…I will watch cartoons, collect stuffed animals, play video games, and eat sugary cereal. Also, talk about stupid things like poop.
Me: I feel like we talk about poop more often than we should.
Coworker: Nonsense, we’re adults. We can talk about poop all we want.
Because seriously, why the hell not? I’ve realized recently that one of my biggest pet peeves is when people view something as a “children’s” thing and then think it’s silly for adults to enjoy it too.
Animation seems to take the brunt of it. That’s always been weird to me because so much work goes into animating shows and movies, and most of them have stories that can be enjoyed by any age. Just because something is children-friendly doesn’t mean it’s only for kids.
I’m sure some of you have re-watched an old Disney movie, and thought, “wait, was that joke always there? Did I miss that as a child??”
Pretty sure I didn’t know what a hookah was as a child
Or perhaps saw a Pixar movie and was surprised by how deep it really was. While little kids were focused on how cute and funny Wall-E was, I was thinking, “holy crap that is really our future, we’re going to destroy the Earth and become lazy and technology dependent”.
Even shows that target younger demographics, like Avatar: The Last Airbender, are amazingly well done. The Last Airbender is beautifully animated, has a wonderful story, and has some of the best character development I’ve seen. People who view this as only a kid’s show are really missing out.
Video games is another one that people seem to view as an immature hobby, even though so many games are targeted to an older audience. It confuses me how video games have been around for so long and still get such a bad rap. And of course, this is really relevant right now since Pokemon Go has become huge.
Slowly but surely, I will catch up to my coworkers who have way stronger Pokemon
While many people love the game, there seems to be an equal amount of hate. Some hate it because people are acting stupid, which to be honest, I agree with. Come on people, watch where you’re walking, don’t play and drive, and don’t go to places you aren’t supposed to. Use common sense.
Others hate it because they’re tired of hearing about it, but how is that different than any other popular thing? If people enjoy it, let them enjoy it. People have been exercising, getting out of the house, and interacting with people more. I’m pleasantly surprised by how much positivity has come out of it, and I’ve had so many positive experiences exploring other parts of my city and talking with random players.
Lastly, there are those who make fun of adults that play it, saying it’s a children’s game. This part, I don’t understand. People who grew up with the original 150 are adults now, and to get a wide variety of Pokemon and visit Pokestops, you need some form of transportation. Not a big deal for people who live in cities, but in my area, you have to drive. It’s no surprise that most people I see playing it are adults. Why can’t we get in on the fun too?
Ok, I got derailed a little while talking about Pokemon Go, but really, why does it matter if people still enjoy cartoons or toys or video games or catching Pokemon? When did becoming an adult mean that your definition of fun changes?
We’re limited as we grow up because we apparently don’t know any better at those ages. When you’re an adult, independent, and making your own choices, who is to stop you from enjoying things that are seen as “childish”? I say you buy that box of Froot Loops, binge on cartoons, and go out and find Pokemon. People who limit themselves because they think things are too childish can continue to miss out on the fun.
I agree with you! Anyone of all ages should be able to enjoy anything they want. I love to collect plush dolls and have no regards for what people have to say about it. YES YES, if people like a particular thing, let them enjoy it! Who are we to judge others based on what they like?!
Nothing wrong with enjoying things that we enjoyed as kids. I think it’s okay because as a kid, my parents couldn’t afford all of the goods I liked. Now that I have money, I don’t have that financial limitation anymore. It’s a fair game!
YES! Everything you wrote I agree with 100% So just because I’ve passed some arbitrary age I am no longer allowed to enjoy certain things? Like in your examples, there is plenty of entertainment made for children that is wonderfully well made and definitely serves as meaningful entertainment for adults too.
It’s not just entertainment either, look at fashion and all the articles about things you shouldn’t wear after a certain age. Ugh.
Personally, I’ve stopped caring what people think. I’m in my 30’s now and I still like video games, fantasy books, comics, and My Little Ponies. Only yesterday I rented Zootopia because I hadn’t watched it yet and wanted to, and I’ve been playing Pokémon Go daily since last Friday. No shame here, haha!
Besides, who do you think have more fun? The people rolling their eyes and badmouthing the “childish” things, or the people enjoying their hobbies and interests? 🙂
I agree with you. People are like, “I don’t do this or that…so I’m more mature.” and it’s like getting on my nerves and just very hypocritical. Why can’t we just enjoy productive and constructive things? Pokemon Go for instance is getting a beating because everyone is like “it’s gay” or “it’s lame” or “it’s for nerds that can’t get laid” which is my favorite insult like ever! Talk about misconceptions.
I don’t care anymore, but I will defend those people that enjoy the same hobbies that can’t defend themselves. I’m tired of people shitting on things we love. It’s not hurting anyone, so why can’t we be childish on things we enjoy?
Wow,I’m only on level 9 on Pokemon Go, but enjoying the hell out of it 😀 Thank you for these great points!
I don’t really understand when people make fun of adults for liking ‘kiddish’ things. When you’re a parent, no doubt you watch cartoons and movies with your kids. It doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them. There is a reason they call them ‘family movies’ as well. They are supposed to be enjoyable for everybody.
Pokemon is one of those prime examples of something that was very popular when many people were still young, and they are adults now. I love seeing old favourite children’s shows come back to life, or get attention these days.
Also, some naughty innuendos are weaved into animated movies so the adults can enjoy them too 🙂
I agree as well. No matter what age we are anyone can enjoy whatever we all like. Even at my current age I’ve always enjoyed anime or watch cartoons here and there. My family thinks its bad but I’ve always enjoyed what I like doing. My family doesn’t understand at all since they’re more in traditions.
I have to say I agree with all of the above. I think we talk about poop like…at least three times a day while we’re at work, haha. Like you, I love watching cartoons and seeing all of the adult messages. Too funny!! I’m also playing Pokemon Go and a lot of people have so much hate for something fun and innocent. Just because I’m an adult, doesn’t mean I need to be a judgy jackass!
Some of the best times I’ve had with my husband is when we start being immature! We have so much to worry about that honestly, being immature is fun and sure takes the years off! If we didn’t have that and hobbies, i can’t imagine we would make it far into our marriage/relationship.
I think other people get frustrated because either their generation didn’t get so much free time as we get that allows us to have fun or because our generation can do all of this and still make money like they used to. They just grew up in a different time than us. They think it’s so terrible that we are in a day and age where we can follow our dreams when they couldn’t. That or they really just want to see us miserable xD
Whenever I speak to adults older than me, they talk about how spoiled we are and often in a mean tone. They don’t talk about the accomplishments of our generation but they freely talk about how we all have so much free time and such.
I dunno, I got my mother-in-law to play Pokemon Go and my parents understand because when I was a kid I was obsessed with Pokemon. They fully supported my Pokemon gaming 🙂
Ditto on what everyone else has said. Animes, comic books, video games, and whatever are not just for kids! They can be enjoyed by anyone. Heck, they even have adult-oriented genre for these media, too! I remember one time when I was playing on my DS during a family gathering, and my aunt said, “Tara, you still play games?” The insinuation was, “You still play games and you’re 25?” BAHHHH.
Even now, a lot of Korean parents view such things as something we should outgrow by like age 10 or something. Uh, nope! I’m not outgrowing them at all XD I will do all the so-called “kid stuff” even when I’m over the hill!
My coworkers and I were talking about poop the other day. Instead of taking calls, we work in a call centre, we were discussing how satisfying pooping is and when the best time to go is. LOL.
I hate when people dismiss animations as childish – most of them have incredibly deep meanings behind them. Wall-E is one of my favourites because the whole fat people thing could actually happen ?
Don’t get people who hate Pokémon GO! Its bringing people together, actually getting people outside and it’s Hella fun – what’s the harm? I am currently obsessed, haha
Yes yes yes yes. Everything you said.
I’m only level 11 on Pokemon Go. Can’t believe how quickly some people are doing it. I’ve been playing on my journey to and from work, which is four hours, and I still feel like I’m rubbish at it. Plus, I haven’t taken a gym yet. So sad.
I love so many things that are considered to be for younger ages. I find it weird that people don’t – who wants to get old and boring? I’d rather spend all day playing Pokemon!
I keep seeing adults playing Pokemon Go on the bus and it’s so amazing! My inner child is pleased!
xxx
I wholeheartedly agree. If you like something, enjoy it. Don’t worry about others judging you. If people don’t complain about one thing, they will complain about the other. Eat your cereal. Watch your cartoons. Catch ’em all. Enjoy your life.
This is also a common issue among autistics: if an allistic friend/relative likes watching Tom & Jerry at age 13, that’s fine; but if the autistic likes watching Tom & Jerry at age 13, they’re deemed childish and hopeless. It’s a double standard, but agh…
Some peeps I attended high school with who play Pokemon Go have basically turned the teams stuff into war-producing stuff. If someone’s on on blue team, the red and yellow teams viciously hate them—people are getting into fights over it. It’s weird to me, as someone who doesn’t play it because their phone’s incompatible, because it’s just a game, but meh. I guess it’s a matter of the people doing stupid stuff?
I like your post, though! I love the Dreamworks: Dragons franchise for this reason. In several interviews, the creators have mentioned how it’s animation, but it’s definitely not just for children, because a lot of the story and dialogue is directed towards adults as well. The whole project is essentially a big shout-out to the people who think animation is just for kids, as well as an attempt to changing that notion.
What, if not the “kids” stuff, are adults supposed to play with and watch? Maybe the people who think it’s childish are uncomfortable with their own maturity.
They miss out for sure! I don’t care what people think of me. I go see the animated movies in theatre. I – of course – watch anime and read manga. I love to still dress up in costumes and so on so forth. It’s sad when people ignore that stuff because they think they have to be ‘grown up’. I mean, what does that even mean? I think I’m more grown up than someone who goes out and drinks until they are sick. I’m more grown up than some of those out of control football fans… it’s all just a matter of opinion and close minded people I suppose. All great points and great mentions btw! 🙂
I hate how some people think a lot of activities are for children only. It’s ridiculous. I have always claimed I am a child at heart and that will never change. I love to goof off and talk about silly things. I enjoy cartoons and eating sugary cereal. I still pay a mortgage and take care of my kid, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a child in me as well 🙂 Never want to grow up.
It’s funny because I was at a speaker’s dinner the other week, and all the developers (some well into their 40s) were talking about their favorite Disney movies without batting an eyelash.
For me, I still watch cartoons and play a lot of games. I’ve never really felt insecure about it, and if some people think adults shouldn’t be doing those, then it’s their loss. I’ve waited my whole life to collect anime merch and buy full-set games on the first day. I have my own money now and my parents can’t say no! XD
OMG I agree with everything you just said. My dad always wonders why we still watch animated films and superhero movies, when we’re already adults. He always tells me and my brother that we’re the Peter Pan Generation, we just don’t want to grow up. But the thing is, animated films and video games have so much more than great effects or cute graphics, they have great stories that we can all learn from as well and that’s what we’re paying attention to.
I agree with this post 100%! I am often looked at and judged for being childish for loving Disney and video games. Pokemon Go is a great present example, some of my co-workers think it’s the most childish thing to do and have made comments like, “Pauline you’re 20, grow upppp!” But it’s so much fun and makes me happy – I don’t find it a childish hobby at all!
It’s the same with re-watching Disney films!
I agree! My husband an I own several Pixar move and animated Disney and it’s still so much fun. Those movies are for everyone. I am getting more curious about Pokémon Go. It’s true people need not to play and drive. There is no such thing as a childish hobby in my book. 🙂
My mom comments on my childishness whenever I watch movies like Zootopia but last week we watched Kung Fu Panda 3 together and she really liked it. I think people who separate adulthood from childhood hobbies are trying way too hard. All my friends watch animated movies together which is why we’re so comfortable with each other, instead of trying to impress each other with “adult” activities (I mean that literally). I do know people who complain about Pokemon Go, but even one of my friends who usually lives more of an adult life is playing it. Being an adult is having the freedom to do whatever you couldn’t as a child. HA.
I have so much to say about this post and I totally agree in all of it. I watch Pixar, Disney and Dreamworks movies because there’s more to beautiful animation, character rendering and costume and its the story. The more I age the more I understated the deep meaning of this cute movies. Animators and writers work hard for it to be a timeless piece. No matter how we age, the lesson of the movie stays with our heart
Also, I still drool over cute stuff something kids will like too. I guess there’s nothing wrong with it as long as we’re having fun.
I wish I was into video games but I only have super mario and my parents dont want me to stay in TV/PC for a long time. Though I play beyblades haha XD