Is animation for kids only?

Question

I have watched some Japanese anime lately, and am beginning to question the idea I was raised with--namely that animation carries childlike themes courtesy of Warner Brothers. Yet it seems like the American public and the media both think that animation is more for kids.

What do you think?

Answer 1

It seems more of the veiwer in America are kids though the way i understand it other countries have mostly adults. However there are still many adults. My 8th gread history teacher from last year had Stewie posters all over the place.

Answer 2

I am a fan of anime and definitely DON'T think that animation is for kids only.

I think the difference is just what you stated....the AMERICAN public and media believe that animation is more for kids. It is obvious that there are cultural differences between American cartoons and japanese animation.

In Japan, anime is not just for kids and certain series/themes are specifically geared toward adults (or even older teens). For example, the Ghost in the Shell franchise is an intelligent series that requires an adult mind set to understand and appreciate it. There is brief nudity and sexual situations, as well as violence in GITS but that is not the only reason a young child shouldn't watch it. I think it is safe to say that a 5-year old would not understand the ghost debate that is repeated throughout the movies and series.

Personally, I will always pick anime over any Warner Brothers animation that is put out there. I find more depth and intelligence in anime than a typical cartoon and enjoy that mental stimulation.

Answer 3

I think animation is for everyone, watching or creating (I try to do both). Hayao Mayazaki (I'm sure that's spelled wrong) has some AWESOME films that are likable for anyone (Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, etc...). My brother, who's 23, still thinks Wren and Stimpy, Pinkie and the Brain, Animaniacs, and Samurai Jack are awesome (those are all spelled wrong, probably) (Samurai Jack has the coolest animation ever!!!). And stuff like the Simpsons, American Dad, Family Guy, and all the stuff on Adult Swim are NOT for kids (though all of those shows SUCK, animation AND story/joke-wise (except for the Simpsons)). Animation is NOT just for kids.

Answer 4

As someone sorta in the film business, I think animation is a great medium. It allows you to control every single element of what you're shooting. So, as an art form, I don't think it should be considered only for kids. I think the Simpsons, in it's heyday, represents some of the greatest writing TV has ever seen. Have you checked out "The Venture Brothers?" It's one of the craziest, awsomest, funniest, darkest things on TV right now. It's on Adult Swim on The Cartoon Network -- an entire thing dedicated to the fact that cartoons ain't just for kids!

Answer 5

No, animation is NOT just for kids! Though some anime is aimed at small children, most is meant for teens and adults -- and even in America there are cartoons like the Simpsons, Family Guy, Futurama, American Dad, South Park, and the entire Adult Swim lineup (which you should check out sometime -- they've got damn funny stuff) that are meant for adults.

Answer 6

No, animation is for anybody and everybody, just like comics. Who cares what other people think, it shouldn't stop you from watching or doing whatever you like. I'm proud to be a female comic book fan, and if anyone has a problem with it, tough, I'm gonna keep reading 'em. I'm not afraid to read a comic book in public or wherever the heck I may be at. Consider yourself unique, if everyone was the same, this would be a pretty dull planet, don't you agree?

Answer 7

no adults can watch what kids watch but there are some that kids should not watch such as south park king of the hill family guy american dad etc. pretty much all adult swim tv shows adult swim is on cartoon network at nights well i hope that helped but sometimes adult swim is not even for adults sometimes i dont approve of adult swim there are only 3 tv shows that ive watched that i liked the simpsons south park and family guy but theyre still pretty bad for children under the age of 18 because they sometimes have strong language intense and brutal violance blood and gore and suggestive themes hope this helped

Answer 8

Anime has morphed into a descriptive term for Japanese animated films in the vein of disney, warner, and hanna-barbera. Anime really no longer exists under modern interpretations. Cartoon are cartoons are cartoons and really really bore me. Very childish and immature. Fitting for 13 year olds only.

Answer 9

ONly stupid americans view animation as for kids only. In Japan its for all age groups. The manga/comics as well.

These best is for all ages. Thankfully groups like Pixar and Brad Bird realize that you are shooting your self in the foot targeting just kids and so make films everyone will like. Incrediables is great example of this. As earlier poster said Adult Swim is breaking this barrier as well. Venture Brothers is definitley made for people in the 25 and up age range.

Answer 10

Animation is for everybody. For example shows like South Park and Family Guy were originally intended for adults because of the satire and the mature references. My parents still like to watch Looney Tunes. You can watch whatever you want. Besides I think it's kinda cool for an adult to watch cartoons. It shows that they're fun, not boring.