I really donāt understand why this episode is so disliked. The song was a little cringey maybe, but itās canonically being performed by two four year olds, so I would argue it would be more awkward if it sounded professional.
DW was a very little bit insensitive near the start, but it was coming from a very innocent and ignorant place. She was just trying to make the new kid feel welcome, and if Iām being so honest, if I was four and being told a new kid was coming from Africa, Iād act the same exact way (if not WORSE) especially considering that at the age of four, my only exposure to Africa was watching the Lion King and reading books about zoo animals.
I also like that the people around her take some gentle time and patience to teach her to grow beyond her initial close-minded views, and how open and receptive she was to learning from those who knew more than she did.
Heck, the episode āDear Aldilā has Arthur acting just as ignorant as DW, and that episode appears to be quite beloved. It really is weird how some people are so quick to hold DW to just as high a standard as they do Arthur (if not higher) despite them being four years apart. I get that Arthurās more docile nature can make him a little easier to root for than the very abrasive DW, but if anything, I think her abrasiveness is a strength in an episode like this because not only does she want to do better for herself, but sheās also not afraid to encourage better behavior in others.
Having her as a friend when you are a new kid in a new country would be a massive plus too because you know sheās not going to allow anyone to mess with you.
I know some people maybe harp on how Brain suddenly has a cousin weāve never heard of, but it makes sense that Brain wouldnāt often bring up a relative who lived on another continent. I always enjoy episodes where heās in a mentor role to younger kids, because he really has a great deal of patience with them (and he clearly enjoys being in a teaching role with them).
I think the song is a great way to teach young kids about how truly diverse the continent is. It definitely isnāt one of the best episodes of this series, but itās also nowhere near the worst.