Cereal bowl in one hand, and remote in the other, it was very easy to become a couch potato on Saturday mornings. Especially, with those weekends of cartoons to deter me from pressing math questions and dry old lit books. Luckily, my childhood cartoon addiction wasn’t as bad as the Starbucks one. Still, I remember my parents telling my brother and me to “turn off that box and get some fresh air!” Lucky for them, there was only one show I paid attention to, so my couch potato status only lasted an hour at most.
No, it wasn’t Archie, Johnny Quest or Sailor Moon. This classic cartoon, unlike today’s heap of crude characters, was just an awkward, but friendly big dog. Bow-legged and floppy eared; the famous Scooby-Doo made his first television debut in 1969. The original CBS production, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, was part of the network’s attempt to revitalize Saturday morning shows, which at that time were considered too violent by certain parent groups. This is quite ironic, given the current slew of violent animated shows such as South Park and Family Guy.
Anyways, in the original series, Scooby-Doo was joined by the dashing young blonde, Fred, the cute redhead Daphne, the smart little Velma, and of course the unshaven dude, known as Shaggy. Travelling around in their hokey Mystery Machine, the group of youngsters would always end up in a fictional town where something fishy was going on. Scooby, true to his dog-like nature, was always gallivanting off in search of his next meal with his scrawny pal, Shaggy.
Of course, luck would have it, that Scooby and Shaggy (who were least interested in solving the mystery), stumbled upon the creepy ghost, goblin or monster before the rest of the gang. Following their “scary” encounter the two were often interrogated by the others, in exchange for some scrumptious Scooby snacks. (Looking back on those Scooby snacks, I wonder if they had any real influence on dog treats today).
Anyways, the quick-thinking Velma would then devise a scheme to catch the so-called zombie or monster. Once the mystery was solved, they hopped back into the van for another adventure. As they zoomed away, I would click off the tv and start my homework (well... at the request of my parents, not voluntarily). Unfortunately, reflecting on my childhood cartoon craze, I can’t help but think that Scooby-Doo was the beginning to the end of North America’s wholesome and unadulterated cartoon series.
Nowadays, cartoons and animated series have morphed into a gross cycle of guns, sex, drugs, and anything else that stirs controversy. Sad to say, but I truly believe today’s animated series have spiralled into a sick package of dark humour satirizing politicians. Additionally, when these shows are not making fun of prominent political figures, they are exposing children to a lewd level of adult content. With this in mind, I was flipping through the channels one night with a friend, when we decided to watch South Park. In this particular episode, the group of kids are hunted down by their parents for a filthy and vulgar porn movie. The content of which, is too gross to discuss.
Given South Park’s vulgar subject matter, it’s not surprising that the show has been rated r (restricted) in countries such as Japan. In Canada, the series is rated 18+, compared to our southern neighbours in the U.S. (who are just a tad more liberal) and give the show a 14+ rating. Although, I do sometimes get a kick out of the sad insults thrown at presidents, movie stars and other high profiled people, those negative portrayals don’t offer children any riveting or healthy insight into their lives or otherwise.
The ultimate point is that golden oldies such as Scooby-Doo, didn’t use crass language and smutty content to entice children. Unfortunately, our society has forgotten that we don’t need such devices or techniques to provide children with a good dose of entertainment.
Side note: One of my favourite parts of the original Scooby Doo show was actually the intro theme song. Here is the link to the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-HOyx_FH4E
1 comment:
That's because shows like South Park, Family Guy, The Simpsons etc. aren't made for children. Such programs can be crude and lewd because they are geared specifically toward adult audiences.
We are seeing the increase in more mature animated programs because the audience from the days of Scooby Doo has matured. A giant talking dog, a gluttonous wuss, and a closet lesbian just doesn’t cut it anymore. Current events and popular culture as subject matter is now preferred to redundant and uninspired plotlines. Political satires, fuck jokes, cursing etc. is entertaining to adults. We’re now old enough to talk about it, understand it, and digest it without taking it too seriously (hopefully).
Don’t let the medium fool you. Animation is enjoyed by all generations. I don’t think one should compare Scooby Doo to South Park, that would be like comparing Sesame Street to the Sarah Silverman Program. They are made for two separate and distinct audiences; one is played in the day the other at night, one uses clean language the other uses profane language, one is rated g the other 18+; just let the TV ratings system be your guide.
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