Bad Conversation Topics When Surrounded by Throwable Objects 14

TOPIC: Should adults feel ashamed if they watch cartoons not specifically targeted for adults?

If, for some strange reason or deficiency, you frequently visit this collection of self-therapeutic, sometimes poignant, but usually wildly conceived posts I refer to as my blog, you are aware I detest when society forcibly labels anything (e.g. product, activity, entertainment, career) as meant for “one group” only. There is absolutely not one natural or human-made creation or behavior (biologically anatomical or medicinal examples excluded) which only functions for or benefits one specific group of people. 

The latest entry on this ever-growing list of commonly misjudged natural or human-made products or behaviors emerges the leisurely act of adults watching and, more importantly, enjoying cartoons (short television shows or feature-length films). Yes, the bright colors, big eyes, and fable-like characters do attract and maintain the attention of the young people of our world, but, stemming from my own viewing and enjoyment, the dialogue, plot, and themes of most cartoons often challenge the minds of adults (not all, but a large amount of us). 

Sarcasm, allusion, and irony, to name a few of the more complex literary elements, run rampant throughout daily installments of the most popular cartoons marketed to children. Why? Most people would simply answer creators of cartoons realize adults usually accompany the majority of children viewing these cartoons, and so these creators insert elements enjoyable to adults so these adults will continue to allow their children to view them. Sounds reasonable; however, this theory negates two simple facts about the creators of cartoons: they are adults and authors (possibly, writers) themselves. Since the creators of cartoons are adults themselves, they no longer can view the world as children, so anything they create will inherently possess thoughts, ideas, and perceptions of the world as their adult eyes interpret them. Also, since the creators of cartoons are authors (possibly, writers) as well, these creators either consciously or subconsciously want (or need) to spread their knowledge of the world; in conjunction, creators of cartoons, as authors (possibly, writers), aim to teach or spread awareness of certain subjects or societal issues.

As an example, one episode of The Fairly Oddparents on Nickelodeon, utilized a running joke throughout the episode concerning the health of your colon (yes, your colon). Now, do children even know what a colon is or how it functions? Below are some quotes from the same episode. You be the judge if children (or adults) would be able to assess their true entertainment or literary value:

Cosmo: What are you watching, sport?

Timmy: The Legend of the Dimmsdale Sewer Gator. It’s violent and educational, but mostly violent. Yay, violence!

Mrs. Turner: Timmy, are you hungry? A growing boy deserves something special, so I made—

Timmy: Broccoli? Squash? Spinach?

Mrs. Turner: I couldn’t care less about foods that are good for you, or your colon. Tonight we’re having candy! [holds up some lollipops] And for dessert, candy! [holds up a huge candy cane]

Cosmo: This episode was brought to you by the Society for Healthy Colons!

Cosmo and Wanda: Yay, colons!