The Complexity of Kid Shows: Cultural Differences and Content Censorship
Do you agree that some kid shows are inappropriate? The answer is complex and multi-faceted, requiring a nuanced understanding of cultural differences and content censorship. To support this, let's explore the reasons why some parents might not allow certain shows like The Amazing World of Gumball, focusing on cultural and content-related factors.
Why Some Shows Are Not Suitable for Kids
While many shows for children are appropriate, some may contain content that is inappropriate for younger audiences. For instance, The Amazing World of Gumball was not allowed in many households due to its gay themes and allegation of an unsuitable parenting model. However, the appropriateness of a show cannot be judged solely based on adult interpretations.
Age-Appropriate Interpretations
Pre-pubescent children do not interpret and react to certain characters in the same way as teenagers or adults. For example, in animated series like The Amazing World of Gumball, complex relationships and sexual undertones may not affect young children in the same way. Moreover, as teenagers become more mature, they often stop watching 'kids shows.'
Content Censorship and Cultural Differences
The appropriateness of certain content is often influenced by cultural differences and local censorship rules. Here are some examples:
Changes in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"
In England, the animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had the word "Ninja" changed to "Hero" to make it more suitable for young viewers. In the anime series Sailor Moon, certain sexual dialogues were edited or rephrased in the American market to comply with local norms.
Scary Characters in a Kids Movie
A film aimed at very young children faced significant backlash due to its characters being perceived as terrifying rather than cute. The setup led many parents to walk out with their children, who were frightened by the monsters in the movie. This underscores the sensitivity of content for young viewers.
Marketing to a Specific Audience
The differences between TV shows and movies also reflect target audience preferences. For instance, the first Power Rangers movie and TV series both covered the destruction of the base and the acquisition of new powers. However, the movie included a sexier version of the Pink Ranger, which was not part of the TV series. The studio tailored the content to appeal to the teenage and pre-teen boys in theaters, who were accompanied by their older siblings or relatives. The focus was on adding sex appeal to attract this demographic.
International Differences in Children's Shows
When comparing children's shows across different countries, significant differences in content and style become apparent. An example is the Italian cartoon series Winx Club, where the female characters are dressed in revealing outfits, which would be considered inappropriate in the U.S.
A Japanese TV Show: "Ancient Dogoo Girl"
Consider the Japanese TV show "Ancient Dogoo Girl," which would never air in the U.S. due to its revealing nature. The heroine wears a bikini throughout the series, and she fights monsters with her sword and a powerful bra that emits light and destroys them with a burp. The popularity of this show led to similar content in "Ancient Dogoo Girls."
These examples highlight the need for a nuanced approach to determining the appropriateness of children's shows, taking into account cultural differences and content censorship. Understanding the target audience and the context in which a show is intended to be viewed is crucial in assessing its suitability for young viewers.