When I Was Just A Little Boy 5
Cartoons
Unlike Comics, cartoons was much more emotional and engaging. Since they are on TV on a regular time, that also meant I have to be disciplined in watching them (i.e. finish my homework on time).
Even as I watched everything animated, I particularly watch the following 3:
Transformers
Thundercats
He-man
Well I was a “boy” so I guess these naturally attracted me more. I also watch, but not as deeply involved, Smurfs (which I also adore), Ultraman (uh… didn’t like the Malay translation, but I did learn the word “raksasa” from the cartoon), and Sesame Street (who doesn’t…)
Transformers gets a special mention. It broke my heart when I read much later in life that even the super awesome movie involving Unicron and the series are all just part of an attempt to sell their toys. You see, I never had a transformer toy in my life. ALL the transformers I have, I BUILT IT WITH MY BARE LEGOS and yes it “transforms”. Basically, it was a movie that went beyond just good and evil thing that featured in most cartoons, but a presents an alternative reality that could be constructed (if it can be a toy, it can be a machine).
Transformers, yes! (But not Thundercats and He-man for me.) And now I have actually passed down Transformers to my 5-year-old son, who enjoyed it so much (toys, video, stickers and books). I guess it proves its lasting appeal. The new generation enjoy it differently – with abundant resources from their parents and variety from the market. Perhaps we were a happier lot with less to choose from but more to cherish?
Can we compare happiness across generations? I can’t even compare happiness across geographical locations / social environment as I move from place to place. I think YK will be as happy as you as long as he has a great father like you 🙂