Do you think comics are a children's or adult's genre/media?
I think comics, like literature, are age-appropriate according to their content. For example, in
'TinTin and the Blue Lotus' (Herge, 1936), there are many references used in it that only adults would most likely understand. An example of this is by some of the dialogue used by a few of the antagonists in reference to Western superiority over the East. More specifically, there are references to how the West have apparently "civilise[d] the savages", a very derogatory use of language. This is what is known as ethnocentrism, when
you evaluate other cultures according to the traditions of your own (Oxford Dictionary, 2011). There are also many references to the the colour 'yellow', a reference to the colour of the Chinese and Japanese in the comments. By the number of times the colour yellow is mentioned, it would be easy to suggest that racism and Western superiority are ideologies that have a lot of emphasis placed on them in this text.
In 1955, Bill Pearson wrote that, "If we ban the comics, we are...preventing the further perversion of the world's children." From the negative ideologies I have taken from the TinTin book, I can understand why Pearson views comics the way he does. However, Herge shows an understanding between Western and Eastern culture through a dialogue between TinTin and his new friend Chang Chong-Chen, who compare misconceptions about each other's cultures. I thought this was an excellent way to show that both cultures still have a lot to learn about each other.
All in all, I still believe that comics are just like novels; its' content is the deciding factor in whether it makes it more appropriate for adults or children or both.
Hergé. (2005; 1935). The Adventures of Tintin: The Blue Lotus. London: Methuen., Oxford Dictionary, (2011). , Pearson, B. (March, 1955) Landfall.
it is right, totally agree with Jeiness' "like literature, are age-appropriate according to their content". For literature, they might have different visibale, however contents are most important for audience. Different ages who have different level to understand the meaning of literatures.
ReplyDeleteYou both are correct on the point of view about different content for different age group readers or audience. But I would like to point out that the content reveals the purpose the author is attempting to convey and the intensity determines the degree of obviousness for the purpose. I do hope my comments do make sense.
ReplyDeleteI think it's rather the stereotype of European to Chinese and vice versa. However, it's not that discriminating and children at that time are too innocent too actually pick it up so it still fine for them to watch Tintin as a fun and enjoyable comic. It's encourage them more than all text literature too.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, "adults are only kids grown up" (Walt Disney. It's just they have more experience and awareness to pick up political and parody.
Who are you Jeiness? Jordyn? Clare?
ReplyDeleteGood work for this post - well done!
Good use of examples from the primary text (Tintin) to back up your points.
Please make sure you use APA referencing correctly.
ie. a new line for each reference list entry
a page number for direct quotes
Esther :)
I agree with your point, "are age-appropriate according to their content". I think you have come up with some good examples and I thought it was straight to the point and easy to understand. Good Work!
ReplyDelete