CHAPTER 1 - Introduction
A. Background of the Study
Now a days children are more into technology, that's why children have become more interested in cartoons as time goes by. instead of going out and play, children prefer to say in their room and watch television. In general, children start watching cartoons at the age of six months, and by the age of two - three, children become interested viewers. And that is one of the common reasons why cartoons/children shows are so popular today.
Most people think that some children shows/cartoons are good. C.J Choma wrote an article entitled, "Effects of Cartoons on Children". It stated here that cartoons has something , that makes the viewers want it more. It is both colorful and fun. It also stated in the article that the creators of cartoons are putting subliminal messages in the show. Subliminal messages are hidden messages that enters to ones mind without the viewer noticing.
In summary, the creator the such shows have one goal, and that is to let the children enjoy television, more than that let them enjoy the magic of cartoon shows. It is also said in the article by C.J Choma, that, cartoons have this thing called "subliminal messages". These things doesn't necessarily harm kids but they do send a hidden messages to the adults.
C.J Choma said that, "The marketing is targeted toward the children to cause them to want to view the cartoons on a regular basis, but the subliminal messaging is for the adults’ to target them into enjoying the "cartoons"." (http://www2.bgsu.edu/departments/tcom/faculty/ha/tcom103fall2004/gp9/)
In this quote by C.J Choma, he clearly stated what the people in the market really aims for, and that is to have more viewers, even if it is in the means of slightly brain washing the viewers. Forcing them little by little into liking something. By implementing subliminal messages in the said "cartoons", children now can freely watch cartoons because adults now are more into cartoons.
Another reason why cartoons today is so popular, it is because of the main fact that cartoons has expanded its popularity. Cartoons has acquired both kids and adults as its audience. When cartoons/Children shows came out, obviously its audience are only for children, but as time goes by, these cartoons has made it self pleasing to adults eyes. Now, both children and adults loves watching cartoons.
Emily Geminiano wrote an article entitled, "Why Kids and Adults Love to Watch Cartoons". It stated that there are other kids of genre, such as anime. Now, anime has got a lot more viewers as it grows. Adults and Children are now obsessed with the same thing. The researcher has found why both children and adults love the same thing. For one Cartoons is colorful and more lively that normal television shows, and for other reasons like the story line, graphics, visual effects, and many more.
In summary, in the past years cartoons has expanded its so called "kind" and evolved into different types. As it grows, it begun to pull different viewers in different ages. In other words, As Cartoons grows, so as its viewers. The researcher believes that this is one of the reasons why Cartoons now a days are popular among adults and children.
Emily Geminiano said that, "But these days the young ones are not only the big fan of cartoons since there are many grownups now that are fond of them as well. The so-called young at heart abound and in fact my colleagues and dean in the school I work for are fond of these as well specially the Naruto." (http://emilgen2011.hubpages.com/hub/Why-Kids-and-Adults-Love-to-Watch-Cartoons)
In this quote by Emily Geminiano, she is clearly focused on how adults such as herself came to be a fan of cartoons along with the children. It is said here that some cartoons makes a adult feel young at heart.
Kids this generation follow what they see everywhere especially on television. Having cartoon characters as role models has become one of the most popular thing that is going on to the children of today's generation. Cartoons has greater influence to its viewers than anyone. It influences the children in what they wear, how they talk, and even in what they eat.
Fareesa (from the site www.gogomonongo.com) wrote an article entitled, "Cartoon Characters: Higher Authority Than Parents?" and it stated that, some of these lovable characters are highly to be followed that out parents. Why? because of the simple reason: Parents aren't home all the time.
Well, this isn't a bad thing. This has just made the influence on the games toys they buy, clothing they wear, kids play, and even their bed sheets. leaving the parents with little influence, while there popular characters have huge amount of influence to children.
Fareesa said that, "Cartoon characters debuted on food items as early as the 90’s with green Ninja Turtle Pudding Pies." (http://www.gogomongo.com/2011/10/02/cartoon-characters-higher-authority-than-parents/)
It is obvious in Fareesa's quote that they still have influence even in the food of the children. It shows how popular cartoons can be.
Even though cartoons are popular these days, the researcher observes that cartoons are actually bad for kids. The researcher has found out that the hidden side some of children shows are dangerous.
The information in this paper will help the reader determine how cartoons affect kids. In addition, it will help the reader decide whether to let their own children watch cartoons or not. Having simple knowledge about children shows/cartoons isn't enough.
The purpose of this paper is to explain why cartoons could be bad for kids.
Most people think that some children shows/cartoons are good. C.J Choma wrote an article entitled, "Effects of Cartoons on Children". It stated here that cartoons has something , that makes the viewers want it more. It is both colorful and fun. It also stated in the article that the creators of cartoons are putting subliminal messages in the show. Subliminal messages are hidden messages that enters to ones mind without the viewer noticing.
In summary, the creator the such shows have one goal, and that is to let the children enjoy television, more than that let them enjoy the magic of cartoon shows. It is also said in the article by C.J Choma, that, cartoons have this thing called "subliminal messages". These things doesn't necessarily harm kids but they do send a hidden messages to the adults.
C.J Choma said that, "The marketing is targeted toward the children to cause them to want to view the cartoons on a regular basis, but the subliminal messaging is for the adults’ to target them into enjoying the "cartoons"." (http://www2.bgsu.edu/departments/tcom/faculty/ha/tcom103fall2004/gp9/)
In this quote by C.J Choma, he clearly stated what the people in the market really aims for, and that is to have more viewers, even if it is in the means of slightly brain washing the viewers. Forcing them little by little into liking something. By implementing subliminal messages in the said "cartoons", children now can freely watch cartoons because adults now are more into cartoons.
Another reason why cartoons today is so popular, it is because of the main fact that cartoons has expanded its popularity. Cartoons has acquired both kids and adults as its audience. When cartoons/Children shows came out, obviously its audience are only for children, but as time goes by, these cartoons has made it self pleasing to adults eyes. Now, both children and adults loves watching cartoons.
Emily Geminiano wrote an article entitled, "Why Kids and Adults Love to Watch Cartoons". It stated that there are other kids of genre, such as anime. Now, anime has got a lot more viewers as it grows. Adults and Children are now obsessed with the same thing. The researcher has found why both children and adults love the same thing. For one Cartoons is colorful and more lively that normal television shows, and for other reasons like the story line, graphics, visual effects, and many more.
In summary, in the past years cartoons has expanded its so called "kind" and evolved into different types. As it grows, it begun to pull different viewers in different ages. In other words, As Cartoons grows, so as its viewers. The researcher believes that this is one of the reasons why Cartoons now a days are popular among adults and children.
Emily Geminiano said that, "But these days the young ones are not only the big fan of cartoons since there are many grownups now that are fond of them as well. The so-called young at heart abound and in fact my colleagues and dean in the school I work for are fond of these as well specially the Naruto." (http://emilgen2011.hubpages.com/hub/Why-Kids-and-Adults-Love-to-Watch-Cartoons)
In this quote by Emily Geminiano, she is clearly focused on how adults such as herself came to be a fan of cartoons along with the children. It is said here that some cartoons makes a adult feel young at heart.
Kids this generation follow what they see everywhere especially on television. Having cartoon characters as role models has become one of the most popular thing that is going on to the children of today's generation. Cartoons has greater influence to its viewers than anyone. It influences the children in what they wear, how they talk, and even in what they eat.
Fareesa (from the site www.gogomonongo.com) wrote an article entitled, "Cartoon Characters: Higher Authority Than Parents?" and it stated that, some of these lovable characters are highly to be followed that out parents. Why? because of the simple reason: Parents aren't home all the time.
Well, this isn't a bad thing. This has just made the influence on the games toys they buy, clothing they wear, kids play, and even their bed sheets. leaving the parents with little influence, while there popular characters have huge amount of influence to children.
It is obvious in Fareesa's quote that they still have influence even in the food of the children. It shows how popular cartoons can be.
Even though cartoons are popular these days, the researcher observes that cartoons are actually bad for kids. The researcher has found out that the hidden side some of children shows are dangerous.
The information in this paper will help the reader determine how cartoons affect kids. In addition, it will help the reader decide whether to let their own children watch cartoons or not. Having simple knowledge about children shows/cartoons isn't enough.
The purpose of this paper is to explain why cartoons could be bad for kids.
B. Statement of the Problem
This study aims to answer this question:
1. In what ways could cartoons be bad for kids?
C. Significance of the Study
Parents - This research paper would help parents on how to distinguish good show from bad shows for their children. To help them know what are the appropriate TV shows they could let their children watch and to educate them to be aware of some children show/cartoon subliminal messages.
Future Film Makers - Knowledge of this study would help future film makers on their decision making. To inform them that there are other film makers out there, that goals are to consume children's mind with negativity. It is believed that now a days, children shows/ cartoons are more likely to be violent and stupid, this paper is to set a standard for our future film makers to create something with better content.
Future Researchers - This study is not a common one, but it aims to help future researcher to gain knowledge upon the topic that is similar to this one. With the information given within this paper, future researchers can have clues and better insights according to the matter given.
D. Scope and Delimitation
Having simple knowledge about Children shows/Cartoons isn't enough. The focus of this study is to explain the hidden side of most Children shows/Cartoons.
Because of time constraints, this study will no longer discuss about other genres of cartoons. This study will also not discuss the different perspective of Children Shows/Cartoons, such as science, history, myth, psychology. Instead, this study will focus more on the subliminal messages of most children shows, and how it affects the viewers.
E. Materials and Methods
The researcher will follow a method of looking deeper within the children shows/cartoon and somehow discuss the content of its shows. The materials that the researcher will use is this study are different kinds of article related to the topic, book, and other reading materials that can help or can make the study more understandable and more appropriate for the audience.
By focusing on the following information and summarizing them into small bits. the researcher can present clearly the attitude of children shows/cartoons and their hidden side, both positive and negative.
F. Definition of Terms
1. Cartoons or Animated Cartoons. A motion picture consisting of a sequence of drawings, each so slightly different that when filmed and run through a projector the figures seem to move.
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/animated%20cartoon)
2. Subliminal Messages. Secret message or hidden message in a scene. affecting someones mind without them being aware of it.
3. Traits. A distinguishing characteristic or quality, especially of one's personal nature: bad traits of character.
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/traits?s=t)
E. Materials and Methods
The researcher will follow a method of looking deeper within the children shows/cartoon and somehow discuss the content of its shows. The materials that the researcher will use is this study are different kinds of article related to the topic, book, and other reading materials that can help or can make the study more understandable and more appropriate for the audience.
By focusing on the following information and summarizing them into small bits. the researcher can present clearly the attitude of children shows/cartoons and their hidden side, both positive and negative.
F. Definition of Terms
1. Cartoons or Animated Cartoons. A motion picture consisting of a sequence of drawings, each so slightly different that when filmed and run through a projector the figures seem to move.
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/animated%20cartoon)
2. Subliminal Messages. Secret message or hidden message in a scene. affecting someones mind without them being aware of it.
3. Traits. A distinguishing characteristic or quality, especially of one's personal nature: bad traits of character.
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/traits?s=t)
CHAPTER 2 - Discussion
In what ways could cartoons be bad for kids?
I.Definition of Cartoons.
"Cartoons" it is a motion picture that is focused on animation, mostly inspired by comics and books. According to the urban dictionary, Cartoons is an animated television show. It does not feature real actors, except when using voices. Well, as time passed, the definition and the content of cartoons has changed. It has created a huge gap between children and adults. Nowadays children are more vulnerable to cartoons.
Cartoons, as the researcher have understood are just simple television shows that allows a specific audience enjoy, for instance, children. Today, cartoons has spread throughout the world, and different type of cartoons have emerged.
The researcher has discovered that discussing all of the type of cartoons is useless. the only type of Cartoon that will be disused is Cartoon Animation.
Cartoon Animation or Animation as defined in the Oxford Dictionaries is, "The technique of photographing successive drawings or positions of puppets or models to create an illusion of movement when the movie is shown as a sequence"
Animation is also defined by the Merriam-Websters dictionary as, "a way of making a movie by using a series of drawings, computer graphics, or photographs of objects (such as puppets or models) that are slightly different from one another and that when viewed quickly one after another create the appearance of movement"
Even though there are a lot of definition presented, be aware that this gives a better view of what is happening now. The researcher also concludes that variations that are given will help the readers to understand this paper more.
II. Negative Effects of Cartoon (Animations)
A. Cartoons makes children more aggressive and violent
Statistically speaking those kids who watch cartoons has bad attitude than those kids who doesn't. it also depends on what TV show the child is watching. i.e is children are watching shows like Power Ranger, or Ninja Turtle, or even Scooby-Doo there is a more chance that children will follow what they see in the television.
Laura Clark wrote an article entitled, "Cartoon violence 'makes children more aggressive'". It stated that, children are more likely to be violent and aggressive, because of what they see in the television, and the said viewers (children) would copy fantasy characters as much as they would with actual people.
With that being said, children are more prone to have a bad attitude (violent and aggressive) when exposed to violent cartoon shows. Especially the ones that are brutal and immoral.
Laura Clark said that, "Cartoons aimed at children, such as Scooby Doo, contain more brutality than programmes meant for general audiences" (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1159766/Cartoon-violence-makes-children-aggressive.html).
The quote focuses on how cartoons contains brutality and how it affects its general audience.(the children)
B. More Beauty, Less Brain (Wrong Role Models)
Most cartoon characters are bad role model for kids. Yes, they can be the main character or the "good" guy of the whole story, but it does not mean that they have the right personality or characteristics of a good role model. As the researcher said earlier, kids follow what they see in the television and that is what makes them violent and aggressive. but, that only shows the boys side of things. but got the girls side of the story, we also have "wrong" role models.
Susie wrote an article entitled, "Are Disney princesses actually crappy role models?" and It stated that, that Disney princesses all share the same characteristic. They are weak, and dependent. It also said that, as kids watch this things they are unaware of the subliminal messages, or even the simple messages that are present in the movie or show.
Basically, what princesses do in the movie is look good in their pretty dresses and when troubles come, they just wait for a handsome looking prince and marries them and their problems will end. Those are not good role models for the main viewers (children).
Susie said that, "Boy-obsessed main lady characters who continually have to be saved by said boys. Princesses who are all thin, traditionally beautiful, wear dresses, and blah-de-blah-de-blah. Stories that seem to have, upon further reflection, horrible messages" (Ihttp://insatiablebooksluts.com/2013/10/21/are-disney-princesses-actually-crappy-role-models/).
The quote focuses on the characteristics of the "lady characters" also know as the princesses, that implements the revised phrase. "beauty but no brains"
C. Bad Heath (Brains and Eyes)
When cartoons first started, it created an impact towards the viewers, especially to the children. But why? The researcher has found out that children respond more to a colorful and more enjoyable shows. When shows like Pokemon started, it made children more interested in watching television, now they exert more time in front of the television and less time outside.
Robert Leu wrote an article entitled, "Television's Effect on the Brain and Eyes" and it stated that, watching too much television is really dangerous, so dangerous that it can cause death to a child or even an adult. Cartoons when it first came out made children love television more, to and extent that they would watch television at night time and even watch television close.
With that being said, not only the mentality or the morality of the viewers will be affected, but also the health of each child will be at risk. If not stopped more children will suffer seizures.
Robert Leu said that,"Sitting in a dark room or closer than five feet will not damage the eyes, but will result in eye fatigue."(http://www2.bgsu.edu/departments/tcom/faculty/ha/tcom103fall2004/gp9/).
In his statement, he clearly presented how the children or the viewers obtain the sickness both in the brain and the eyes.
III. Alternative for Cartoons
Other than watching cartoons, there are a lot of alternatives for such activities that parents could use. In this generation, the researcher has found out that media are now uprising, and what do we use for such activities? Gadgets, lots and lots of gadgets. This however is not always a negative trait. Yes, gadgets aren't bad, but with too much usage, it can ruin the child's childhood. These are examples for alternatives.
A. Reading Books
Reading books is not always loved by children, but they (children) can always benefit from this. The researcher as found out that, a child is more to be respectful and disciplined if influenced by books. It is really obvious that reading books to children or letting the children read books is better than letting them watch Cartoon, TV shows. But, also children do prefer watching T.V than reading books.
Dr. Felecia Nace wrote an article entitled, "Why Children Benefit From Reading a Variety of Books." It stated that, reading is a way for children connect their stock knowledge and the things that they are going to discover. That is what helps children understand what is going on around them. In short, reading is part a child's process of learning.
With that being said, children who read a lot are more imaginative and thoughtful than those who just watch cartoons shows. Of course, it also depends on what the child reads. In any case that maybe, benefits of children reading at an early age are better than those who don't.
Dr. Nace said, "If your child likes to read, they are off to a great start in life! When a child is interested in reading and enjoys certain types of books such as mysteries, humor or adventure stories, encourage your child’s natural interests in the genres they like as much as possible." (http://www.state.nj.us/education/parents/articles/life/books.htm)
It is clearly stated in her quote that a child with reading interests are off to a great start in life. Why? because, they can now have knowledge in the books that they will be reading .
B. Playing Outdoors
Because of all the media that this generation has to offer, children are more into staying inside their rooms, playing video games, watching cartoons or television shows, or just being socked in the internet. Now, What is wrong with all of this? Children should not be locked up in their rooms or let alone be in someplace alone. They should enjoy outdoor activities. The researcher has found out that children that does outdoor activities are more cooperative and enjoyable than those who lock themselves up in their rooms.
Kathleen Alfano Ph.D. wrote an article entitled, "The Benefits of Outdoor Play." In this article it states that, the magical outdoors can help a child in lots of ways. I.e in their heath, social life, mental health, etc. It also helps increases flexibility, self-confidence, and coordination.
In summary, kids that are more into outdoors are more positive than most children. Yes, they , they may still have negative traits but, they can react to problems more often because they are more flexible. Meaning, they can react to things in positive ways.
Dr. Alfano said that, "When children are pushed in a swing, or when they propel a swing themselves, they engage all of their muscles to hold on, balance and coordinate their body to the rhythm of moving back and forth. Swinging provides children with first-hand knowledge and experience of cause and effect and of understanding spatial learning, such as up and down and back and forth" (http://www.fisher-price.com/en_US/playtime/parenting/articlesandadvice/articledetail.html?article=tcm:169-20482).
In Dr. Alfano's quote, she clearly that in the simple game "swing". Children can develop a lot of things, such as: Muscles, balance, coordination, and rhythm. They can also, understand the principle of "push and pull".
CHAPTER 3
- Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations
SUMMARY
This paper aims to inform the readers about the true traits of cartoons, and in what ways cartoons can be bad.
This study about cartoons revealed the following:
1. Most people think that some children shows/cartoons are good.
2. Cartoons are popular now a days its because cartoons has created a lot of different variations that is applicable to all ages, not just kids.
3. Cartoons insert messages inside the show called "subliminal messages"
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions are drawn:
1. Cartoons cause negative effects to children
2. Cartoons has bad role models
3. Cartoons can cause health problems, especially in the ears, eyes, and brain.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are given to the following:
1. Parents should know by now the hidden traits of cartoons, and they are now aware of it . They now can help their children to do the following things.
2. Future Film Makers can now create things that are innocent and pleasing to both the children and adults hearts and eyes.
3. Future Researchers should use this study to help them in whatever way it can. Also future researcher can gather clues and hints from this paper that they can find similar to their topic.
REFERENCES
A. Electronic Media
Choma C.J (November 15, 2004) : "Effects of Cartoons on Children"
From http://www2.bgsu.edu/departments/tcom/faculty/ha/tcom103fall2004/gp9/
Clark Laura ( September 26, 2012) : "Cartoon violence 'makes children more aggressive"
From http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1159766/Cartoon-violence-makes-children-aggressive.html
Geminiano Emily (March 6, 2009) : "Why Kids and Adults Love to Watch Cartoons"
From http://emilgen2011.hubpages.com/hub/Why-Kids-and-Adults-Love-to-Watch-Cartoons
Nace Felecia : "Why Children Benefit From Reading a Variety of Books"
From http://www.state.nj.us/education/parents/articles/life/books.htm
