re: #114 pingjockey

You are being sarcastic I hope. I was born in 1959 and watched most if not all of those cartoons. They were/are CARTOONS.

Somewhat, yes.
But, words do mean something and pictures with words rather still or in motion, in color or black and white mean even more. The age of reader or viewer is the key factor with level of understanding or education level just under age, I think. I am a little older than you, pingjockey, and who among our age group has not used TV as a seemingly free babysitter? It was one for me for more time than I would like to admit. It influenced me and still does in profound ways and yes, cartoons did and to this day do as well. But, I envision a world where cartoons are just cartoons. The overwhelming majority of them unfortunately are a lot of things other than that or much more than meets the eyes and ears. I suppose entertainment works best when it ‘moves’ us. We can be affected in positive as well as negative ways. In essence by fan allegiance we become affected or/and maybe infected by it. If not, the creative process is moot.
Cartoons are no placebo although they might be sugar-coated, expertly wrapped and presented to us all for consumption. Parents who see no potential for bad influence should really consider hiring a living sitter more. Or, just say ‘no’ to a huge list of TV programming.
Too much violence has been inflicted upon teenagers and adults by teenagers and adults who were influenced extremely by ‘entertainment’, cartoons, movies, video games, music and other forms. Columbine and other atrocities of violence instantly come to mind.