Response Post: Cartoon Violence

     Elona's belief that violent cartoons could easily influence young children is the notion that many if not most people have about media violence. As the article by Brown suggested however, the studies that are being done on this phenomenon may not be showing the correct results, as certain factors are not taken into consideration. Therefore, we do not really know what affects violent media has on children.

     Having been born in a communist country and moving to Canada when I was four years old I grew up watching older cartoons that the generation before me enjoyed. I'm sure we all know that older Disney and Warner Brothers cartoons featuring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and the Road Runner (with his nemesis Wyle E. Cayote) were much more violent than most cartoons are now. I can't recall the last time I saw an anvil or box of TNTs used to catch one's foe in a children's show. In relative terms I believe I grew up fairly normal. I am against violence, not a fan of war and choose to be a vegetarian because of my respect of animals. (Which just proves I didn't take any of those cartoons of animals trying to kill other animals seriously). I strongly believe it is the role of the parent to instill the idea of right and wrong in children and teach them from an early age that what we see on television is not always real. In fact, very little of the time is there truth in entertainment. Cartoons are fantasy. I can understand that even if something is to be considered in a funny and light context blood and gore may not be the best way to get the message across yet those shows depict such an outlandish and nonsensical type of violence that it's almost an ironic commentary on how silly true violence can be.

     Furthermore, in regards to newer cartoons where superheroes are fighting one another, as Elona mention it does exhibit the case of the American monomyth as discuss in class. Yet this tale is one of bravery, justice and the restoration of peace. The hero comes into town in order to remove the evil which preys on the innocent. If there were nothing harming anyone there would be no need for violence. In my opinion violence in superhero shows is justified because the message coming across to children is to stand up and fight for what you believe in. Also, kids can't fly or shoot fire out of their eyes so I'm not too worried they'll be trying anything extreme. (Unless they're the kid from Superbad, then we may have something to worry about).

     I believe violence that is cartoonish in nature or that is justified such as the mighty and brave defending the good and innocent (in a non-gory comic book style way), is acceptable in children's cartoons as the kids watching them should be told the difference between what they are watching and real life.

Television can help cultivate a child's mind

     We were given a list of words which were used as metaphors for television in Detweiller and Taylor's article. Many of these words resonated with me as I spent much of my childhood watching television. Most people would think this would be detrimental to a child yet I believe that many of the shows shaped my personality into who I am today. (I am not a carbon copy of Sesame Street, and my idols are not Samurai Pizza Cats if that's what you're thinking). Instead, many of the shows I watched were funny, educational and age appropriate which are all very important factors. From watching shows like Lamb Chop's Play Along and Recess I got my sense of humor, learned right from wrong and attained an imagination that I wouldn't give up for the world.

     Of course my parents and school had a large impact on me as well but these shows gave me something that they couldn't. They were constant companions that I could turn on when the former were not available. Also, I don't think my parents or teachers would have been able to make up daily stories of the adventures to be had by a boy football shaped head in the middle of New York City or what evil forces a beautiful warrior princess had to save the world from. I mean, that would have been tiring!

     The stories I watched and absorbed helped me create my own. My imagination grew and became rich. I could make up stories instantly when we had creative writing assignments and playing with my Barbies turned into three-act plays.

     The negative connotations people attribute to television and children such as it being a replacement baby-sitter, taking away from the responsibility of parents and acting as a sedative are false. If the children are watching the right programs that teach them things it helps their minds flourish which later in life will allow them to create beautiful things. Parents allowing their children to watch the right kids' shows is a healthy and important aspect which will help a child's mind develop to a creative and intelligent adult mind.