We've already seen one case of children imitating media content but there are far more cases just like that of Slenderman. A 10 year old boy from Seattle has died because he and his friends imitated the actions of a cartoon character who had sand powers. The boys buried the boy named "Codey" into a sandbox where the boy died. After the incident, the victim's friends who buried him, have revealed to their parents, the neighbourhood and the news that they have copied the actions of a character from the Naruto cartoon. The cartoon is fairly popular with young children even though there is evident violence contained in the media. The story of Naruto centres around a young boy named Naruto who is a ninja. Of course, because the cartoon is about ninjas, violence is bound to happen as the ninjas fight for the title of the strongest.
The boy has passed away peacefully with his family by his side, however, the case of Codey brings forth more questions on what content should children be watching. Even Disney and Looney Toones, two of the biggest American cartoon corporations, produce violent themed animations. For example, it may not seem like it but there is display of violence in the “Snow White” movie as well as shown by Bugs Bunny who runs from gun shots or other dangers he faces.
Children are affected by these displays of violence, subconsciously and consciously. Even if a cartoon is rated E - for everyone, there is still hidden violence one cannot recognise right away. Such as the violent act of the witch killing Snow While with the red apple, or the vicious fight between a dragon and the prince who rescues the Sleeping Beauty.
Cartoons are a form of media which contains most violence. Believe it or not, there is more violence in innocent cartoons than in adult action movies. The case of Codey is one of the examples of the effects of cartoons and how they affect children. Even if children don’t mimic such dangerous stunts, they do mimic their favourite characters subconsciously and in little things such as having the same favourite colour or animal they like.
Bibliography
Boy imitating cartoon critically injured in sandbox. (2008, March 9). Retrieved January 11, 2015, from http://www.komonews.com/news/local/16431271.html?tab=video&c=y
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