80's cartoons - did they have/leave an impact on YOU??

In reply to the OP I dont think there is anything hidden in 80's cartoons, no deep messages or anything.

But I do think they have a pretty strong moral bent running through them, and they got away with waaaay more than cartoons now.

If you watch even that clip that was shown quite early in this thread, theres a fair amount of carnage and destruction going on, but its not really gratuitus, its the good guys beating the bad guys, its star wars violence.

I'd say I was a pretty moral guy, not an angel , but I know right from wrong and I have my limits. And I think I got a decent little chunk of that from 80's cartoons and movies.

Crazy to think if I was that age now I'd be watching crazytown(wtf?) telletubbies and the midnight garden, instead of Ace Mcloud, Dogtanion, Ulysses and Estaban.


from a true 80s child, born the start of Jan 1980 :p

Originally posted by darkelfWhen ever bugs would go on safari, the natives had extreemly large lips. I also saw alot of WW2 cartoons where the Japanese were drawn with very exagereated features.

Obviously they should all have been drawn as they are in real life, like the white folk were !





[edit on 12/30/2008 by bloodcircle]

Originally posted by operation mindcrime
Ps: recognize the bottom quote in in my signature...

Ren "and Stimpy" Hoek....they rocked.

John Kricfalusi was a MAD MAD MAN !!!

And while some of the other R&S were still ok, they just didn't have that madness about them once JK was forced out.

Definitely one of the toons I loved, but not quite earth shatteringly memorable.. lol.

(I really dig how Billy West picked up the voice of ren and stimpy so damn well, not to mention being near all of futurama in one man. What a dude. !)

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this one yet, but by and far, the largest 80's TV show impact on me was Robotech.

Strictly from a narrative perspective, it was head and shoulders above most 80's cartoon fodder at the time. It's content was generally more mature than He-Man or Manimal, the story was more complex than GI Joe or Gem and the Holograms, and while its animation at times was lacking (old-school anime) the ideas and images caught are indellible.

Plus, when a plane got shot by enemy fire, the pilot didn't eject in time, so it was the first, I believe, to actually broach and treat death as a reality in a kid's television show.

The 80s stuff always ended or had embeded some kind of moral message, the cartoons of this generation seem to revolve around the wacker the better.. Wonder what the evolving generation will be like???

Anywho Best Cartoons (in no order) I think everyone else seems to have listed them anyway.

Thundercats (Best bit : Thundertank & The episode with the cat woman that called liono a [snip]face)

Ullysees (Best bit : Cool computer)

Mysterious Cities of Gold (Best bit : Golden Condor or solar ship)

Dungeons and Dragons (Best bit : not Uni)



Mod edit - Mod Edit: Profanity/Circumvention Of Censors – Please Review This Link.



[edit on 30-12-2008 by elevatedone]

this is in interesting perspective on "The Smurfs"

Smurfs and Communism - Okay, I know it sounds crazy. I didn't believe it myself at first. Then I started thinking about it, and it starts getting scary.

First of all, you must take away all pre-programed thoughts you might already have about communists. Forget all that big bad Russian stuff that the 80's taught us, that doesn't exist anymore. Think of communism as just a way of life, a social order, an economic standpoint. Take all the visions of sickles and hammers out of your head for awhile, and then you will be able to see it.

First of all, the Smurfs shared everything. The food in the Smurf village was stored away in those mushrooms the minute it was harvested and then equally distributed to all the Smurfs throughout the year. No one "farmer smurf" sold his crop to one smurf or another. It was understood that the crop was for the entire Smurf population, not for the sale or profit of one smurf alone.

Then there were the jobs each smurf held. There was Handy Smurf, and Painter Smurf, and Brainy Smurf, ect.. Each smurf had his own job and was not allowed to try other fields. There actually was an episode where each smurf tried to do another one's job, and failed. The moral of the story was apparently "Stick to what you do Best" or in another view, what the society has chosen for you. Handy Smurf was always building.
Painter Smurf was always painting. Everyone accepted what they were and didn't ask questions.

Then there comes the somewhat obvious stretches. Papa Smurf wore a red cap. All the Smurfs were the same color and sang the same song everywhere they went - stressing unity. Didn't you catch yourself singing that song as a kid? Everyong did.

The most outstanding arguement that the smurfs were communists comes from their arch-vilain Gargamel. If you remember, the only thing that Gargamel wanted the smurfs for was for his own profit. In the first four or five seasons, Gargamel's master plan was to catch the Smurfs, boil them, and turn them into gold. For some reason, in the later years when the show was dying, they started saying that he wanted to eat the poor blue creatures, but for the most part he wanted to turn them into gold. He didn't care about the Smurfs themselves or their culture or well being. All he cared about was getting gold. He was only interested in how to get rich and nothing, nothing would get in his way.

Gargamel was a capitalist.

The evil antagonist on the Smurfs was the ultimate capitalist, terrorizing the peaceful good little communist Smurf community. It all starts to fit together doesn't it?

It makes you wonder why anybody didn't speak up about this before, especialy during the 80's cold war.

1) Note that all the Smurfs look exactly the same (with the exception of Papa Smurf--see below). They are all blue-skinned and have white hats and white tails. This reflects the classless society Marxist theory proposes, in which all men and women are comrades.

2) Note which Smurfs are focused on: Hefty, the soldier and Handy, the worker. Note which Smurfs are portrayed negatively: Greedy, who simply eats all the time; Vanity, who contributes nothing to the society and is lost in his own Narcissism; and particularly Brainy (a thinly-veiled caricature of Trotsky), who thinks too much for himself and undermines the Smurf state. He is repeatedly thrown out of the colony (Trotsky, of course, was assassinated in Mexico).

3) Papa Smurf is the only Smurf who wears any clothing other than the standard-issue white uniform. Instead his outfit is RED. (Need we say more?) Furthermore, Papa Smurf's unique facial hair is clearly meant to conjure up images of Lenin and Stalin.

4) Note the prime enemy of the Smurfs: Gargamel, and his cat Asreael. There can be no doubt that this villain/sidekick duo are to represent the Jews, who were persecuted under Soviet rule.

5) You may attempt to challenge this theory with the claim that the mid-1980s introduction of the younger generation of Smurfs was an attempt at Americanization. Conversely, I submit that this addition occurred just as Perestroika and Glastnost took hold in the Soviet Union, and that openness was reflected in the addition of new characters.

Luckily, of course, the United States was able to win the Cold War, and the communist message of the Smurfs has gone by the wayside. Of particular contribution in defeating this threat were such shows as GI Joe (a real American hero, GI Joe is there) and Superfriends (a flag-waving show if ever there was one).

And so you now have before you conclusive proof of the Soviet plot to indoctrinate American youth in the 1980s. Call Oliver Stone for further details.

Not 80's, more like mid to late 90's but can anyone remember Johny Quest?

That cartoon was pretty out there, based around virtual reality and the like, going into detail, i thought it was good but a little in-depth for children. Peace

Not 80's, more like mid to late 90's but can anyone remember Johny Quest?

That cartoon was pretty out there, based around virtual reality and the like, going into detail, i thought it was good but a little in-depth for children.

Peace

A lot of the shows here being mentioned are actually Japanese and they have a different take on storytelling for children than we do. If you find many of these shows deep and 'adult' (I don't mean adult in a bow-chica-wow-wow way), it's because that they don't, for the most part, talk down to their children in regards to the storytelling done in these shows. It's also because they don't consider animation to be a media limited for small children, but rather, use it as one might film or prose, and so therefore the sorts of stories we see told span the same varieties of themes.

WHeel warriors!!! WOW brings me back to the time when i was like 6 or so. Also Visionaries "who controls magic controls destiny"~ WOW. nicee!

Originally posted by MikeboydUS
reply to post by MCoG1980

 

This is a real useful site with synopsis of episodes and other resources for the GI JOE: RAH cartoon.

joeguide.com...

You weren't kidding were you, my jaw dropped when i read the episode guide:

joeguide.com...

Got to admit i was a little creeped out by these extracts i took from the episode in the link below:

Not indepth??:

"She then hears a giggle and sees the Cobra female agent thanking Destro for saving her. The Baroness angrily tells the Cobra agent to return to base, and after she explains to the Baroness that the base is Destro, the Baroness snaps, “All the better!” The female Cobra agent kisses Destro and leaves. Destro, his face twisted in astonishment by the female agent’s gratitude, still embraces the Baroness and while the Baroness is turned away from the female agent, Destro he clumsily explains that after one more weapons sale he and the Baroness will be able to retire.

A speaker tells a crowd gathered at the World Brotherhood Plaza that all nations of the world should throw down their weapons, however, inside the plaza, Destro is conducting an auction for a Cobra Rattler and HISS. After hearing a bid for a million dollars, Destro pretends to be shocked, slaps the side of the Rattler and explains that the bid would barely cover the technology and the precious metals in the plane, which begins to fall apart. Destro stutters and turns toward the HISS, but Flint, Lady Jaye, Roadblock and Gung Ho enter the room and attempt to arrest Destro. But a trap door is opened on the stage and Destro escapes. While Gung Ho and Roadblock pursue Destro, Flint and Lady Jaye arrest the bidders at the auction, however, the bidders pull out a card and explain that they can not be arrested since they have diplomatic immunity. Flint and Lady Jaye then decide to chase Destro."

Winter Solstace....Ummm.:

"After she asks to see his face, Destro explains that her request is impossible to fulfill and explains that he can not take off his mask due to a family curse. Because one of his ancestors was convicted as a witch and forced to wear a mask, Destro’s family has sworn to fight the forces of law and order until they are “sacrificed on the alter of history.” She asks about his other his relatives and Destro explains that they meet on the Winter’s Solstice, the longest night of the year. With her hands on Destro’s arms, she tells him, “I love long nights".”

joeguide.com...

Wow - What a blast from the past! Thanks for starting this thread OP.

Well, where to start. As thefreepatriot said, they were more mature & treated kids as adults, not like today's cartoons. I don't ever recall seeing the ducktales episode where they teach about inflation, but I do remember an episode where those criminal brothers (forget their names) got hold of that watch(I think) that allowed them to stop time (or actually speed them up way faster than reality), and allowed them to steal scrooge's gold.

The moral in that story was the ramifications of what that capability could lead to in the wrong hands. I mean, think about that.....they are opening childrens minds to think about adult themes.

And yes, these cartoons did have a big impact on me. I believe Robotech and those in that genre made me sit up, and ask the questions: "Wow, such a big universe, are we the only ones here - No can't be?". "How could I try find this out?" "Are there good and evil, or only just one - and if so let's hope to God it's good?!"

I remember gazing at the stars at night, and every now and then seeing satellites wizz by in the South African sky (sometimes asking Dad if that was a Satellite or something else - and on occasions they didn't quite fit the usual flybys). I honestly believe it's shows like these that stimulated me into asking questions and searching for answers. Sure, most of these questions remain unanswered, but I'll always be looking.

Another thing that I remember, is that teachers at school used to ask questions like: "What would He-man Do?" or something like that. Basically they used the cartoons to influence the children to do the right thing (kind of guilt tripping...LOL!) But that was pretty out of the norm, considering the political system in South Africa in the 80's. Very strict, very military like, and not very flexible, so they obviously saw Good in these.

Today's cartoons, to be quite honest, are actually scary. The only one that I enjoyed in the recent past was the Dragonball series's. Once again, there were lessons to be learnt and although there is violence, it always has a moral at the end of the story for the kids. Like in GT, where they overuse the Dragonballs, and the pay the consequences by having the 7 demons awake.

I was watching a friend of mine's 4 year old a few weeks back, watching spongebob squarepants. Wow, was that an eye opener! This kid was in some kind of a trance / hypnotised. His eyes weren't moving at all, and when his Dad called him, he had to do it about 4 times before the kid snapped out of it.

I didn't say anything, as it's not my place, but damn, if I had kids there is NO WAY they would watch that. I watched the rest of the episode, and as others have said, it's like an '___' trip for these kids. The colours are all wonky and weird, and constantly barraging the kids. There wasn't any moral to the story. The stupid crab was just basically flipping burgers there!

Now how is that show going to finish, with stimulating a kids mind like something like Robotech, where after wards you had meaningful questions about the universe and life. Crikey, after SB square pants, what the hell do they ask: "Jeez Dad, do crabs flip burgers undersea?"

Mindless I tell you....

Thanks for the great thread OP! Maybe start one on video games in the 80's? Think that would be quite awesome too?

reply to post by TortoiseKweek


Great insight into how they had an effect on you. Dont know about anyone else, but its probably more due to these cartoons than anything else that i still have hope and feel that there is something far greater and better than us - far more influectial than any religion could ever have on me


I'll Let you be the one to start the 80's video games thread - great idea

One that made an impact?

Future Boy Conan

Although, strictly speaking, a 70s series, I saw it in the 80s, and it was the beginning of my interest for Japanese animation.

Do you think today's cartoons are no good? I think that too (most of them, anyway), so I keep on looking at the Japanese production, they use the same style (the importance of friendship, team-work, etc.) with excellent visual style (even in the more simple ones like Kochikame, which is not probably what most people would think about as a kid's cartoon) "borrowed" from the Manga, and some with a mix of old paintings and new style, like the visually impressive (in my opinion) Samurai Champloo.

And we are never too old to see cartoons, I like to keep a daily dose of Naruto, for example.

PS: although the Japanese cartoons I watch may not be considered kids cartoons, I think what is considered today as kids cartoons is much worse, with violence just for the sake of violence instead of violence for a reason.

reply to post by MCoG1980


My pleasure in adding to the thread!

I do believe they affected many people in many different ways. Some more profound than others, and as you say, it had a greater affect on you that any other religion. This was a unique time period in so many ways, and I'm glad I was able to grow up in this era.

Talking of which, I have started that Video Game Thread of the 80's, as you suggested. I hope to hear feedback from you guys there.

Thanks

www.abovetopsecret.com...

I've thought about this as well. It seems that cartoons are a form of programing for children. Another lie to implant into young fertile minds. A way to get us to believe in the false dream of humanity which rules our planet with fear and war. I see a strong emphasis on good vs. evil, competition, egotism, fear, and violence. Similar to what fills our video games, TV shows, movies, sports and other forms of entertainment today.

With that being said I still have good memories of my childhood cartoons.

The ones that I remember most from the '80s are:

Fraggle Rock
The Smurfs
Transformers
Ninja Turtles
Thunder Cats
Gummi Bears
Duck Tales
Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers

Used to love getting up early on a Saturday morning for the great cartoons! We never had satellite TV when i was young though, so I only had BBC or ITV to choose from - they had the best stuff on there anyway!

Really enjoyed Talespin (1990) , flying pirates and everything

It was all a lot better than the rubbish you get now, im not even sure most of the cartoons ive tried to watch in recent years have a story :p

reply to post by ArMaP


Just took this from the wiki page...

Quite interesting!

The story begins in July 2008, during a time when mankind is faced with the threat of extinction. A devastating war fought between two major nations with ultramagnetic weapons far greater than anything seen earlier brings about total chaos and destruction throughout the world, resulting in several earthquakes and tidal waves, the earth thrown off its axis, its crust being rocked by massive movements, and the five continents being torn completely apart and sinking deep below the sea. An attempt by a group of people to flee to outer space failed, with their spaceships being forced back to earth and vanishing, thus shattering their hopes. But one of the spaceships narrowly escaped destruction and crash landed on a small island which had miraculously survived the devastation. The crew members of the spaceship settled there, as if they were seeds sown on the island. Amidst these survivors, a boy named Conan was born, bringing a new ray of hope to the earth. After several years, during which most of the other survivors had died and the only people left on the island were Conan and his grandfather, he meets a young girl named Lana, and their adventure begins.

Source


pretty freaky....

[edit on 30/12/08 by blupblup]

reply to post by blupblup


Ermm, ........ no words

When i startedt this thread it was just a underlying nagging thought about hidden meanings but i am starting to get a wierd feeling about this. GI Joe, now this one????

reply to post by MCoG1980



I know.... time to do a little more digging...