A depiction of Brer Rabbit and the Tar-Baby from the famous folklore of the American South
The stories of Brer Rabbit and many other "Brer" animals originates from the stories of Uncle Remus written in the times of the American South in the 19th century. These tales are so ingrained into the fabric of American storytelling that they even serve as inspiration for the theming of the water rollercoaster at Walt Disney World's Splash Mountain ride. These stories often involve Brer Fox, a cunning character that is always trying to eat Brer Rabbit and trying to trick him. In one instance, Brer Fox makes a "tar baby" made of sticky turpentine and tar and dresses it in clothes and sets him out. Brer Rabbit, an amiable fellow tries to talk the baby and is angered and shocked by the lack of manners of the baby and punches him, only to be stuck. After more kicking and punching, Brer Rabbit only gets more stuck, and Brer Fox ponders how to dispose of him. After feigning pleading to not be put into the briar patch above all else, even getting skinned, roasted, and murdered, Brer Fox chucks him into the briar patch, where rabbits are at home, and Brer Rabbit escapes the tar baby. This is generally the most famous of the Uncle Remus stories. This similar premise of getting caught and pleading to not be punished in a certain way that is actually beneficial is repeated in the story with Brer Fox and Old Man Terrypin, a turtle character similar to a terrapin in name. After getting caught by Brer Fox, Old Man Terrypin convinces Brer Fox that being thrown into the water would be unbearable, but it actually would be the most helpful. This idea of a trickster and antagonist has influenced many cartoons, including Disney's own cartoon of Brer stories, as well as influences in Tom and Jerry.
Bibliography: Uncle Remus: His Songs and Sayings by Joel Chandler Harris. http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/05/myth-folklore-unit-brer-rabbit.html
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