ARE CARTOONS FOR KIDS?

Roberto asked me to comment on the notion a friend of his has that cartoons are only for kids. The implication is that if you're an adult and still like animation then there must be something wrong with you. I want to be able to say that the very idea makes my blood boil but the truth is that I feel nothing but pity for the poor soul who said it.

It's as if he'd admitted to an impairment like having a club foot or an artificial limb. It's as if he confided that he doesn't see what others find appealing about fundamental things like art or music or comedy. You're filled with wonder that nature distributes its gifts so unevenly. You hear someone say a thing like that and you instantly want to find the poor invalid a comfortable chair and a bowl of soup.

For me animation is one of life's simple pleasures and its amazing that some people are so resistant to it. Some people don't like swimming or hiking or playing with a dog. Some people are absolutely mystified about why their friends like Shakespeare. All those beautiful thoughts about The Seven Ages of Man or going Once More Into the Breach leave them cold. I don't think you can argue someone into liking things like that. You just have to marvel at the incredible diversity that exists in the world.

Oh, and the other point about cartoons being for kids. Lots of cartoonists are going to disagree but...well, yes...they actually are for kids. What's wrong with that?

They're obviously for adults too...think of Fritz the Cat and Heavy Traffic... but unless someone acquired the taste when they were young, it's doubtful that they'd become enthusiasts later on. You had to have been exposed to exciting cartooning, in print or on film, when you were young and still had an imagination.

 For me the best audience for animation has always been kids. Kids are kinetic. They watch cartoons while jumping on the couch punching pillows. They guffaw when a gag is funny, they cry when the hero's in trouble...like the little girl in the video above. Contrast that with adults whos reactions are so understated that you'd need a microscope to find them. Why would an animator waste his time on an audience so rigid and insensitive?

For me the best black and white Betty Boops were great cartoons for kids, the garter  gags not withstanding. Ditto the best Clampett cartoons. Ditto Space Madness and Stimpy's Invention. Ditto Tex Avery and the best Goofy sports cartoons. Ditto the best parts of Three Caballeros. They're for kids and adults as the Good Lord intended.

'Nuff said.

BTW: I stole the video from Cartoon Brew.