"While teaching children about the importance of protecting nature from exploitation and importance of standing up to those who would harm the earth, the "Captain Planet" cartoons are also teaching children other lesson. There are "good" lessons, such as the importance of teamwork and the balance of different people's strengths. Over time, the teens learn to accept help when they need it from each other and from outsiders, and each contributes what he or she can to each situation" - p. 258, Susan Jaye Dauer
I found this to be an important statement in Dauer's essay. The idea of the cartoon "Captain Planet" was more than just a show for kids. It tried to teach children why it was important to protect our Earth and also, how we can work together in society to accomplish this. It is very clear that the cartoon shows how people all over the world could help...simply by picking the characters from each continent. Also, each episode describes an environmental issue in which the planteers try to solve together. It seems like now and days, many cartoons do not have this sort of purpose. "Captain Planet" seemed to be a very educational cartoon for children in all aspects.
Love the idea that they pick characters from all continents!
ReplyDeleteI too made note of the problem solving aspect of the show. It is important for children to be exposed to such ideas not only at school, but at home. Sometimes the lessons they learn from television shows and movies can help cement ideas that were previously learned in social situations. This can act as a way of confirming what they already believe to be true.
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