Taken literally, this statement isn’t particularly bullshit – it merely states the obvious. Of course “they” don’t make them like this anymore; “they” are completely different individuals setting out to correspond to a new generation of audiences, incorporating new trends and keeping up to new standards. However, it doesn’t take much analysis to come to the conclusion that the actual intention behind this remark refers to observation that said media, usually a television show targeted for children, was a true masterpiece of its day and that modern viewing quite simply does not keep up to this standard.
The Verdict: BULLSHIT.
I believe that people often utter this statement in order to exert authority over younger generations, thinking that in doing so they sound wise beyond their years. But the truth is, as I’ve already briefly explained, that children’s television shows are bound to change with the times. I’m going to take a popular example from today: “LazyTown.” For those of you that don’t know, this is an Icelandic programme that debuted in 2006, featuring a young female central character urging others to be active in their daily lives. Naturally, there was, and always will be, a place for health promotion in the media; however, obesity levels being what they are in Western culture, needless to say there has never been a more crucial time to encourage young people to exercise.
Don’t like LazyTown? Too loud, too simple, too annoying? Well, assuming that you’re an adult, you’re not the show’s target audience; i.e. you’re not supposed to like it. Now, I’ve had idiots respond to this point by stating something along the lines of “Oh, but I still love watching (insert popular cartoon from 20 years ago here).” That’s nostalgia, you morons. For those of us lucky enough to have enjoyed our childhoods, everyone enjoys placing themselves as much as possible into the shoes of our former selves as we run into the living room after school, clutching a Wispa bar or something, switching on the 14 inch screen telly and sitting on that old green sofa, blissfully ignorant that anything bad ever happened in the world. Re-watching particular TV shows on YouTube and bantering with your friends of a similar age regarding such programmes can take you several steps closer to that past time.
To verify my point further, it’s unlikely that you saw every single children’s programme in history. I’m not sure if you would uphold a great deal of regard for some of those shows if you saw them now, whereas you might have done once upon a time. I for one missed out on a few of the cult favourites; “Thundercats” and “He-Man” to name a couple. I have since watched said cartoons and... Well, they were pretty shit really, weren’t they?
Perhaps I’m generalising a bit here. Maybe one is referring to the timeless appeal of such programmes, or their being loved by children and adults alike, or the fact that the animation of today’s cartoons (Pokémon) is of much lower quality (as measured by, for example, the number of frames used per second) than that of earlier cartoons (Merry Melodies, Happy Harmonies, Silly Symphonies). However, if they ran a new, five-minute cartoon that matched the humour and animation style of Tom and Jerry, would you still watch it? Or would the lack of that nostalgic, crackly soundtrack put you off?
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4 comments:
I would usually associate 'they don't make them like this anymore' with a physical object like say...an antique lighter. Sorry nice irrelevant start for you.
While I agree with you in part, a lot of people will make that claim without any kind of critical appraisal whatsoever, that said, the shows that people will remember will be the particularly well-made shows-children have a surprising nose for quality. Also, with the rise of the corporate monster, many tv shows particularly those aimed at children, are written in a boardroom with a horrible cynical clinical feel to them. They are designed to make money and abandon the creative instincts that make many of our favourite children's tv programmes special.
Of course I am not up-to-date with the state of children's tv these days, so I could be talking out of my arse.
Damn, how'd you find me so quickly? Stalker!
Yeah it's a fair point, and to be honest, I'm normally inclined to mutter the statement myself (although it's usually in reference to shows before my time).
It's not to say, however, that we weren't subject to corporate exploitation ourselves. Walt Disney might give off that magical charm, but ultimately, the company is one of the most money-obsessed corporations out there.
Moreover, I have stumbled across the odd TV programme that I know I would've appreciated if I were the show's target audience (and doesn't reak of "horrible cynical clinical feel"). I caught something on the CITV Channel called "Planet Sketch" that was pretty funny and quite imaginative. Not to mention Shaun the Sheep, which has the whole package of amusing and original charm (complete with the memorable theme tune). And they still show some of the classics, such as SMart, Newsround and Blue Peter.
I suppose it's making a bit of a drama out of light conversation banter, but it is, on the whole, total bullshit.
Haha, it was on your youtube profile :-P!
Pocoyo is also very entertaining.
Oh hai guys whut's going on?
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