Smurfy Sailor's Opening Thoughts on the Topic

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Here is what I think. Animé and cartoons are both animated. I don't think anyone will object or have question to that. I also think that most of all animé comes from Japan, which is the birthplace of animé. You could even call Japan: Animé Nation.

But does ALL animé come from Japan? Are you trying to say that it is not possible for an American (or someone from a country other than Japan) to create an animé series? You see, if that is the case, then I think that is kind of stupid. For example, what if Naoko Takeuchi (creator of the animé Sailor Moon) were say to move to America one day and become an American citizen, then that would make her an American (native to Japan, but no more or less an American than any other American). Would this mean that now that she was no longer Japanese that she could no longer create animé simply because she would now be an American (and no longer living in Japan)? I think that is absolutely ridiculous. I think that would be discrimination based on what country the person is from (or citizenship, etc). Another example if you didn't like that one is me for instance, what I would draw in America if I were to have drawn the same exact thing in Japan would make all the difference of whether or not it was to be considered animé? Ridiculous.

What I think is that animé is a style of animation which is native to Japan, and is a very dominant and important in the Japanese culture. It usually has a very unique look to it which makes it fairly easy to distinguish it from your common everyday cartoon. One thing in particular that is a distinguisher are the trademark faces of animé characters are the eyes, noses, hair styles, and the mouth. Be sure to click the link below this article to compare animé to cartoons.

Now being logical with saying that animé is a Japanese style of animation. It would also be logical that most people who would produce this style of animation would be Japanese people. But with this logic saying that it is a style of animation means that a non-Japanese person could also potentially create animation in the same style as animé. I mean why not? Don't get me wrong, I totally love Japanese animé. But having watched Totally Spies, the animated TV show, it seemed to me to be a cross between an animé style of animation and cartoon style of animation (other examples are Batman (Batman Beyond), Justice League, amongst others). It made me think about whether or not the show should be classified as being a cartoon or an animé or maybe even both.

So being curious I tried to figure it out by looking up the definition of animé (which there are quite a few varieties of definitions for it so didn't help me too much). I decided that since I had made a Totally Spies Image Gallery that I might try suggesting A Totally Spies Category at Anime Web Turnpike. A few days after I posted the suggestion it was deleted and no reply to me by post or by email from them. After having been around as long as I have, I knew it would be best not inquire about the deletion of the post. So that inspired me to create a webpoll and also this page where I tell you what I think about the subject, and then you give me your feedback via the webpoll and also by sharing with me your comments at the bottom of this page.

But seriously, an animated show is an animated show. If you enjoy animation then watch it. Animé, cartoon, whatever. You can love both animé and cartoons, and seriously, who cares if the show is an animé or a cartoon? If you enjoy it, then watch it for what it is.

South Park is made by Americans and Japanese. Is it animé or cartoon? Does it really matter? Just shut up and enjoy it already. (or don't enjoy it)

Just a little something to think about. Then fades away until you no longer remember ever having been to this site at all or what the purpose of this page was....

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CLICK HERE
To read a couple conversations I have had with a friend
& also for your opportunity to share your thoughts on the topic and more!!!