Everything I Need to Know in Life, I Learned from Cartoons…

26Sep11

Now, I’m a young, professional woman who enjoys wearing power-suits with heels and talking about SEO, statistics, and motivational material, but let me be clear about something: I love cartoons. There is nothing better than waking up on a Saturday morning, grabbing a bowl of Museli Cocoa Puffs and flipping on the Retro Cartoon Network. I love it. Nothing gives me more joy in life than these simple pleasures (that might be kind of sad…). I realised this weekend that, while I love cartoons, they have also taught me some very valuable life lessons.

If I may, I’d like to share these lessons with you in the hopes that you also may share in the life-changing wisdom that these cartoons have given me:

1 ) Transformers: this cartoon taught me to never say anything bad about my car (like, EVER because, one day, it might decide to just come alive), and also to never judge a book by it’s cover, so to speak. I learned that sometimes people are “more than meets the eye”…(I know. Clever, right?)

If you ever find a vehicle for sale and it's called "Optimus Prime", you should buy it...but only if you're a good guy. If you're a bad guy, it'll obliterate you.

2 ) Animaniacs: in my opinion, this was about the greatest cartoon that has ever existed. Animaniacs taught me that every night mice are plotting to take over the world, that pigeons have teeth, that even 6-foot tall chickens can pull off clever disguises, and that it’s okay to call your Mom “Lady”, and your Dad “Mr Man”…they appreciate that.

Best. Cartoon. Ever.

3 ) Ewoks: these little guys taught me that even if you have a large amount of success in life (i.e. featured in a major film like Star Wars), if you’re not careful, you could end up living in a tree. I owe all of my motivation for financial planning to those furry teddy bears leprechauns dogs gremlins things.

Seriously. What are these things?

4 ) He-Man: although He-Man/Prince Adam had superhuman strength and a sword, he was not allowed to use either offensively, nor could he directly punch or kick anyone – he was only allowed to destroy robots who opposed him. Therefore, he taught me that violence is not the answer. Also, that I could be a master of the universe…

All kinds of awesome. (Credit: http://www.ign.com)

5 ) Kissyfur: this cartoon taught me that even if you’re a widower who rides the rails with his son on their way to being enslaved in a circus, and the train derails, flings you into the wilderness, and you have no plan, well, you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and enjoy your new life in the swamp – protecting everyone else from dangerous alligators. Kissyfur taught me that no matter how bad you may have it, someone always has it worse…usually Kissyfur. I mean, even his name is unfortunate…

Why were his eyes constantly so wide? Always perpetually surprised, for some reason... (Credit: http://www.sharetv.org)

6 ) The Smurfs: they taught me that if you’re a communist, there will always be people out to get ya. Also, Papa Smurf is kind of bossy but everyone respected him, therefore, I should be bossy if I want respect. People like that, right?

He's got a bit of a snarky attitude, but he gets things done.

7 ) Jem: from this show, I learned that women can run their own businesses and be rock stars all at the same time. I also learned that earrings can project holograms.

She kind of looks like a pink female version of Gene Simmons

8 ) The Flintstones: I must say that this is one show that probably changed the course of my life. From this show, I realised that I should get myself educated and make something of myself, otherwise I could be stuck at home catering to an overweight brute with an anger-management problem, wearing nothing but rags and the same pearl necklace over and over again.

My idea of a non-educated me: bare feet and awkward arms and hands that fall unnaturally by my sides.

9) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: this show taught me that turtles are a force to be reckoned with. Also, you should never kill a rat. They are probably all wise senseis who can teach you ninjutsu.

He may be a sewer rat, but he still enjoys a good cup of coffe in his bathrobe in the mornings just like the rest of us... (Photo Credit: http://www.derok.net)

10) Beetlejuice: this cartoon didn’t teach me anything. My mom told me that it was too scary for my young eyes and forbade me to watch it. She still won’t let me watch it.

If my mom reads this post, she's going to be upset that I even added in a picture of Beetlejuice. "Too scary", she'll say...

11) Inspector Gadget: he taught me that it’s okay if you’re a bumbling idiot who screws up everything you put your hands to, just as long as you have an 8 year old niece who builds computer-books that can do anything (was Penny the original creator of the eReader and/or iPad?)  and a dog that is ambidextrous who has a plethora of disguises in order to fool you and everyone around you into thinking he’s a real person. This is how you ensure success in life. Everyone needs a good support team.

This blog post will now self-destruct...

What were your favourite cartoons as a child? What did those cartoons teach you? Do you still watch those cartoons whenever you can? What do I still have left to learn from cartoons that are in production right now?

Filed under: Education, School   |  56 Comments
Tags: Animaniacs, cartoons, Education, Flintstones, He-Man, humor, Inspector Gadget, Smurfs, Transformers