Bizarre Experiences and the Evolution of Saturday Morning Cartoons
Sharing your personal experiences can be a fascinating way to explore the past and how it compares to the present. In my case, the most bizarre experience watching cartoons on Saturday morning began when I was just ten years old. I vividly remember the day I discovered potato crisps in the kiosk at the Plaza cinema, but little did I know what unexpected twist fate had in store that day.
Discovering a New Snack
Back in those days, watching cartoons on Saturday morning was a cherished tradition. I remember walking from my grandmother’s house in the suburbs to the downtown Plaza cinema, where I would spend my two snacks on a combination of an ice cream and a drink—until I encountered potato crisps. These were just plain, unsalted, and only came with a separate sachet of salt. It was a simple yet delightful discovery during one of my Saturday matinee experiences.
A Bizarre Twist of Fate
The most bizarre moment occurred one Saturday when I arrived late. Unfortunately, the cartoons were already halfway through, leaving me desperately searching for an empty seat. I navigated carefully through the legs of the seated patrons, juggling both my drink and the crisps. Unfortunately, my efforts were futile as one misplaced cracker caused some commotion. I pushed a seat into a down position, and, too careless in my movements, I ended up in that seat as well. As I settled myself, I began to enjoy my crisps. However, as I bit into the next cracker, my taste buds were met with an unfamiliar sensation.
The Salt Sachet Disaster
As you can probably guess, I accidentally bit into the salt sachet! Terrified, I quickly glanced around to see if anyone was watching. Thankfully, everyone was engrossed in the cartoon, so I discreetly spit the salt into my hand, hoping no one had noticed my mix-up. It was a bizarre and embarrassing moment that has stayed with me to this day.
The Evolution of Cartoons: A Timely Reflection
Years later, as I look back on my childhood experience, I realize how sanitized cartoons have become. In particular, the way cartoons depict violence has drastically changed. Growing up in 1962, I watched classic films like Warner Bros Bugs Bunny. Daffy Duck being shot multiple times and his beak ending up in various positions on his head did not disturb me. I laughed naturally, having no frame of reference for the real-world consequences of such violence.
The Extremes of Cartoon Violence
Later, I watched GI Joe and Transformers. These shows did not portray any realistic consequences of weapon usage. Characters in the cartoon were never wounded, explosions never caused injury, and artificial intelligence beings were never shown in a violent context. The lack of realistic portrayal of violence in these shows provided a sanitized and unrealistic view of weapons and their effects.
Aducation and Realism
This sanitization of violence in cartoons is concerning. Presenting extreme swings in violence and its consequences can lead to misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations. As children grow older, exposing them to realistic portrayals of violence can help them understand the true nature of its impact. This can potentially help prevent real-life violent incidents, such as a certain elementary school teacher's unfortunate situation.
Conclusion: A Call for Balance
The balance between entertainment and realism is crucial. While it's understandable that children's shows should not depict overly graphic violence, it's equally important to not provide overly sanitized and unrealistic portrayals. Cartoons should serve as a medium that fosters a balanced understanding of the world, preparing children for the realities they will face as they grow older. By doing so, we can help reduce the perpetuation of violence and prepare children to cope with it in a healthier and more informed manner.