Popeye is a character created by Elzie Segar on the 17th of January 1929. From 1933 onwards Popeye appeared in the cartoons of Max- and Dave Fleischer. He became one of the most important comic- and cartoon characters in the world.
Popeye was originally a secondary character in Elzie Segar’s comic strip Thimble Theatre (1919-1938) which was focused on Olive Oyle and her family. The comic was already published for more than 10 years when Popeye made his entry in 1929. The sailor who became super extraordinary strong by eating spinach became very popular very fast. The comic became very popular because of the ongoing irony and exciting plots with characters like Olive Oyle, Sweet Pea and Wimpy.
After the early death of the 43 year old Segar, the comic strip was continued by his assistants. In particular Bud Segaendorf was very inspired. He was responsible for the spinach myth which was created during World War II.
As the US government did not know how long the second world war would continue, they started to stimulate the reduction of meat in the daily menu of the US people. By eating more potatoes and vegetables, in particular spinach of course, the import of expensive meat from Europe could be limited dramatically.
If we plot the 30-ties situation to today’s where we know that one out of 10 people live in hunger it makes sense to promote the consumption of vegetables, grains and fruits over the production and consumption of meat. The end of famine would come much nearer much faster. This is why SchoolofLifeProjects loves the ultra strong sailor with the loud mouth and the big heart.
Eat less meat, feed the world with grains, fruits, vegetables and of course SPINACH!
The Popeye Song
I'm Popeye the Sailor Man. (2x) (tuut tuut)
Ik ben Popeye de zeeman (2x) (tuut tuut)
I'm strong to the finish, cause I eats me spinach.
Ik ben sterk tot het einde, want ik eet mijn spinazie
I'm Popeye the Sailor Man. (tuut tuut)
Ik ben Popeye de zeeman (tuut tuut)