One of the few advantages I have with not having a job is that I get to stay up and watch older cartoons series at ridiculous times of the night. Something that I’ve noticed is how much the general tone of these cartoons of the 90s is different compared to cartoons of today. In older cartoons no matter how violent or deadly the situation is, no one will ever say the word “die” or “kill” they will say “destroy”. Also showing the death of characters is strictly a no-no. Last night I was watching a newer cartoon movie based on the comic book character “Dr. Strange”, keep in mind this was rated TV 14 and on during prime time. Over the course of the movie, several characters were actually shown being killed, not hinted at but killed. A few characters were attacked by a swarm of creatures that all that was left were their bones, I felt slightly unease watching this. I can tell you this with utmost certainty, something like this would never be allowed on prime time TV 15 or 10 years ago.
My favorite cartoon series of all time would have to be “The Critic”; it was a smart series that did both stupid and intelligent comedy well. The main reason from the creators as to why it was moved from multiple channels and eventually cancelled was that the execs felt it was too mature for prime time television. This coming from networks that show series like Ugly Betty, and whatever is on NBC now (Haven’t watched anything on it for awhile), which could be considered porno compared to the shows of the early 90s. Games have it worse, that scene with the characters being ripped apart in the movie; I’m betting would get a game an M rating. All these different forms of media seem to be on different wavelengths; please don’t try and tell me that violence in games is different then violence on TV. Watching someone die in a cut scene is still the same as watching someone die on TV.
When I think about this hypocrisy I’m filled with disgust, and happiness. Disgust as it is the idiotic Political Correct movement claiming another victim, happiness that things are changing. I believe in 5 to 10 years we will be able to show AO games in retail stores and no would be able to complain about it. I have two theories as to how this could happen:
1. The content on TV would become so mature that all of the parental groups lose any credibility and games will be allowed to have anything they want in them.
2. An AO game will come out that is so sophisticated and intelligent that it opens up the way for more truly mature titles.
Before I end this, I would like to show a few more examples that make my head hurt every time I try to rationalize them.
1. Classic Sesame Street episodes rated AO, to put this in perspective “Rock of Love Charm School” and “Girls Next Door” are better for children then Sesame Street.
2. Classic Looney Tunes cartoons are banned from the airwaves for racial overtones. First the fact that we aren’t supposed to judge media, and cultural values from the past with our modern viewpoint, second there are over 500 cartoons, you’re telling me that you can’t just avoid the ones that make these crazy people upset?
Times are changing and I for one can’t effing wait.
Josh
