Christensen

Connections

   I must admit I spent the majority of my childhood watching cartoons and playing video games. I must say though things have changed over the years. When I was younger I can recall watching all different kinds of shows. SpongeBob, Ben Ten, iCarly, Zoey 101, Sweet life of Zach and Cody and the list goes on. I am willing to bet the majority of the people in my class grew up watching these same shows. I gained a lot of enjoyment in my younger years and I never noticed all of the messages that were sent across throughout the various episodes. I have never considered myself to be effected in any way by watching these shows other than gaining enjoyment and burning time. Maybe I have been changed who knows. The only cartoon you could catch me watching now would be South Park. South Park is a very interesting cartoon because it is meant for adults. The show tackles all types of stereotypes on purpose for entertainment. The creators of South Park talk about all of the things that people do not want to talk about. The reason South Park in particular is so interesting is not only because of the controversies brought fourth in every episode but because it is told from the perspective of kids in elementary school. I saw an episode the other day where there were "aliens" coming from the future and started taking jobs from the people of South Park and working for much less money. This could not be any more clear that they a hinting towards illegal immigration and then white people getting pissed that they are taking jobs and working for less. Christensen talks a lot about cartoons bringing ideas to kids that they do not even realize they are being influenced by. South Park is the complete opposite. The show is about kids talking about extremely touchy topics very clearly meant for a more mature audience. All of this is great and all but what is the actual purpose? I believe that all of these issues that are brought up and important to discuss. People should be willing to share their opinion and there shouldn't be so much backlash. The problem today is that you cannot say, talk, or think anything without offending somebody. Cartoons can be a very innocent way of getting messages across and who is a better audience than a bunch of developing kids who like to act the way that they are exposed to?