What do you do when your parents or your elders treat anime like it's just some childish cartoon?

Question

Personally my parents have long since turned around and realized that anime is completely different from normal cartoons. But the same doesn't seem to be true for other anime fans out there. Their parents think that anime is just for kids and that they should do something that's more to their age.

Answer 1

Luckily, I don't have to argue about that thing anymore. In the begining it was really bad; my parents were always mad, because of the high costs of artbooks, mangas and whatever else (it was payed with MY money...), and also thought it would be sick and childish to watch animes.

Now they accept it and don't say anything anymore, they know I won't listen;p

If someone tells that this hobby is to expensive and costs to much, you could say: "Do you rather want me to buy drugs, alcohol or cigarettes, from my money, like "normal" people at my age do?"

Answer 2

I've come across this, too. I usually make it a point to say, as someone mentioned before, that not all anime in Japan is targeted to children the way most animation in America is. I also make it a point, however, to say that there IS some anime that is basically just what an American would consider typical Saturday morning cartoon. Just like in America, you also have shows like "The Simpsons" or "Futurama" that are targeted towards an older audience. Or you could even mention "South Park," which is definitely not intended for a child audience.

I also like to say that a person shouldn't make a judgment about it unless they've seen it for themselves. I point out the reasons that I like the show, which usually have to do with interesting moral conflicts, or interesting plots, complex, well-developed characters, etc., which are the same reasons I would have for liking a live-action tv show. If you have someone who is willing to watch a little, then you might pick a good show that's for an older audience and show them so that they can see the differences. I showed my mother part of "Monster," which is a fantastic anime and certainly not for younger audiences, and she admitted after watching some that she could see what I meant and wanted to see more.

Another sort of negative reaction to anime I've seen, however, is the assumption that anime SHOULD be for children. For instance, watching "Princess Mononoke," there are scenes where characters lose limbs or are beheaded. While it carries a PG-13 rating, I've seen people who have never seen anime be shocked that a "cartoon" shows things like that, with the given, typical American assumption that all cartoons are meant for children. I think it's important to explain the difference for this type of reaction as well.

I believe as anime becomes more mainstream, there will be a better understanding that not all of it is for children.

Answer 3

The best way I've been able to think of to explain it is to say that anime (and manga) are just like American shows/movies and books - different titles are intended for different audiences.

The problem is that, in America, anything animated came to be considered solely for children. There are some more widely known anime titles like Princess Mononoke that have awakened (or shocked) some people to the knowledge that not all Japanese animation is intended for children, as another person mentioned, but there are still many people that see anything animated as being for children.

The best way to try to convince others that not all anime is intended for children (and, at the same time, NOT necessarily porn) is to get them to sit down and watch some with you. Cowboy Bebop is a good title to start with, since its mostly episodic nature means you can jump in at any episode you might feel is best for whoever you'd like to watch it with. The excellent English dub also means that you can bypass any complaints about having to read subtitles.

Failing the time to actually sit down and watch something with this person, there's always calm, reasoned talking. It's always impressive if people can tell you've done a little research on the topic, know what you're talking about, and don't have to resort to yelling to make your point. A lot of people have found my love of anime and manga a bit odd, thinking of it only as "kids' stuff" or "synonymous with porn", so I've done a bit of reading over the years on Japanese culture and the reasons why anime and manga have been viewed the way they are in America. That way, I can pull out my arguments when I need to. :)

Answer 4

It's certainly very vexing to have to answer such a question, but I try my best to not blow up on people. Usually a "Look, you've got the facts all wrong. Animation in Japan is not targeted for just kids, it's for the general public. It's almost similar enough as a sitcom on American television. Anime deals with some very serious issues and is not in fact a kid's show nor porn. It's an art form."
I find that it's best to attempt to clear up such a far-fetched idea on what anime truly is, I don't want such false rumors to be continued!

Answer 5

Many adults couldn't really distinguish between an anime and a cartoon.

Whatever shows that are drawn by human/not act by humans, they'll just classify them as cartoons.

I've heard many comments from adults on me being so childish for watching so much "cartoons"

But that doesn't bother me much, at least i happy to feel that i still have a childish side in me.

Answer 6

I just stick to what I believe is what I want to believe. I'm 17 years old but I like manga and anime and I like a kids show which is meant to be for 8-10 year old boys. I'm from a fan base where the fans are mostly teenage and adult girls but there are exceptions.

I'm not giving up on it just because someone says it's too childish. Screw them!

Answer 7

It's really annoying, actually. No matter how many times you explain it to some people, they just don't get that anime is different from normal cartoons.

Answer 8

Interesting.. Well you're not the only one in that situation. The time when my parents bugged me about that I answered, "Well I'm enjoying myself watching anime and believe me you're missing half of your life if you don't watch it." And I narrated what was going on in that anime show then they also watched it with me.

It really depends on them on how will they handle it. Either way the end is that you're having fun and noone's stopping you because thats what you want in the first place.

Answer 9

its because in the earlier days, cartoons is regarded as something for kids only..something that you grow out of when you mature.

anime is not like that, right? the story lines are definitely not for kids!

Answer 10

Ah the family to anime complex. Mine is still going on, but the problem is manga. What did I do. I explained it to them, showed them why it is different. For those who are still living with your parents my condolences.