Meaning: This quote is a humorous and satirical take on the classic fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood. Stan Freberg, an American author, comedian, and advertising creative, is known for his witty and satirical humor. In this quote, he suggests that the story of Little Red Riding Hood is based on a true event but with a twist. He humorously claims that the only alteration made to the story is changing the color of the protagonist's hood to prevent an investigation.

The original tale of Little Red Riding Hood has been a popular and enduring story in folklore and children's literature. It typically involves a young girl wearing a red hooded cloak who encounters a wolf in the woods while on her way to visit her grandmother. The wolf, often depicted as cunning and deceitful, tricks Little Red Riding Hood and ultimately devours her grandmother. The story has been interpreted in various ways, with themes of innocence, danger, and the consequences of disobedience.

Freberg's quote cleverly subverts the familiar narrative by suggesting that the story is not entirely fictional. By claiming that only the color of the protagonist's hood has been changed to prevent an investigation, he presents a playful and absurd scenario. This interpretation challenges the conventional understanding of the story and injects a sense of skepticism regarding its fictional nature.

In addition to the humor and satire in Freberg's quote, it also raises interesting questions about the nature of storytelling and the blurring of fact and fiction. While the quote is clearly intended as a joke, it touches on the idea that folklore and traditional tales often have roots in real events or societal concerns. By suggesting that the story of Little Red Riding Hood is based on a true incident, albeit with a comical twist, Freberg invites the audience to reconsider the origins and authenticity of familiar narratives.

Moreover, the mention of "preventing an investigation" adds a layer of intrigue to the quote. It implies that there may be darker or controversial aspects to the original story that are being concealed by altering the color of the protagonist's hood. This playful insinuation serves as a commentary on the power of storytelling to shape perceptions and the potential for hidden motives behind seemingly innocent tales.

In conclusion, Stan Freberg's quote playfully challenges the traditional understanding of the classic story of Little Red Riding Hood. Through humor and satire, he suggests that there may be more to the tale than meets the eye, alluding to a hidden truth behind the fictional narrative. By subverting the familiar story in this way, Freberg invites audiences to consider the nature of storytelling, the blending of fact and fiction, and the underlying complexities of folklore and traditional tales.