Animation is for Everyone by Shea Harrison

Hi, I'm Shea. I'm a pretty big fan of animated TV and movies, but there is a constant stigma that animation is "just for kids" and that animated features are worth less than more adult-focused or live-action pieces of media when that couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, most animated products are indeed aimed at kids as a target demographic, but that doesn't mean that there is nothing for teens and adults to get from animation.

Take for instance the 2005-2008 series Avatar: The Last Airbender. This fantasy ANIMATED show is regarded highly by critics and fans alike for its unique world-building, emotionally gripping characters, and amazing story. I've heard of adults praising it as one of the best shows ever. But get this: This is a Nickelodeon cartoon. Avatar is made for kids, yet adults can still get behind and it doesn't even need to be made just for adults. And this is one of many examples, but I'll stop here as to not write out a whole book.

On the movie side of things, a gleaming example of "kids" movies that can be beloved by anyone, you have Pixar. Known for some of the best computer-animated movies since their first Toy Story, Pixar needs very little introduction. While Pixar movies are very fun, they also tackle very compelling themes. The 2020 film Soul goes into what it's like to be alive and how the little things can make all the difference. The Incredibles is a movie about a family and a father who is going through a midlife crisis that just so happens to be a superhero movie. Wall-E is a love story between two robots and a bit of an environmental story that involves long sequences of no dialogue that is a childhood favorite for many. And people of all ages love these movies as much as live-action classics.

Anyway, that's what I have to say. If you see a preview or commercial for some animated or cartoon-looking piece of media, don't dismiss it right away as you can still find enjoyment in them. However, if you see something that you know you wouldn't like, or just looks bad, then of course it's okay to just let little kids enjoy it. After all, you can enjoy whatever type of media you like as long as it's not harmful. Thanks for reading!