Cartoons and Anime are for everyone, but some think they are only for children – why is this?
Recently, a notable user on Twitter made some incredibly discourteous comments regarding people who like these mediums. I’m not going to attack them; To fight this battle, one has to look at the content of the argument.
Essentially, the point being presented is that, if one has a passion for animation like cartoons and Anime, that they’re a “loser.” No logical or rational argument is presented, it’s simply an attack on those who find interest in those things. To small minds that can’t fathom attraction to things outside of their own, no information is needed. Thankfully, however, a majority of the normal population doesn’t agree with this. That said, to those that do listen to people like that – stop it. Negativity isn’t necessary, especially in the context of things we love!
It’s evident that children are into things with vibrant colors and easy to understand messages, but that doesn’t mean every cartoon or Anime follows this trend. If anything, Anime is a medium directed at an older audience, as it tackles darker, heavier themes not seen in your typical American cartoon. To understand where I’m coming from, here are a few examples.
Let’s look at director Hayao Miyazaki’s work; he is most famous for films like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, and both of these motion pictures have themes that successfully transcend the screen and can be applied to everyday life. Mononoke specifically tackles issues regarding the environment and its preservation. At a time when the debate surrounding climate change is at an all-time high, this film is perfect for watching for fantastical perspectives on what we are dealing with today. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying a movie like this, no matter what any pathetic figures on Twitter say.
Stepping away from Anime for a bit, let’s look at something like Superman: The Animated Series. Everyone wants to be Superman, literally everyone. If you don’t, you’re lying to yourself. This program from the 1990s is one of the greatest on-screen interpretations of the character audiences have ever seen. The Man of Steel is a role model for millions of people around the world, as he is, to some, the person they strive to be like. It’s impossible to be Kal-El, no one denies that. However, it’s completely possible to derive messages from the show and act upon them in your daily life: help others, do the right thing, and treat people how you’d like to be treated are some of the prominent messages that Superman tries to follow. If someone who’s battling a form of depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness finds hope within a show like this, why should someone else see the need to bring them down?
Ultimately, what we find pleasure in is on us. If you’re not harming others, no one’s opinion on your methods of relaxation should impact how you feel about yourself. If Anime and cartoons are your thing, keep enjoying them. There’s nothing wrong with anybody enjoying the mediums, and there never will be.
