subtext." She was talking about A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.

I recently caught the old summer camp classic Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown on Cartoon Network, and within five minutes I decided scribegrrrl was definitely justified in searching out Marcie/P-Patty subtext. In fact, Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown might be their gayest adventure ever.

I've highlighted the nine most lesbian-ish moments below.

1) As soon as the Peanuts gang arrives at camp, they're ushered into a big tent and forced to fill out questionnaires. What follows is this conversation between Peppermint Patty and Marcie:

Peppermint Patty: I'm going to put down a lot about baseball; they'll probably make me captain of the team.

Marcie: How come they don't have trips where you just stay home?

Peppermint Patty: If you want a better way of life, Marcie, you always have to cross an ocean, or a desert, or a mountain. Sometimes, however, your whole life can be changed by crossing a crowded room.

Marcie: That's a romantic thought, sir.

Talk about your number one lesbian couple argument! One person wants to go out for an adventure — or, you know, drinks — while the other person just wants to cuddle on the couch. The adventurer feels pinned down, and starts off on a tirade about pirates, which eventually just turns into a lengthy circumlocution on love.

2) When the girls make it to their tent, Peppermint Patty delivers this address: "OK gang, I suggest we run this tent in a democratic fashion. The first thing we'll do is elect a tent leader; we'll have to prepare some ballots. One gal, one vote. [...] All in favor say 'aye.'"

Marcie votes "Aye!" while Lucy and Sally both vote "No!"

There's a reason people say, "I love you like a lesbian loves the Constitution." Gay ladies adore some democracy. (And you always side with your girlfriend in public.)

3) Once the girls are settled in their beds, Snoopy comes in to kiss them all goodnight. Things get rowdy when he jumps up onto the bed to kiss Peppermint Patty, because she, of course, has chosen the water bed. Always two steps away from P-Patty's business, Marcie jumps up and says, "Sir, you're making too much noise. Can't you just kiss him goodnight and leave it at that?"

Peppermint Patty replies, "If I ever get off this bed, I'll kick him, not kiss him! Marci, help me get off this water bed!"

Finally, Marcie wrestles Snoopy off the bed, and she and P-Patty settle in for a slumber party.

Oh, girls. If only you knew how many times that's going to happen to you in high school.

4) The next morning, Peppermint Patty leads the girls around the camp in a single-file circus-colored line. Pride parade? Oh, I think so.

5) Marci's chosen color for athletic competition is University of Tennessee Lady Vol orange.

6) When it's time to set off on the camp's main challenge — a raft race down the river! — Peppermint Patty takes charge and starts bossing Marcie around. Marcie smiles and hands over the air pump and whatever else, because, well, you saw who was in charge in the tent last night.

7) After a hard night on the river, the gang gets separated. Finally they meet up in an abandoned cabin in the woods. They could not be happier to be safely back together again, so P-Patty puts on a record and everyone gets ready to dance. Just when it looks like she's going to partner with Chuck, Snoopy bursts through the door, and she chooses to spin around the floor with the beagle. "Wow, that kid really can dance," she says, "and he sure knows how to make a girl happy."

8) When the race is over — Woodstock wins! — and the gang heads back to the bus, Peppermint Patty stops to congratulate Chuck on being such a great leader.

He launches into a monologue about growing up and being brave, but he only gets in about three words before P-Patty abandons him to make sure Marcie is saving a seat for her.

Now, before you start protesting about how this is a cartoon, and there's no way to tell if someone is a lesbian just because she wears UT colors and prefers beagles to boys and is occasionally conflicted between adventure and cuddling, let me show show you something.

This is your friendly neighborhood StuntDouble, on the way home from a hike, headed straight for a snuggle.

I think I can rest my case.

Heather Hogan's blog

Submitted by

Heather Hogan

on June 24, 2009 - 1:00pm.

TAGS ::

Awws... I always liked them

Submitted by

Haruka-papa (93 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 12:55pm.

Awws... I always liked them two together. There's a small sketch on Family Guy where Peter goes and visits his ex-girlfriends, Peppermint P being one of them. She answers the door, and Marci is close by, After asking, "Who is it, sir?", she puts her arms around Patty and gives her a kiss on the cheek. uper cute, and super funny.

Love the puppy dog, btw. :D Uber cute!

Life tastes like... pecans!

Yes!

Submitted by

Mags (608 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 2:58pm.

I love that part in Family Guy! So perfect!

Remember, always be yourself. Unless you suck.

-Joss Whedon

Excellent Analysis

Submitted by

Morgan77 (234 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 1:27pm.

I wholeheartedly agree. They were totally gay. Also? I'm from Knoxville and love the Lady Vols (well, all the Vols) so I would have pretty much agreed with anything you proposed.

Amen, Go VOLS!

Submitted by

MaryD (262 posts)

on June 25, 2009 - 2:26am.

I went to school there too and will always support the VOLS.

Peppermint Patty and Marcie>>

Submitted by

shortypants (614 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 1:36pm.

They were total baby dykes (and Schroeder played for the boys team, I'm sure)! I LOVE them!

And who wouldn't choose Snoopy over Chuck?

"Schroeder played for the

Submitted by

Allytx (3 posts)

on June 25, 2009 - 9:25pm.

"Schroeder played for the boys team..." that made me laugh and.....i agree

:)

Submitted by

nikki (146 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 1:39pm.

i always liked peppermint patty

i always knew it

Submitted by

dollparts (1123 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 1:43pm.

as i kid i always picked up the couple vibe just didnt know how to label it lol

"Hands upon my back again.
Survival is my only friend.
Terrified of what may come.
Remember I will always love you,
Even as I claw your fucking throat away.
But it will end no other way"

I'll have to be honest, the

Submitted by

milk (22 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 1:47pm.

I'll have to be honest, the first time I've ever thought about the two of them being together was when I saw some comments about it on this site. I grew up watching Peanuts (and still watch it and love it!), but had never really caught on the subtext until then.

That being said, I still wasn't entirely convinced about it until I read an utterly gorgeous piece of fanfiction on Yuletide called "Every Good Girl Does Fine" (what can I say, I'm a fanfic gal), and that really settled it for me. They're adorable!

And oh my God, your puppy is the cutest thing ever, I love beagles!

Oh, and here's the link to

Submitted by

milk (22 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 1:48pm.

Oh, and here's the link to the story if someone's interested: http://yuletidetreasure.org/archive/20/everygood.html

most excellent

Submitted by

alex (478 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 1:55pm.

i think you've made your point =)

now if only charles schultz could have confirmed this before passing away. sigh..

--------
http://rightmindleftcoast.wordpress.com

Hmm...

Submitted by

Shannon (700 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 2:13pm.

I recall Charles Schultz addressing something along this line, though I don't think he "outed" any of his characters. He did say there were many progressive adult themes laying around in Peanuts because that was exactly what his art was truly pointed to - taking adult questions and giving them a more simple media. The prime example used is usually Lucy, however all the gang get into these situations. It's why we identify with them and why it has remained a popular clip well after his death.

That said, I was a gay kid and I knew what the couplism was when I saw it. I was always very excited to see Patty and Marcy on the screen because it just felt at home.

~Without risk, there can be no innovation. Without innovation, there can be no advancement. ~

Peppermint Patty

Submitted by

Sarah (1 post)

on June 24, 2009 - 4:40pm.

I actually met the original Peppermint Patty, who confirmed that she had been involved with the woman that Marcie is based on. I can see where Charles Schultz got his inspiration, it was quite a visit.

Another excellent post Stunt D!

Submitted by

jeepdawg_34 (197 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 2:15pm.

One of the best Peanuts analysis...cracks me up because it is so very true!!

Love your end picture! I can soooo relate. I finally have a beagle (Snoopy has been my fav forevah!) of my own. He found me 4 yrs ago while i still lived in Nashvile, TN. Oh and naturally we followed the Lady Vols, too!

Cheers!

Hilarious

Submitted by

jbsky3 (8 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 2:24pm.

LOL thanks for this it was too funny. You made my day. And I agree with ya totally,they are GFs.

I love that movie!

Submitted by

limors (175 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 2:30pm.

I'd re-watch it to try and see al the subtext for myself, but unfortunately my VCR ate it a few years ago :(

Youtube!

Submitted by

Anonymous

on June 26, 2009 - 3:36am.

It's on there if you just type in the title of the movie (wasn't sure if I was allowed to post a link!)

We had the VHS too but it's a bit of a mission hooking up our VCR so I love finding practically all my childhood movies on Youtube now :D

hah!

Submitted by

Terribear (63 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 2:37pm.

obviously girlfriends. i've known that since i was three.

i just couldn't give their intense friendship a name :D

hehehe

Submitted by

atticusgirl (32 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 2:47pm.

Love it. All of it.

of course

Submitted by

Anonymous

on June 24, 2009 - 2:47pm.

of course they were together. mean come on marcie called peppermint patty sir lol. i use to love that show. still do i watch it whenever it comes on.

FDA

Submitted by

Anonymous

on June 24, 2009 - 3:50pm.

I always knew they were girlfriends whether the two of them knew it themeselves or not :)

Dead On!

Submitted by

C.a.m.i.l.l.e (16 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 4:04pm.

They are so a couple! Maybe there were BFF's and became GF!

BTW- I love the photo!

Marcie is based on Billie Jean King

Submitted by

frogprincess (82 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 4:37pm.

Charles Schultz confirmed before his death that Marcie is based on his friend Billie Jean King. And we know how that turned out.

=D

Submitted by

Girl Afraid (23 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 6:11pm.

THIS ROCKS!!!!

I've said this from the beginning!

Submitted by

Kelsie (14 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 6:33pm.

I always thought that those two were together! Even before I knew I was a baby dyke.. I was actually discussing this with my friends the other day! how funny...

SD ftw!

Submitted by

d! (17 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 7:18pm.

SD ftw!

My girlfriend and I went as

Submitted by

lol_femme (15 posts)

on June 24, 2009 - 7:27pm.

My girlfriend and I went as these two for Halloween a few years ago. I was Marcie, but everyone kept thinking I was the chic from Scooby Doo. Sigh.

It was adorable, I thought.

I only just read this

Submitted by

Laura (1 post)

on June 24, 2009 - 7:54pm.

I only just read this article this morning and shortly after I was watching an episode of family guy on Fox 8 (random episoe called "stuck together, torn apart") and during the episode they have a reference to exactly this story.

Peter is looking up old girlfriends, one being a grown up Pepermint Patti and when talking to her at the door Marcie comes over grabs P-Patty round the waist and says "Who is it sir?" and kisses P-Patty on the cheek =D ..

Thought it was very funny..

I've watched "Race For Your Life" several times.

Submitted by

Anonymous

on June 24, 2009 - 11:42pm.

My gaydar never went off on them. =p Time to watch it again.

_________________

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."

Was there ever any doubt?

Submitted by

Eillac (63 posts)

on June 25, 2009 - 3:23am.

I'll just say this: I would never call my best friend 'Sir', but I might call my girlfriend that...

Adorable.

Submitted by

katemc39 (188 posts)

on June 25, 2009 - 4:44am.

Hilarious...thanks for the welcome work-time diversion, Stunt Double.

P-Patty has supernatural habilities ...

Submitted by

baarlijan_xen (431 posts)

on June 25, 2009 - 7:54am.

or is a saint blessed with the power of ubiquity ....

HOW THE FUCK CAN SHE BE OUTSIDE THE BUS TALKING TO CHARLIE BROWN AND SITTING INSIDE WITH MARCIE AT THE SAME TIME????

O_O

check it out on the pic above....

* NErD iS tHe nEw CoOl *

Family Guy 3x19

Submitted by

xenite_tara (6 posts)

on June 25, 2009 - 10:31am.

Family Guy 3x19

haha

Submitted by

Anonymous

on June 25, 2009 - 1:10pm.

I remember watching that and was thinking "no way!" I love "Family Guy."

_________________

"รัก คำเดียวคำนี้ได้ยินบ่อย"

I always thought they was a

Submitted by

Laid back (1 post)

on June 25, 2009 - 11:08am.

I always thought they was a couple< I just wondered if anyone felt the same way!!!!

The Peanut movies are NOT canon!

Submitted by

BrentHartinger (1 post)

on June 25, 2009 - 12:56pm.

Just so you know, these PEANUTS movie versions are definitely NOT canon in the world of Schultz ("canon" is, of course, the strip itself). Yes, it's true, some of the jokes are taken directly from the strip, but NOT ALL OF THEM! In other words, this post is like saying that the reason Willow from BUFFY is a lesbian is because it's referenced in a spin-off BUFFY cartoon that Joss Whedon had almost nothing to do with.

This die-hard Peanuts fan felt compelled to point this out.

Yes, I know I need to get a life. Otherwise, very funny. :-)

Marcie's look was based on

Submitted by

LeahC (35 posts)

on June 25, 2009 - 5:31pm.

Marcie's look was based on Billie Jean King but her personality sure as hell wasn't (can you imagine BJK calling anyone 'Sir'?) but she sure 'pings' for me. Peppermint Patty, on the other hand, I just think she's the uber tom-boy.

In my twisted version of Peanuts; Marcie and Sally become a couple (I like the light and dark, butch and femme dynamic), so do Linus (years spent sucking his thumb hint at a strong oral fixation) and Schroeder (who was always a catcher) while Charlie Brown hooks up with Lucy but leaves her for Patty.

The Peanuts movies were written by Charles M Schultz. The actions, personifications and renderings of the characters are identical to that found in the cartoon strip. They are part of the Schultz canon and, due to his overall content control, can be considered not part of the 'comic strip' but a part of the Peanuts canon. Canon, by definition, is source material generated by the creator of a series for that series - which is exactly what the Peanuts movies are. Not considering them canon just means you're misusing the term.

Marcie's look was based on

Submitted by

oblongfan (2 posts)

on July 27, 2009 - 7:43pm.

Sally and Marcie??? lol

intersting pairing there

Have any of you seen?

Submitted by

Vee (109 posts)

on June 25, 2009 - 8:33pm.

The Robot Chicken where PPatty and Marci hook up? Charlie is muttering on about "strong Christian overtones" when Marcie walks up and Kisses PPatty. and Charlie Brown screams "I said strong Christian overtones!" Hah, it was hilarious.

Watch it here! http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=8a25c39212960aa20112967cf31a002d

Carpe Diem... It's time to Carpeing...