THERE is a new television children’s show which has caused a sensation here in Britain. It is called Rastamouse and features a crime-fighting Rastafarian mouse. He is a cartoon character who sports dreadlocks covered by a stylish tam. He speaks in patois, using phrases like “Irie”. And he has an all-rodent reggae band ‘Da Easy Crew’, who hang out at the ‘Nuff Gong’ recording studio in Mouseland. It is a charming show which has been a huge hit with children.

But grown-ups have been arguing about it. One complaint by dedicated Rastafarians is that it is disrespectful to the faith to portray a Rasta as a mouse.

Levi Roots, musician and creator of the Reggae Sauce brand, said: “I was asked to do the voice of the mouse, but I said no. I am a Rastafarian and I would not want to portray a Rastafarian as a mouse. For me it is about integrity. I would never portray a Rasta as a pig or a mouse as I do not think that the values are served by that. If it was a lion that would be very different, a lion is a strong symbol in Rastafarianism. Personally, I do not support this representation of us. But we do need representation on TV and as this is the first it should be given a chance. People need to decide whether it is right or wrong for them. I have seven children and I would most certainly not want them to watch this show.”

Rastafarian poet Benjamin Zephaniah said: “It is not the greatest representation of the community, and the accents are not accurate. But it is a first, so of course it is going to attract criticism. The fact he is a mouse is not great. If you asked the community 99 per cent would want a lion. But on the whole I would rather have Rastamouse than not.”

White mothers have also complained about the show. The BBC has had over a hundred complaints about the use of patois.

The BBC itself said: “The Rastamouse books are written in Afro-Caribbean patois rhyme and this authentic voice has been transferred to the TV series to retain its heart, integrity and distinctive quality. Although Rastamouse has a particular appeal to young Afro-Caribbean children, its entertaining stories and positive messages — about friendship, respect and community — are intended to be enjoyed by all our young viewers, regardless of their backgrounds.”

A black DJ, Reggie Yates, who is the voice of Rastamouse, says: “When I was a kid there were never any cartoons that felt relevant. Rastamouse is an amazing opportunity for me to be involved in a show that my nieces and nephews watch and think is really cool. There are a million and one children’s television programmes where all of the characters are either racially ambiguous or very European; nobody bats an eyelid about these shows. But the minute you do something different it earns attention. That is not a bad thing, but it would be nice to get to a point where people say “Oh great, there is another show that represents a different part of our community”.

Despite the controversy, thousands of children cannot be wrong. It is a very attractive, appealing show which portrays black people and Rastas in a positive light. Rastamouse and his crime-fighting mission “make a bad ting good”.

People complaining about Rastamouse should remember that there is a long tradition of mice in children’s cartoons, including Mickey Mouse himself. No one suggests that Mickey and Minnie denigrate Christians. And one of the creators of Rastamouse is himself a Rastafarian.

Despite the critics, Rastamouse has a host of celebrity and pop star fans, including Dizzee Rascal. And the cartoon character is set to go global. The Rastamouse Company has licensed the 52 episodes to broadcasters all over the world, including Poland, Australia, Canada and Israel.

Let us hope that Rastamouse goes from strength to strength, making “bad tings good”.

Diane Abbott is the British Labour Party’s shadow public health minister www.dianeabbott.org.uk