Cartoons, "Children's Programming," and why I miss Saturday mornings...

Y'know what I miss? Saturday morning cartoons. Today's kids will never know the excitement and anticipation of getting through the school week, and then sitting down with Looney Tunes and a bowl of Sugar Smacks. Streaming services, which followed such things as Cartoon Network, took the joy and anticipation out of it.

When I was little, and I mean *little*, my dad and I got up early on Saturdays to watch Rocky and Bullwinkle, Boris Badenov and Natasha, Mr. Peabody and His Boy Sherman, and Fractured Fairytales. Thank goodness those were on early; once my mother got up, it was all hands on deck and cleaning the house. But those precious memories are intact for me, and I swear, my sense of the absurd was formed from the warped stories that were the meat and potatoes of Fractured Fairytales. (Lucky me, I found them on youtube, so we're all set for now.) When I watch these cartoons now, I see that they were brilliant: a true product of the Cold War, and great social commentary as well.

Today's really facile fare available to children is, on the surface, fine and dandy. But most the shows focus on one or two life messages, things like being kind, it's okay to ask for help, use the potty when you have to go, and so on. Those are all good, but they are so repetitive. Add to that the high-pitched voices, the seven minute episodes, and the frenetic pace, and there is no need to give your kid sugared cereal--these shows will wind them right up anyhow. 

Last weekend, I found classic Looney Tunes and Holly and I had a very enjoyable time watching Bugs Bunny and Roadrunner cartoons for a bit. She loved them. This morning, I found really old cartoons, and she thoroughly enjoyed Popeye and Caspar. They are short, the voices and animation are "old school," but they are not so dang "busy"-- and that makes a difference. And classic Bugs Bunny is rife with social commentary, too; enjoyable, and, in small part, more meaningful. 

Now, before you think I'm reaching a bit, there are precious few other places kids will encounter classical music or opera, and they certainly will not learn double entendre in a wholesome way. Today's "cartoons" are pablum for the brain, filled with bright colors and no plot. O wait, we now call it "children's programming." There are some very good shows on pbs kids, and they are favorites in our house as well. Things like Alma's Way or Molly from Denali, or even Rosie's Rules. But the "entertainment" industry aimed at children is pretty boring, in the final analysis. I will not watch Peppa Pig. 

Recently, I also introduced Holly to Babar; she liked that very much, and wanted to see it more than once. And she loves Madeline. Again, quieter, with real plots and not so fast-paced. Children need a slower pace to process information-- they don't need to be dazzled. 

But back to my original thread of this conversation: these things are all available whenever and where-ever. Children don't know how to wait. They know that at any given time, they can have what they want, and when they want it-- if a grown-up pushes play. We have to be Saturday morning. And we have to stick to it.

I hope your Saturday is a slow one!

C