Would cartoons gain more viewers in general in the kid sterotype lowered/went away?

D

dezieroxs

New member
A few times on the forum, I've posted a poll asking if people in general avoid cartoons due to preference or peer pressure.

Most of us agree that viewers hesitate to view cartoons because of the whole "they're just for kids" sterotype and afraid of what their peers would say. And I'm refering of course to children targeted toons or ones that are written for mutliple age groups.

So for the sake of arguement, lets say that a survey was done to see if the majority of adults enjoy or distain cartoons. With the hypothetical result being that there is a sizable number of adults who enjoy cartoons.

If that was to be proven, who people in general be more open to watching cartoons as they would say Seinfield, Oprah, Law & Order, etc?

I'd say half and half. On the one hand, people could no longer use the arguement that it's not normal for adults to enjoy cartoons if the majority say otherwise. But you have some people who don't take well to change whether it's in events or opinion.

I believe that while cartoons wouldn't have a huge increase in viewers instantly, they would be more viewed than they are now.
 
I've never met anyone try to hide their love of Family Guy, South Park, or The Simpsons. Unless you meant watching children's cartoons, but I imagine that applies to children's shows in general.
 
But some do have an appeal to the older audience, and it's because of the sterotype that they are dismissed by some. Ones like:

- Ren & Stimpy
- Spongebob Squarepants
- Gargoyles
- Batman The Animated Series
- Superman
- Justice League/Justice League Unlimited
- Kim Possible



I mean cartoons in general. It's not really an accomplishment for the medium if an adult like the cartoon solely for their age group.
 
What do you mean, exactly? A lot of cartoons that feature kids are cartoons that are specifically targeted at that age group. Many of the networks have come to the conclusion, through "research" and focus groups, that kids prefer to watch shows about kids. So when making cartoons for kids, they will usually prefer to go with an all-kid cast.

These days, superheroes are about the only exception.

Now, if you're talking about prime-time cartoons, then it's a little different. People are willing to accept "adult" cartoons about typical American families, but any other subject matter is merely niche only, and are relegated to cable. This is why Futurama couldn't stay on Fox for more than 4 seasons. Yes they were treated shabbily, but so was King of the Hill and that's still on.
 
Yeh, I'll probably go out on a limb and say that King of the Hill probably represents the oldest demographic out of all of the current prime-time sitcoms, and probably the least likely to be effected by the "kid stereotype".

But as Leaping Larry said, the simple fact that the industry by large is catering animation towards children demographics really limits the acceptance of animation toward adult viewers, who have a much wider variety of live-action programming catered to them.
 
What I mean is that outside Adult Swim and Superhero shows, there are quite a bit of children targeted cartoons that have adult viewers.

Now my question is whether many more people would watch animation in general (Again, not just Adult Swim or the occasional MTV cartoon) if they didn't have to deal with any criticisim from their peers. Because again I and many toon zoners agree that the majority of those who don't watch animation do so because of the sterotype and the teasing that comes with it.
 
Chances are if I told my college friends I enjoyed watching Zoey 101 they'd give me weird looks just as much if I told them I like watching Ben 10 or Kim Possible.

It's more of a kid's show thing in general, not just animation. Heck, I get weird messages from people on this very forum for liking those LA shows ;)
 
Well, that's hard to say. Do you think that cartoons SHOULDN'T target kids so much?

I mean, it's only natural for a person to get some ridicule for watching something outside of their target range. If a straight man, say, watches Sex and the City, it's only natural for him to get some ridicule from his peers. Of course, every show has some cross-over appeal. I don't mind watching Arthur, nor do I mind watching Sex and the City, but they aren't made for me. But the problem isn't the shows themselves, it's ME if I let people bother me about it.

I don't think there's anything wrong with the number of kid-targeted cartoons out there. I DO think that networks need to give adult-oriented cartoons more of a chance, and better promotion. Problem is, history says they are doomed to fail unless it's some sitcom about a family.

Also, I don't think what's holding cartoons back from more viewers is STRICTLY the stereotype that it's for kids; I think what's holding them back is the viewers lack of acceptance of cartoons that go outside the typical family sitcom AND kids cartoons. The mainstream audience will accept a cartoon about a family that swears and makes fun of other shows, but they won't accept a dramatic cartoon, and/or any other comedy cartoon that requires audiences to stretch their heads beyond the family unit, although comedy in general will do MUCH better than drama, because people believe cartoons should only be funny. (Looks around suspiciously for Galentone)
 
Joke's on you, I was already here! Muwaha.

Anyway, I don't believe cartoons should only be comedy, I just feel animation is better suited for comedy because you can do a lot of visual jokes better with it. That's probably how most other people feel too. No real point/advantage if 24 or Prison Break were animated, but Family Guy being live-action would impact the comedy a lot because of all the visual jokes.
 
How is that sad? The only problem is that most comedy cartoons nowadays aren't that funny. Its a case of us needing better ideas and cartoonists, not a better mindset.
 
If you haven't noticed, kids are more into live-action now. That means live-action is for kids! Don't watch that juvenile "Californication" show; don't you want respect?
 
I think there has been a serious lack of appreciation for artists in recent years. Back when we were kids, we began to develop an appreciation for art through cartoons. Funny pictures that stimulated us in ways we couldn't put into words yet. Later in life we started to study color and graphic design and the like. Nowadays it's all about consumption with kids these days.
 
I attribute that to 2 reasons:

1. Like I said, kids these days try to grow up to fast, hence they perceive dropping cartoons as a means to do just that.

2. Because the majority of cartoons nowadays try to copy sitcoms rather than going for the full on cartoon feel. Maybe these kids figure that a live action show does the sitcom bit better, hence why they avoid the cartoons. So what's need is more cartoons set outside of school featuring an adult. And Spongebob Squarepants is swimming proof that adult centric cartoons can be enjoyed by the youth.
 
ohmigod the psychological argument I could go into here.

One thing I will tell everyone- let a cartoon be good by being what it is, rather than trying to suck up to everyone else; by doing that, you get nothing for anybody.

Take action figures for instance- a lot of people won't touch them because "these are supposed to be for KIDS, not adults- you're a sissy if you buy these things"...of course I would never give the majority of McFarlane Toys to kids.

After all, will you appeal to other people if you sell out who you are? No- you'll just look back, and regret selling out. Cartoons will have their audience. Remember- it's not the "drifters" you're looking to gain- those who like something when it's hot, and disapprove when it's not- but those who'll stay loyal to you regardless of popularity.

Cartoons will be cartoons- if adults like 'em, fine. If they don't, life won't end.
 
Back
Top