Wile E. Coyote Is Better Than the Road Runner

I was recently asked what my favorite cartoon animal character is. That's an easy one.

Wile E. Coyote. He's presented and drawn almost like a bad guy and, at times, you enjoy the boundless energy and power of the Road Runner. The Road Runner reminds us of trickster who always gets away -- Br'ere Rabbit or perhaps Anansi.

But deep down, don't you identify with the Coyote? Aren't you really impressed by his tenacity, and wishing he could devour the carcass of Road Runner like a plate at Zaxby's?


Think about it. Wile E. Coyote's pursuit of the Road Runner is completely moral and fully justified, as he must eat to live. He is tireless, toiling constantly to come up with new ways to capture the bird. He does not ask for a handout or a "bailout." He gets up every morning with an unquenchable fire in his breast to conquer the horizon, to catch and subdue what is before him. He acquires "ACME" weapons and gadgets, using technology to try and best nature.

I can only imagine that he has little baby wileys who are hungry, hopeful each day he will bring home meat for them. "Not today, kids. But I will never stop trying as long as there is life in me."

Is it really fair that Road Runner is endowed with super powers of near limitless speed and the ability to defy gravity? Such is life. Such is what the Universe throws at man. But he shakes his fist and presses on. And so does the Coyote.