it's for kids, who cares
if you've ever experienced one of two scenarios: 1) "it's for kids, don't take it so seriously." 2) "it's for kids, why are you watching it?" then this is for you.
let's address the first scenario. it's the classic response to when someone critiques something made for kids: "it's for kids, don't take it so seriously. it doesn't have to be good, because kids will watch anything." and do you know how tired i am of hearing that? this statement has been used to excuse any poorly-made children's show, movie, book, toy, etc. it's insulting to imply that children would enjoy anything, no matter how little effort gets put into it.
whether it's the disney animated canon, sesame street, bluey, spider-man, pokémon, the ninja turtles, avatar the last airbender, or k-pop demon hunters, there's a plethora of children's media, new and old, beloved by people of all ages. and the creators of these beloved titles know that. the creators of cocomelon and content farms on YT shorts and tik tok, however, do not. just because something is made for kids, doesn't mean it can't be good. (that goes for toys, as well. we need more well-made toys.)
now let's address the second scenario. are you an adult who enjoys children's media? ...GOOD! i'm glad you enjoy it! so do i, in fact. my favorite anime series of all time is cardcaptor sakura. i love it to pieces. i'm disappointed that there are people at all who will laugh at you for enjoying such media. again, bluey and k-pop demon hunters are beloved by all ages. and do i even need to mention spongebob and shrek and their impacts on internet meme culture? people love children's media.
but many don't understand that. notice how many original modern cartoons get cut short? how many creators make "lol we ruined your childhood" jokes? how anime titles made for teenage boys and adult men are always talked about (and licensed/dubbed) more than those made for kids and especially girls? and when's the last time a family-friendly film received a G rating? their message is clear: they think it's shameful to be an adult watching kid's movies or cartoons, so they go, "see? that character just said a swear word! we're better than those baby shows!"
it's disappointing that both kids, and the things they enjoy, are seen as "less than". it's disappointing that adults feel ashamed for also liking those things. "it's for kids, who cares?" i care. and so should you.
because kids deserve good things, too.