Watchers Are Influenced by Animated Films

Children have been watching cartoons since the beginning. The cartoon characters are hilarious and have many adventures. They also learn along the way. The characters learn lessons from the viewers, and the viewer will, too, without realizing it. In Animating Revolt or Revolting Animation, Judith Halberstam argues that animated films are not suitable for young children. Animation is a way to instill lessons into our minds, especially for younger children.

Many films have shown kids that death is inevitable. You should never stop doing the things you love, even if your loved ones or family members die. The Land Before Time and The Lion King both speak about death. Simba’s father dies, but he recovers and becomes stronger. The Land Before Time illustrates that death can’t be avoided and it does happen. The Lion King teaches us that failure is inevitable if we want to achieve success. Simba lost his uncle and father before he was able to become the next lion-king. Although he would have been the next lion king anyway, it was thanks to his family’s sacrifice that he became the lion-king. Shrek is an example of how beauty doesn’t matter if you’re yourself. Fiona becomes a human again after Shrek gives her a kiss. She accepted her status as an ogre and knew who she was and who she loved. Quasimodo failed to win the girl’s affections in The Hunchback of Notre Dame due to his appearance. The man he saved was not handsome enough to win the girl’s affections. Both animated movies share the theme of beauty. But one movie is happier than another and teaches us that beauty doesn’t matter. Beauty and the Beast portrays Belle in an abusive relationship. He is eventually made to change but this is not how it works in real life. This teaches children and adults that they can change abusive relationships. Of course, this is unlikely to happen. It gives the false impression humans will change simply because someone loved them. They are not aware that this movie is incredibly harmful and toxic to others. Halberstam stated, “Fairy tales always occupied that ambiguous territory where childhood and adulthood, home & away, harm & safety” (286). People can be hurt in fairy tales. Belle in Beauty and the Beast is an example of this. It doesn’t appear like she is being abuse but is actually being harm. The movies may teach children inappropriate topics and messages. Adults can also be attracted to the films by sneaky jokes that they don’t understand. These animated films raise difficult topics that are not easily discussed in other places. (Halberstam 293). They are considered unimportant and are therefore included in animated films for children. They will struggle to understand the significance of the topics, so the children won’t question the content. The government won’t be challenged by the children. Animations aren’t just awful. Animations are also a great way to support children or adults through difficult times. The character in a cartoon or movie may be experiencing the same things as the viewer, which can give them hope for the future. The character’s actions can inspire others to take action and help them through difficult times. You may feel like you are losing a friend, parent, or loved one. However, knowing that there are solutions may help you get through it. As many lessons can be learned from Pokemon than it can teach you. It’s okay not to win, gender roles are not your control, face your fears, be brave, and give up for what you believe. It helps children understand that life can be difficult and scary, but there are many opportunities for them. It doesn’t mean you have to give up on your life. Instead, keep trying. Girl-labeled items are not for girls, and vice versa. It is acceptable to like monsters and dresses, regardless of gender. Pokemon illustrates this by characters. Robots can “imagine embodiment as an assemblage, and see some parts as optional, but all as interchangeable”(Halberstam 287). Gender roles can be shown in fluid ways. Animations and shows can be a bit too adult-oriented for children, but they don’t necessarily have to teach them. Animation can help children connect with their parents and teachers in ways that they may not be able to. Animations can be used to build character. Children may find it helpful to watch animations in order to improve their communication skills and social abilities.

These morals and lessons are ingrained in us as adults. Judith Halberstam’s Animating Revolt is wrong because it contains too many mature material. It helps to learn life skills and useful lessons that can be used later in life. While they might not be able to understand the concept at first, they will eventually realize that much of what they know is animated.