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Sunday 7 April 2013

11. Watching cartoons

On your own opinion, which is more advisable for children to watch? Cartoons or anime? Well for me, cartoons is the one advisable for children to watch. Do you wonder why? Cartoons have it's disadvantages and advantages. What are those things?

As I search for answers regarding cartoon watching regulations, I came across an article entitled Watching Cartoons: Is it good for children? written by Pradeep Kumar B. He sited different disadvantages and advantages of watching cartoons. It is good to watch cartoons because it is colorful and that's what makes cartoons entertaining. But for some reason, watching cartoons decreases a child's imaginative power because he sees all the happenings in the show. We all know that reading books are the ones who help children to improve their imaginative power. In some way, the author gave an example in which one person ranked high in an examination with the help of cartoons. The young man watched cartoons since he was a child and that became a good help for him in learning English until he spoke fluently. In cartoons, children can understand English when some characters are having conversations. They can also improve their vocabulary and pronunciation skills from listening to the cartoon character's voice. It is also said in this article that discipline must be implied in watching cartoons because it will do harm more harm than good. 

It is true that watching cartoons have it's advantages, not only disadvantages. I also have one cousin which is addicted to cartoons but became a great English speaker and writer. As of today's generation, watching television is  more mainstream rather than reading books because majority of children says that reading books is boring. Watching cartoons can affect one's life in negative or positive side. To make sure that the children can have good effects on us, children must really balance or manage their time to earn knowledge or positive effects on them. Who knows, we can be great as the young  man mentioned in the article that Pradeep wrote.

Pradeep Kumar B mentioned "The time period for which children watch TV should be properly regulated by parents." and I agree on that because first of all, parents are the ones who disciplines their children and when a parent told a child to stop watching cartoons, the child will obey them because that is what they need to do. This will help the children to avoid gaining negative effects and watch the proper cartoons for them.

Is cartoons a good entertainment for children? Yes it is but there are the so called limits wherein they must be aware of. Parents should guide children even watching cartoons to avoid having the disadvantages of it. Watching cartoons can be a good entertainment for children because they help kids to improve their English skills but behind that are negative effects when they became addicted to it and that's what makes the problem in watching cartoons. We must be really aware and parents should be the one to help their children in disciplining themselves and to let them earn advantages from watching cartoons.

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION


A.      Background of the Study

Anime and Cartoons are types of shows than can be watched by majority of children and some teenagers or adults. These two are animations that reflect two cultures. Anime reflects for Japanese culture while Cartoons reflect for American culture. That’s the reason why these two have their own differences. Anime and Cartoons are usually for viewer’s entertainment. Anime is an animation which originated from Japan and is now popular internationally. They say that it is more popular than Cartoons which originated from America which is also known internationally. But majority of the viewers are saying that Anime is much better than Cartoons because of their differences.  (http://colpolbear.hubpages.com/hub/japaneseanimevsamericancartoons)

          American and Japanese animations, or cartoons and anime respectively, are contributors to cultural imparting to the children of both countries. Anime and Cartoons are not only for kids but also for adults. I agree on that because there are really scenes where it includes death, perversity, and other ethical dilemma that kids must not watch. Anime doesn't draw back from encircling things that typically don't show up in Western cartoons aimed at roughly the same age brackets: sexuality, violence, etc. To that end, there are a fair number of shows that are definitely not for younger viewers.

         
The Japanese tropes are expressed in an anime which it includes some of the Japanese cultures occurring in Japan. As said in the article, storylines of cartoons are self-contained which means it doesn't last long while in anime it prolongs for unending seasons or series just like Naruto, One Piece, and Fairy tale. When it comes to storytelling, anime came up with the scenes from movies or TV shows which makes it interesting and enjoyable. It is highly detailed and it contains more sense than cartoons. Regarding the art styles of anime, they really do have big eyes and small mouth. With that kind of features, it makes the character cuter than cartoons because cartoons often look weird just like Phineas from the Cartoon entitled Phineas and Ferb. And last but not the least, the controversial subject matter. It discusses about the things occurring in a certain scene in an anime or a cartoon. Most of the anime contains violence and sexuality which is not shown in cartoons. It's one of the reasons why cartoons can be boring sometimes.

The averaged hours of a child from the time he begins to attend school is 13,000 hours. While the averaged time of a child watching cartoons are 18,000 hours. It is the same from the time the school started until the graduation. It also affects the children psychologically when it comes to violence. Since they're exposed to cartoons with such violence, the result is they're not afraid anymore of experiencing violence. There are also subliminal messages that children sees and it is not necessary for them to see it. It is said that cartoons is unhealthful for children because it is being interactive with any environment which enhances brain to its successful development. U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher stated that children become aggressive and harmful because of the violence that the cartoons have with it.

I prefer watching anime than cartoons. Why? Cartoons can be boring sometimes where as anime more is entertaining because it expresses more of the viewer's emotions. For me, cartoons give more attention on the kiddy side. How did I say so? Their drawings are too simple. It looks like a doodle; there are square faces, triangle, and many other kinds of shapes. Isn't it weird? Another thing that makes me want anime more than cartoons is its story plot. Anime's plot is more interesting than cartoons because it contains more sense and sometimes gives us a lesson in our life. While cartoons gives pure humor and it contains lot of the childish ways.

“More aggressive behavior in a young child's life is caused by frequently watched entertainment that incorporates violence in It." stated by U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher. This statement is believable because observations of parents are also like that. Children who suddenly become violent can be an effect from watching a cartoon.

Watching cartoons can lead children to negative things such as violence. Parents must guide their children whenever they watch cartoons because there are things that are prohibited for children. For me, I think it is not advisable for children to watch cartoons because I noticed that there are more negative things than positive things a child can get from those cartoons.

          The focus of this research paper is to know the difference between anime and western cartoons and also its effects of on children so this paper won’t talk about the history of anime and cartoons or its genres.

B.      Statement of the Problem

          This study aims to answer this question:

          1. Which is more advisable for children to watch, Western Cartoons or Anime?



C.      Significance of the Study

Children. This research paper will help the children who watch cartoons because this paper will distinguish the different effects of cartoons and anime on children. Usually anime and cartoons are watched by children because they are animations that are normally designed for kids. This paper can help children to motivate them and discipline them by their parents.

Cartoonists and Animators. Cartoonists and animators can benefit from this research paper because they can improve their works when it comes to its features and graphics. They can also improve their story plot and put more essence in what they’re doing.

Future Researchers.  This study can help future researchers to make similar studies especially when it’s about cartoon animations. They can base some of their topics with this study. People nowadays are getting addicted on watching anime and cartoons especially when it’s online. This study can also be a source for the formats or concepts when it comes to research paper writing.


D.      Scope and Delimitation

          This study focuses on the effects of anime and cartoons on children. Children watches anime and cartoons that develops something within them and this study will find out incidents occurred because of children watching anime and cartoons. Another thing to be found out is the different subliminal meanings behind anime and cartoons.

          Due to time constraints, this study will no longer discuss other genres of anime and cartoons. Manga will not be discussed even if it’s related to anime. The respondents can be the Parents of children who watch anime or cartoons or children who watch anime and cartoons. I chose the parents to be one of my respondents so that I could get their point of view of observation to their child when it watches anime or cartoons. On the other hand, I chose the children who watch anime and cartoons as my main respondent for this study because I can have their own perspectives when it comes to anime and cartoons.


E.       Materials and Methods

          This research will use a Descriptive-Qualitative research since the aim of this study is to enumerate the differences of anime and cartoons and explain the effects of anime and cartoons on children. This method is defined as “The qualitative paradigm aims to understand the social world from the viewpoint of respondents, through detailed descriptions of their cognitive and symbolic actions, and through the richness of meaning associated with observable behavior.” (Wildemuth, 1993). By conceptualizing this method, the descriptive-qualitative method is an appropriate method to use for this study.

          Information relevant to the study was gathered from various reference materials such as online articles and different knowledgeable websites like about.com or Wikipedia.com. Surveys on children who watches anime and cartoons will be implemented for this research to strengthen this study.


F.       Definition of Terms

Anime. Japanese animated productions, and come in all formats and include animation creations. The word is the abbreviated pronunciation of "animation" in Japanese. In English, the term is defined as a Japanese-disseminated animation style often characterized by colorful graphics, vibrant characters and fantastic themes.

American Cartoons.  A form of two-dimensional illustrated visual art. While the specific definition has changed over time, modern usage refers to a typically non-realistic or semi-realistic drawing or painting intended for satire, caricature, or humor, or to the artistic style of such works. An artist who creates cartoons is called a cartoonist.

Animation. A rapid display of a sequence of images to create an illusion of movement. The most common method of presenting animation is as a motion picture or video program, although there are other methods. 

Animator.  An artist who creates multiple images that give an illusion of movement called animation when displayed in rapid sequence; the images are called frames and key frames.

Cartoonist. A visual artist who specializes in drawing cartoons. This work is often created for entertainment, political commentary or advertising. Cartoonists may work in many formats, such as animation, booklets, comic strips, comic books, editorial cartoons, graphic novels, manuals, gag cartoons or video game packaging.

Manga. Comics created in Japan, or by Japanese creators in the Japanese language, conforming to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century. They have a long, complex pre-history in earlier Japanese art.

Chapter 2
DISCUSSION


          Which is more advisable for children to watch, Western Cartoons or Anime?

Definition of Western Cartoons and Anime
         
          Definition of ‘Western Cartoons’ is basically an entertainment which is for kids. They are the ones which kids get addicted to. How about Anime? How would you define it? Anime is also a type of cartoon animation but they are made by Japanese people. This research paper will identify which is more advisable for children to watch, Western Cartoons or Anime?

          Around 1990’s western cartoons became famous until it became the children’s basic entertainment in their life. There‘s the famous Tom and Jerry show, the Looney Tunes, and etc. On the other side of animation, during the 1980’s anime became famous outside Japan. There’s the famous anime which was Astroboy and Black Jack OVA. They serve as an entertainment for children but there are things that limit them to watch those shows.

          What poses as a challenge in watching western cartoons and anime is the effects they imply to the ones who watch them.  It is said that cartoons is unhealthful for children because it is being interactive with any environment which enhances brain to its successful development. U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher stated that children become aggressive and harmful because of the violence that the cartoons have with it.


Difference of Western Cartoons and Anime

A. Japanese tropes
          The Japanese tropes are expressed in an anime which it includes some of the Japanese cultures occurring in Japan.

B. Storylines
Cartoons are self-contained which means it doesn't last long while in anime it prolongs for unending seasons or series just like Naruto, One Piece, and Fairy tale.




C. Storytelling
Anime came up with the scenes from movies or TV shows which makes it interesting and enjoyable. It is highly detailed and it contains more sense than cartoons.


D. Art styles
In anime, they really do have big eyes and small mouth. With that kind of features, it makes the character cuter than cartoons because cartoons often look weird just like Phineas from the Cartoon entitled Phineas and Ferb.

E. Controversial subject matter
It discusses about the things occurring in a certain scene in an anime or a cartoon. Most of the anime contains violence and sexuality which is not shown in cartoons. It's one of the reasons why cartoons can be boring sometimes.


Effects of Cartoons and Anime on children

A. Negative Effects
          The averaged hours of a child from the time he begins to attend school is 13,000 hours. While the averaged time of a child watching cartoons are 18,000 hours. It is the same from the time the school started until the graduation. It also affects the children psychologically when it comes to violence. Since they're exposed to cartoons with such violence, the result is they're not afraid anymore of experiencing violence. There are also subliminal messages that children sees and it is not necessary for them to see it. It is said that cartoons is unhealthful for children because it is being interactive with any environment which enhances brain to its successful development. "More aggressive behavior in a young child's life is caused by frequently watched entertainment that incorporates violence in it." stated by U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher. This statement is believable because observations of parents are also like that. Children who suddenly become violent can be an effect from watching a cartoon.

          "Kids learn quicker and take in more when their young" said by Andrew Pahel. It is true that kids learn quicker than the old ones. They have a fast memory that let them memorize or remember things quickly. In short, things can influence kids more than the old ones or teenagers. Cartoons that shows violence which are considered as entertainment by kids because they didn't know that it influences them in a bad way.

          Since kids now a days tend to stay at home and watch cartoons, a parent or a family member can easily notice when a child changes. Some might not be physically changed but psychologically they are influenced by the things they watch. One thing that the authors mentioned in this article is how the 'Winx Club' cartoon influenced a child. Every time they go to malls, the child always want to be in a wardrobe which she sees in Winx Club and she even wants to shop just like the characters in Winx Club. Also one thing mentioned in this article is about a child who plays pranks on his brother and it is not good. A teacher once said that students from her class are always picking fights in the class. Those examples prove that cartoons are not good entertainment for kids.

"Give your children time to watch cartoons as it is the most common source for education, expose them with programs which are appropriate as per parental guidance."said by a psychology student, Amna Ejaz


B. Positive Effects
          There are cartoons which gives knowledge to children. Since most of a child's parent is busy at work, the tendency is a child to watch cartoons all day. Some cartoons help a toddler or a child to be familiar of the words together with its meaning. Children's imagination can be improved by watching cartoons.

          One of the famous cartoons is Dora the Explorer. This is an example of an educational cartoon. Dora teaches children how to count, different kinds of animals, courtesy, and sometime she gives Spanish words and its meaning. It is true that there are cartoons that give positive effects on children. My niece likes Dora so much and I think it's good that she watches a cartoon like this. She learned how to count and also different kinds of colors. It is great when a child is having fun while learning. 

          Naresh Samal stated "When we are born we have the capacity for motivation, experience, and training, and because of this our minds are very impressionable." Yes we are born with those abilities. Our minds can think widely with the help of our imagination. Motivation and experience are considered to be a key to success. Our minds are considered as very impressionable because we can think of something without letting someone know it. We are capable of doing things that we want or what we need.


C. Conclusions

Between anime and cartoons, which one should be encouraged depending on age group?

1. Children
          Children are the ones who like to impersonate a cartoon character which means they can do things that can hurt people especially when the cartoon or anime he’s watching is violent. But for them, Cartoons should be encouraged for them to watch, those cartoons in which they can earn knowledge. They can watch other cartoons like Looney tunes but they must be disciplined by their parents to control the child from being addicted to it.

2, Teenagers
          As for today’s generation, majority of teenagers watch Anime than cartoons. I encourage teenagers to watch anime because one reason is most of the cosplayers are between this age group. Anime characters are more creative than cartoon characters. The controversial subject matter and storytelling of anime is more advisable for teenagers to watch. There are genres such as high school life and the most famous genre which is the romance. We all know that relationships between teenagers are too mainstream nowadays so we can relate their relationship with the ones in the anime.

3. Adults
          If I’m going to encourage adults of which must be encourage for them to watch, I’d say that they can watch both but it is better if I encourage them to watch cartoons. As I said in this research paper, cartoons have many subliminal messages which are not for children. Basically, those subliminal messages are more likely to be understood by the adults who watch them. They can understand things which are shown in cartoons such as sexuality. Some of the cartoons which are advisable for adults are the Family Guy and The Simpsons. They contain sexuality and adult humors that can make it more interesting for adults to watch, not for children and teenagers.


Cartoon watching will be regulated
          Cartoon watching should be regulated by parents. Children should have time allotted for reading books. Regulation of cartoons should be implied by parents to their children to avoid having the negative effects to them. Having regulation will help the viewers to be disciplined and know their limits, especially the children.


Solutions to remedy the current situation
          One of the top remedies to do is to regulate the viewers who watch cartoons. If children are obliged to study in the morning, I commend that cartoons for kids must be shown on television during in the afternoon so they won’t be having a hard time to balance their studies and the time for entertainment which is watching cartoons. Cartoons for adults must be shown during night or midnight. Who are the ones awake during those times? The adults, right? In this way, children who watch cartoons with violence or subliminal messages can avoid seeing those cartoons because only cartoons that are advisable to them will be shown in daytime.

          Another remedy is to advice the children’s parent to make a schedule in which kids are allowed to watch television. Maybe a planner would help in organizing their time for this. We all know that once a person is addicted to something, we can’t stop them easily from doing the things they must not do or we can’t control them with their limitations. Organizing schedules would help to balance everything they need to do and the things that they want to do.

          If you are not aware of what a child can do with violence, well you must be. They may seem that they're good but you won't know if they have plans like killing someone or do something inappropriate.  Parents need to keep an eye with their child's activities especially in school. It is not normal for a kid to fight with someone or even play with swords, guns, and knives. Children must be careful in every thing they do. 


Who should regulate the cartoons that are produced and distributed? Is it the government, networks or parents?
          The government can do a rule in which networks are obliged to do an appropriate time slot for showing cartoons which was I had mentioned a while ago. When the network doesn’t follow that rule, government can collect money because of not following their orders. The people who must be really regulating the children from watching cartoons are their parents. First of all, children must obey their parents at all time. What parents will say must be obeyed by children. So if they’ll prohibit children from watching a cartoon that is not for them, they will stop watching it. The only thing that the networks can do is to manage their shows on time. They can put some reminder like “Parental Guidance is required for children”. They cannot say what the viewers will watch. It is still depending on how parents will discipline their child. Now if a parent’s child is irresponsible enough to guide their child, this is what makes the problem or this is what makes the situation in a bad way. Children will become addicted to cartoons which will lead them into things like gaining the negative effects of watching cartoons and misbalanced time for studying and watching television.

          Parents are the ones to blame if they won’t do something to regulate their children from watching cartoons. It is not a reason to say that they are busy at work because their top priority must be their kids and know what is good for them.




Chapter 3
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS
AND RECOMMENDATIONS


SUMMARY
         
          This paper attempted to determine the difference of Western cartoons and Anime, the effects of it on children who watch it and which is more advisable for children to watch.
          The research design used in this study is the descriptive research method wherein research data from different writers and some statements from psychologists were shown. The research answers the questions asked within the paper. The research findings are the following:
1.                    Not all cartoons are bad for children. There are cartoon shows that give knowledge to children without showing subliminal messages or inappropriate things to the one who watches it.
2.                    Cartoons and Anime are both violent for children to watch but there are some other shows that don’t show violence.
3.                    They differ a lot when it comes on how animators make them. Especially the graphics and the storyline that cartoons and anime have.
4.                    Majority of the children who watches cartoons gains negative effects instead of gaining positive effects from it.


CONCLUSIONS

          Based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions are drawn:
1.                 Parents should really guide their children in every thing they do especially when watching cartoons because there are things that a child must not see like violence and some have sexuality.
2.                 Children must have self control regarding the addiction on watching cartoons. Time must be balanced especially when it comes to studies. Discipline must be implemented for them to not gain negative effects from watching cartoons and anime.


RECOMMENDATIONS

          After drawing the conclusion of the study, the researchers hereby make the following suggestions/recommendations:
1.                 In watching cartoons or anime, we must be observant enough to notice things that are not necessary for children to watch. Parents should know what their children must watch and must not watch. Avoid children from impersonating cartoon/anime characters because sometimes it might lead to a bad experience or situation.
2.                 Students who are mostly fond of watching cartoons or anime should design a research on things that might help children to cope up with the negative experiences they had from watching cartoons and anime, especially the psychology students because behavior is the most affected part for children who watch them.


References:

  1. Electronic Media

Colpobear. “Japanese Anime vs. American Cartoons - A Comparison” Hubpages.  13 June 2013. Web 20 January 2013.

Yegulalp, Segular. “Anime v. Cartoons” About.com. Web. 20 January 2013. <http://anime.about.com/od/beforeyoubuy/tp/animevcartoons.htm>

“Effects of cartoon on children” Retrieved February 3, 2013 from http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/tcom/faculty/ha/tcom103fall2004/gp9/

Pahel, Andrew. “The effect cartoon violence has on children” Helium. 28 July 2011. Web. 24 February 2013. <http://www.helium.com/items/1353272-the-effect-cartoon-violence-has-on-children>

Bibi, Alia. Zehra, Rosha. “Effects of cartoons on children’s psychology & behaviour patterns” The News. 25 August 2012. Web. 24 February 2013. <http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-6-128111-Effects-of-cartoons-on-children%E2%80%99s-psychology-&-behaviour-patterns>

Samal, Naresh. “Effects Of Cartoons On The Daily Life Of Children” EnzineWeb. 9 August 2011. Web. 24 February 2013. <http://children.ezinemark.com/effects-of-cartoons-on-the-daily-life-of-children-7d2fd971c5ce.html>

Sunday 24 March 2013

10. Positive effects of cartoons on children

What other aspects affect a child when it comes to cartoons? There are also positive effects of cartoons to children. Most of them might be negative but we also have to consider that there are some help that a cartoon can give to a child. What are those things?

While searching for more articles about the effects of cartoons on children, I found this article entitled Effects Of Cartoons On The Daily Life Of Children written by Naresh Samal. Naresh sited some of the positive effects of cartoons on children. According to him, violence is really implemented on cartoons but not all cartoons are like that. There are cartoons which gives knowledge to children. Since most of a child's parent is busy at work, the tendency is a child to watch cartoons all day. Some cartoons helps a toddler or a child to be familiar of the words together with its meaning. Children's imagination can be improved by watching cartoons.


One of the famous cartoons is Dora The Explorer. This is an example of an educational cartoon. Dora teaches children how to count, different kinds of animals, courtesy, and sometime she gives Spanish words and its meaning. It is true that there are cartoons that give positive effects on children. My niece likes Dora so much and I think it's good that she watches a cartoon like this. She learned how to count and also different kinds of colors. It is great when a child is having fun while learning. 

Naresh Samal stated "When we are born we have the capacity for motivation, experience, and training, and because of this our minds are very impressionable." Yes we are born with those abilities. Our minds can think widely with the help of our imagination. Motivation and experience are considered to be a key to success. Our minds are considered as very impressionable because we can think of something without letting someone know it. We are capable of doing things that we want or what we need.

I know that parents do not want their children to be at the bad side. What do they need to do is just guide their children in everything they do. Just like when their child is watching cartoons. They must allow their child to watch cartoons but not the violent ones but the educational cartoons just like Dora The Explorer. Children with wide imagination are the ones who are more creative than the others who don't watch educational cartoons.

9. Negative behaviors that a child experiences with the addiction on cartoons

How can you say that an individual is influenced by something? Basically, it is based on a person's behavior. We must be observant enough to notice if something has changed with someone whether it is an attitude or a physical movement. What are examples that happened to kids because of the effects they got from watching cartoons?

An article about the different kinds of things that happened to kids was entitled Effects of cartoons on children’s psychology & behaviour patterns written by Alia Bibi & Roshan Zehra. They mentioned things about what a child can do with violence the learned from watching cartoons. Since kids now a days tend to stay at home and watch cartoons, a parent or a family member can easily notice when a child changes. Some might not be physically changed but psychologically they are influenced by the things they watch. One thing that the authors mentioned in this article is how the 'Winx Club' cartoon influenced a child. Every time they go to malls, the child always want to be in a wardrobe which she sees in Winx Club and she even wants to shop just like the characters in Winx Club. Also one thing mentioned in this article is about a child who plays pranks on his brother and it is not good. A teacher once said that students from her class are always picking fights in the class. Those examples prove that cartoons are not good entertainment for kids. 

Most of the things I've read from the article are negative effects on children. I even didn't realize that Winx Club can also be a negative effect on children who watch it. It is true that kids must be guided by their parents whenever they watch cartoons. There are things that a child must not watch especially when it is violence. Parents might say that the kids didn't intend to do something bad or it is not their intention to hurt someone. But because of cartoons, they do things that are not appropriate. I pity those kids who continue to hurt people with their violence. I think that they are not guided well by their parents. Parents should know what can be a positive or negative effect on their child. 

"Give your children time to watch cartoons as it is the most common source for education, expose them with programs which are appropriate as per parental guidance." said by a psychology student, Amna Ejaz. Cartoons may be a source for education but is it essential? Especially when a child is exposed to violence? What do you think a parent must do for his child? Kids can watch cartoons but not too often. Discipline must be implemented.

Because of this article, I am more aware of what a child can do with violence. They may seem that they're good but you won't know if they have plans like killing someone or do something inappropriate.  Parents need to keep an eye with their child's activities especially in school. It is not normal for a kid to fight with someone or even play with swords, guns, and knives. Children must be careful in every thing they do. 

8. Violence is really influential

Cartoons and Anime can be an entertainment to kids but they don't notice that there are different effects behind it. There might be positive effects but most of it is negative effects. What examples can be used to represent those effects? Let me show you some of the cartoons that are influential to children.

 Here is an article where different cartoons with violence are shown. The article is entitled The effect cartoon violence has on children written by Andrew Pahel in the website helium.com. The article says that one of the most influential cartoons when it comes to violence is the Looney Tunes and the Tom and Jerry show. Wile E. Coyote was known as the predator of the famous Road Runner of Cartoon network. In the cartoon Tom and Jerry, Tom (the cat) is known as the predator of Jerry (the mouse). Both of them are showing violence to the ones who watch them. Batman and Superman were also mentioned in this article. Blood were exposed during their fight. Another thing which was discussed in this article is the Anime. The anime entitled Dragonball Z was mentioned because of its violence. Different characters tend to fight and show blood during the fight. Even their bodies were cut into pieces. Yu-Gi-Oh is also an anime which is mentioned in this article. That anime is all about duel monsters which fight with each other and it became popular because cards were made to be played by kids. People say that cartoons are mainly made for children but according to psychologists, cartoons are not advisable for children and are more advisable for adults to watch. That's why we can't blame parents with their child's behavior because one of the main reasons why they become violent is watching different cartoons and anime that shows violence.

What were said in the article are truths. Cartoons are really harmful for kids especially the cartoons mentioned in the article. Even the little things like kids playing swords is an effect from the cartoons that they watch. When I was a child, I love watching Tom and Jerry and Looney Tunes without knowing that it influences me as a child. All I know is that Tom is the bad guy and Jerry is a smart mouse that always escapes from Tom who wants to kill him. Honestly, I'm quite amazed by the way on how Jerry defeats Tom at all times. While Looney Tunes is composed of different cartoon characters. One of the main characters is Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner. They are both violent. They use bombs, guns, and sometimes physical violence such as using knives and blades. Dragonball Z is one of the most addictive anime when I was a child. I'm watching it daily. I'm a fan of Goku who saves the civilians or people from the bad guys. He fights with might and glory which captured my attention. He is known as the hero of the anime. But unfortunately, I am amazed again with the way on how he fights without knowing that it is pure violence. He also uses magic which kills his opponent. Things seen in cartoons and anime can be considered realistic. That what makes a child addicted to it and do things that they learned from those violent shows.

"Kids learn quicker and take in more when their young" said by Andrew Pahel. It is true that kids learn quicker than the old ones. They have a fast memory that let them memorize or remember things quickly. In short, things can influence kids more than the old ones or teenagers. Cartoons that shows violence which are considered as entertainment by kids because they didn't know that it influences them in a bad way.

Cartoons and Anime are one of the reasons why kids tend to stay at home rather than being outside and playing with other kids. All the things that kids watch are not good. They may be entertained by the things that they see but not all of them are good things. It's not good to see someone kill. These things are the ones who stand as model to children that are why they tend to do things that the characters do. For me, watching cartoons and anime must be controlled by parents. Children must be disciplined for their own good.

Sunday 24 February 2013

3. How can cartoons affect children who watch it?

How does anime and cartoons affect the children who watch them? Do you think there is a big effect on children's mental and physical self. Anime and cartoons may be harmful to children but how can you say that it is really harmful? Is it advisable for children to continue watching them?

I found an article within a research paper entitled Mental and Psychological Effects of Children’s Cartoons written by Stevie Hossler. The article talks about the effects of cartoons and anime into children who watch them. It is stated that the averaged hours of a child from the time he begins to attend school is 13,000 hours. While the averaged time of a child watching cartoons are 18,000 hours. It is the same from the time the school started until the graduation. It also affects the children psychologically when it comes to violence. Since they're exposed to cartoons with such violence, the result is they're not afraid anymore of experiencing violence. There are also subliminal messages that children sees and it is not necessary for them to see it. It is said that cartoons is unhealthful for children because it is being interactive with any environment which enhances brain to its successful development. U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher stated that children become aggressive and harmful because of the violence that the cartoons have with it.

I agree to the content of the article that Stevie Hossler wrote. It is really unhealthful for children to watch cartoons. Why did I say so? Based on my experience, I have one niece and she is fond of watching cartoons since she was 1 year old. As of now she's already 5 years old but still fond of watching cartoons. All I can say is, she's addicted to it. Sometimes I tend to watch with her whenever she's watching and I can see that there are violence in the cartoons that she watches. Then later on, she'll punch or slap someone for no reason. Her mom will ask her "Why did you do that?! Where did you learn that?!" Then she'll just keep quiet and ignore what her mom is saying. She's so addicted that she eats her meal in front of the television. She also sleeps late because of watching cartoons. By simply reading the article, I remembered my niece and that's what makes me believe what Stevie has wrote.

"More aggressive behavior in a young child's life is caused by frequently watched entertainment that incorporates violence in it." stated by U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher. This statement is believable because observations of parents are also like that. Children who suddenly become violent can be an effect from watching a cartoon.

Watching cartoons can lead children to negative things such as violence. Parents must guide their children whenever they watch cartoons because there are things that are prohibited for children. For me, I think it is not advisable for children to watch cartoons because I noticed that there are more negative things than positive things a child can get from those cartoons.

Sunday 3 February 2013

2. Anime and Cartoons differences

Have you ever wondered what anime and cartoons differentiate? Since I was a kid, I always think about that. Why other people prefer to watch anime? Why other people prefer to watch cartoons? Do they really have a lot of differences? Which of the two is more interesting for the viewers and why? Maybe there are some deep reasons on why they prefer to watch which they like to.


While finding differences of anime and cartoons, I end up with this article entitled Anime vs. Cartoons written by Serdar Yegulalp in the site About.com. The author based the differences from its Japanese tropes, Storyline, Storytelling, Art Styles, and Controversial subject matter. Based on what I understand, the article focuses on comparisons between anime and cartoons which is the author is merely more interested in anime than cartoons. The things that are said in the article is quite factual. The Japanese tropes are expressed in an anime which it includes some of the Japanese cultures occurring in Japan. As said in the article, storylines of cartoons are self-contained which means it doesn't last long while in anime it prolongs for unending seasons or series just like Naruto, One Piece, and Fairy tale. When it comes to storytelling, anime came up with the scenes from movies or TV shows which makes it interesting and enjoyable. It is highly detailed and it contains more sense than cartoons.Regarding the art styles of anime, they really do have big eyes and small mouth. With that kind of features, it makes the character cuter than cartoons because cartoons often look weird just like Phineas from the Cartoon entitled Phineas and Ferb. And last but not the least, the controversial subject matter. It discusses about the things occurring in a certain scene in an anime or  a cartoon. Most of the anime contains violence and sexuality which is not shown in cartoons. It's one of the reasons why cartoons can be boring sometimes.




I believe that people prefer watching anime than cartoons. Especially when I read that article, it gave me reasons to love anime more. Another thing about anime is it contains several kinds of genres. That's why they have a wide storyline compared to cartoons. Someday I'd like to create my own designed anime character. Their features are close to human features and that's what makes them catchy and cool. 


"Good ideas are common - what's uncommon are people who'll work hard enough to bring them about" said by the famous cartoonist named Ashleigh Brilliant. There are lots of people who can think of good ideas but only a few would hardly make a way to make it more creative. Those persons must be a good sample for the people now a days. 


If Anime is more mainstream than cartoons, what is the other side of cartoons that would make them more interesting than anime? I learned different reasons on how anime and cartoons differentiate. It can be really identical when it comes to comparison of the two. As an Otaku;anime lover, I can say that anime is greatly appreciated by the viewers because it's more hard to do than cartoons.