User blog:AustinDR/Is the "It's for Kids" Argument Hold Any Weight?

Well, I had just gotten finished speaking with a deviant by the name of Man of Tomorrow, who left a...less than satisfactory comment on my review of "Study Muffin." Basically, he called me several names for critically discussing what should be a kid's show, thus labeling be an Enterbot. Now, I'll say this now: I'm not a fan of Mr. Enter (blasphemy). Yeah, before you use your fire and pitchforks on me, let me explain. Yes, I watch a few of Mr. Enter's videos now and then, but I don't base my reviews around his. I have no ill will towards this cartoon critic, but he does do a few things that I cannot get behind. He used to openly criticize writers, which resulted in one case in which his fans attacked a writer for SpongeBob, and even left his Twitter username in a link. Or then there's the fact that he considered internet trolls the same thing as cyberbullies when they clearly aren't the same thing. Or how about the fact that he dissuades education when it comes to animating? He may have had that philosophy in the past, I'm not sure if eh still does, but otherwise, I am not trying to emulate Mr. Enter.

Now, I love the Loud House. I may speak critically of the show, not because I hate it, but I enjoy it, and I want it to improve in some areas. I guess the reason as to why I love the show so much was because it reminded me of the time when Nicktoons were good, not necessarily wholesome, of course. These shows impacted my childhood; they made me who I am today by teaching morals and having characters I could relate with. I had a falling out with Nick over the years, so the LH was a breath of fresh air for me. I know that I am not the age group that the show is targeted for, but I found myself loving the characters as well as the themes. Some episodes struck an emotional chord with me, because they reminded me about some aspects of my life. This is why I review the show. This is why I try to break down what makes each character likable. The Loud House isn't my life, of course not, but I always wanted to give insight as to why I admire this show.

Part of the bad comment was that since I was not the targeted audience, I have no right to critique it, which I found laughable. As I have said, while I am fairly old for the show, one thing that I feel needs to be said is that a kid's show should at least have quality to it. I am not a parent myself, but I wouldn't just drop them in front of the TV for an hour letting them watch schlock. A cartoon shouldn't treat kids like they're idiots by being pointless. I am not saying that a children's program shouldn't have morals; pre-movie SpongeBob was great, and it didn't need to rely on teaching lessons to be entertaining. For the most part, what makes the Loud House great for me is that it has several episodes that I feel the audience can relate to. Whether it be learning not to hog a person you care about, or be yourself, I feel that the show shines with teaching morals as well as keeping the humor center stage (well, except for a few instances). Besides, if it's wrong for me to like the show, there are several kid's shows that have adult fans. Bronies, anyone? It also comes off as funny that he's accusing me of being too serious about discussing kids' shows when he does deviations on various cartoons.

Overall, is the fact that a show that is supposed to be intended for kids a justifiable reason to discourage discussion?

Is critiquing kids' shows wrong? Yes No