An Ode to Snoopy
Image Courtesy: Instagram
For me, autumn seems to be intrinsically intertwined with The Peanuts Gang. I have fond memories of them growing up, particularly with my grandpa, Pop-Pop, when me and my sister would go over to his house as the months got colder and watch each holiday special with a bowl of ChexMix, getting goosebumps every year Linus walked out on that stage and said “Lights please.” Before we left, I made sure to grab the Sunday comics Pop-Pop saved for me from the newspaper, folded up and waiting on top of the fridge. I’d have to jump to reach them back then, and always went to read Charlie Brown first. But the character I hoped would be featured the most was (and still is) Snoopy.
He’s a war hero, a writer, and at times an overly emotional mess, but he still manages to capture all of our hearts. In all honesty, I’m not sure if I can give Snoopy justice in my 800-capped word count. I think it’s okay to admit one’s limitations, and frankly, his personality is too expansive, too colorful to be able to explore in all its shades and hues. I mean, he literally is Joe Cool. Though in all his mysteries, his angst, and musings, I wanted to explore for just a moment why he’s stuck around for so long, and what about him has been so enrapturing to us for the last 70 years.
I first went to local Snoopy enthusiast Dr. Clinton Weinberg, Flagler College’s Applied Voice Instructor and Pep Band Director. If you’ve met Weinberg, you only need one look at his Snoopy-themed office to understand his expertise on the subject, from the lamp in the corner, his handmade knitted tissue box, or maybe even the socks he’s wearing. I asked Weinberg if he thought there were some things we could all learn from Snoopy, to which he replied: “Yes! Like Snoopy, I believe we should all be more creative and imaginative in our problem-solving. I also believe that we should be more joyous, playful, and compassionate. Despite the fact that Snoopy often demonstrates independence, he also has a soft spot for others which is reflected through his acts of loyalty, as man’s best friend!” I have to agree. Part of Snoopy’s charm is his inherent mischievous nature that somehow will always be endearing (despite everything) due to his ultimately stubborn love for the people around him. Though Snoopy is somehow a lover and a fighter, I think there is another aspect of his character that makes him interesting to young adults.
Elsie Hannum explores in her article, “The Hero Gen Z Needs” how a TikTok account @snoopyiscool went viral last year with its clips of Snoopy edited to popular music, and seemed to spark a conversation not just based in nostalgia for the classic specials, but in the beagle’s relatability for our generation. Hannum says, “Some fans say that his personality speaks to their inner child–he plays pretend and dreams big, while finding joy in little wins such as receiving a full bowl of food. But Snoopy’s grand feelings also reflect his existential side, a reminder of the comic’s original gloomy tone, the perception of which was softened and sanitized over subsequent decades. It seems that a new generation is finally seeing Snoopy for who he really is.” I think it’s a side of the Peanuts that we often forget–the colorful, cartoonish antics covered up an underlayer of philosophical sentiments. It’s something that I think a lot of Gen Z folks can see themselves in, that despite the dread that may fill the unpredictability of life, there is a kind of hilariousness to the spontaneity of everything that Snoopy reflects, as well.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Finally, I called Pop-Pop, himself, for his thoughts. Throughout our conversation, one that ranged from talking on the longevity of Charles Shutlz characters, to Snoopy just seemingly “having it all figured out,” what sticks out to me most in the phone call was when he said “I would much rather listen to Snoopy talk than listen to what’s going on today.” Maybe that’s why Snoopy’s relevancy has persisted through generations and why his image still flies through the Macy’s Day Parade: because he exists as a beacon, an escape for life. That, despite everything, Snoopy will always be Snoopy–that narcissistic, World War II vet that, deep down, really loves his owner, despite how much he makes fun of him.
Now, when I go over to my grandpa’s house, I don’t have to stand on my toes anymore to reach the comics on the fridge. I don’t know what it is about that beagle, but I’m glad he’s stayed with me this long.
Strike Out,
Sophia Massebeau
Editors: Indigo Carter and Maya Kayyal
Saint Augustine
Sophia Massebeau is a Staff Writer for Strike Magazine, Saint Augustine. You might catch her busking downtown or apologizing for how messy her car is. You can find her @sophiamassebeau on Instagram or sophiemass1355@gmail.com.
