Cartoons

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 * Cartoons** in general are defined as: "Any of several forms of art, with varied meanings that evolved from one to another" ([|Wikipedia]). Here we strive to speak of animated cartoons, as seen on television and in motion pictures. A more apt definition for this then would be an animated art form created in a way that lends itself to the appearance of motion and involving a plot or storyline.

Cartoons are an art form usually associated with children's programming, though indeed they have a strong following of loyal fans of all ages. The traditional or popular notion of them would have cartoons as comically drawn and animated creatures that interact for the purpose of humor, an extension of that branch of comics. These creatures can include both representations of humans, such as Elmer Fudd (second from left), as well as personified caricatures of animals; Bugs Bunny (front row, centre) is one example.

Though many would associate cartoons strongly with Looney Tunes and its format, the above is a generalization; like comics, there have been thousands of cartoons, some very similar and others quite different from each other. Though perhaps initially used to entertain and educate youth, cartoons have been known to deal with very different and sometimes strong themes. In the second world war, for instance, US cartoons were required to include pro-war themes. Cartoons have also had a tradition of using slapstick or black humor. This causes much unwanted attention because cartoons were stereotyped as programs for children and anything else created was considered "bad"; this resulted in a negative influence on the content they created. It is also important to seperate cartoons from their Japanese incarnation of 'anime', which historically have tended to take a different format and animated style, as well as a stronger thematic and plot-driven emphasis. This could be rapidly changing, as contemporary US cartoons and Japanese Anime have seen some strong integration recently.

Controversy
As mentioned above, cartoons have not been without their controversy. This has included arguements peculiar to video game, comic, and cartoon genres, namely that they incite swearing, violence, crime and delinquency in youths. This arguement has gained new grounds recently with such risqué offerings as the Simpsons, south park, and family guy. [|Dobson] reports on the controversy of racism in The Simpsons, and as in this example, more level heads often find that arguements against these cartoons are often caused by a misinterpretation of the context of the joke by people who don't actually watch the program. Despite that, cartoons today often reference real issues, and can sometimes cause quite a stir. South Park recently cause controversy by attempting to weigh in on the situation surrounding the Danish caricatures of Muhammad, and had their episode banned by Comedy Central, the network that carries them. In response, South Park did a two part episode in which they instead featured the likeness of Jesus, who [|shat] on the American flag. Family Guy has been said to "embrace bad taste", mocking the FCC with its oft boundary-pushing content ([|Binelli] 92).

Adult (Swim) Cartoons
This is a new and exciting genre of cartoons. It takes a whole new approach to old-fashioned cartoons and adds to them. Adult Swim is a chunk of television programming on The Cartoon Network, a national television network in the United States. It airs most weeknights around 10 PM. In Canada, the Teletoon Network carries much of the programming Friday nights on "F-night" starting at 9 PM. The television programming includes very "out there" cartoons with little or no basis on reality. They could be considered absurd, psychedelic, shocking and at times might not make any sense. Most people find them very entertaining and even thought-provoking at times. Although sometimes thoughts consist of nothing more than, "is there anything edible left in the fridge?".

To find out more about Aqua Teen Hunger Force and other Adult Swim Cartoons, check out: http://www.adultswim.com/shows/athf/

The Boondocks is another adult cartoon that targets African American audiences. The cartoon is about an African American grandfather who moves to an all white neighborhood with his two grandsons. Huey is afrocentric teen who faces obstacles brought by politics, and Huey is his younger brother who is the stereotypical gangster.

Popular Cartoons

 * [|Looney Tunes]
 * [|Betty Boop]
 * [|Tom and Jerry]
 * [|Popeye]
 * [|The Pink Panther]
 * [|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]
 * [|Felix the Cat]
 * [|Sponge Bob Square Pants]
 * [|Simpsons]
 * [|Family Guy]
 * [|Garfield]
 * [|Pinky and the brain]
 * Carebears
 * Clifford
 * Stripperella
 * Teen Titans
 * Proud Family
 * Legend of Tarzan
 * Bob the Builder
 * Pokemon
 * Futurama
 * Caillou
 * Berenstein Bears
 * Dragon Ball Z
 * Winne the Pooh
 * Kim Possible
 * Arthur
 * Franklin
 * Dexter's Laboratory
 * Powerpuff Girls
 * Hey Arnold
 * Recess

[|Adult Swim Cartoons] >
 * Robot Chicken
 * 12 Oz. Mouse
 * American Dad
 * Aqua Teen Hunger Force
 * Squidbillies
 * Family Guy
 * The Oblongs
 * Death Clock
 * The Brak Show
 * SeaLab 2021
 * Space Ghost Coast to Coast
 * Metalocalypse

Images Sources
Looney Tunes Picture. ©1930 Warner Bros. Picture hosted courtesy of [|ZewebAnim.com]. Aqua Teen Hungry Fource. 2006. 