why do people think anime is for kids?

Question

..This is an irritating stereotype that needs to die. Why do people who have never watched an anime in there lives feel the need to bash anime as kiddie crap?

Answer 1

I think it is because they are used to "know" that all cartoons are for kids. It is drawn, so it must be for kids. People sadly don't like to change their opinions; they saw a few Disney films and some american kids stuff from the 80s and so they think that every thing is like that, no matter from where it comes, or what the topic is.

Answer 2

I think maybe its the big eyes, high voices, and the exaggerated features the charectors display when they scared, elated, or angry.

Most adults don't know the difference between anime and most other cartoons. What they don't realize is that cartoons were originally geared towards adults in the first place.

I look back on an old Flinstones cartoon, with Fred and Barney out in the back smoking tobacco, and making jokes about their wives, until Velma and Betty hears and yells at them. Most little kids wouln't understand the humor and message in that little cartoon. All they would see is that the cartoons are smoking and would think that that's okay.

Answer 3

Yes, I know! I find it frustrating as well. o.O
Whenever they think of anime, they often relate it to americanized cartoons, which lack substance, plot structure, character development, and overall maturity. Because of this, they close their minds to even watching anime, which, in a sense IS a cartoon, but a cartoon of a completely different genre - a genre that DOES have brilliant plot structure, dynamics, dialogue, maturity, impressive characters, and sometimes even a historical foundation, which is why it has the right to be labled as "anime" to distinguish itself from other animated forms of media.
But yes, I am just as irritated as you. But people tend to bash what they do not understand sometimes...which is kindof a sad thing.

Answer 4

I know how you feel. I think the reason is that in america usually only children's tv shows are drawn in animation and adult tv shows are all done by actors running around the stage. Lucky me, my parents understand that concept, even though they aren't really into the anime thing. I must join you an the stereotypes thing. There are way too many.

Answer 5

I don't know. I dislike this stereotype as well. I think that in some cultures kids watch animated cartoons and animation is not used as an art form outside of childhood programming. In other cultures anime is art and used for all sorts of programs for various ages.

Answer 6

I know what you mean!!! I think it's because those that don't watch anime usually hear kid anime shows from CW (or WB) and FOX like "Pokemon" & "Yu-Gi-Oh!" that people believe anime is only a kids thing. If they were to watch anime shows from Adult Swim or the Anime Network I bet they would soon to realize anime is not a kids thing because of its blood, violence, humor, and sexual activity they give on those anime shows!

By the way, ANIME RULES!!!

Answer 7

I don't. Anime Central has 15000 people coming this year and they are mostly not kids. Sure a lot are older teenagers like my daughter but many are in their 20s and 30s.

Answer 8

Maybe it's because the Pokemon and Yugioh thing did it. After all, they did have a childlish themes to the stories...most people think anime as all the same. I bame it on Yugioh.

Answer 9

Maybe because people thinks that anime is like those American cartoons and thinks that cartoons are for kids.

Just to let you know that I LOVE ANIME waaaaay better than American cartoons (duh) and I definitely dislike the stereotype as well.

Answer 10

Well, you better talk to the Japanese themself, they think animation as immature stuff.

The stereotype in a few decades ago is that, Japanese animation is for adults only.