Anime is NOT for kids

There is a common misconception here in America: that animation can only be childrens' cartoons. Thanks to companies like Disney, that make only childrens' movies, this has become a common American thought. When most Americans think of animation, they think of Rugrats and Powerpuff Girls, or Looney Toons. But as my "twin" and I both know, that is not the case; anime is not necessarily for children. Contrary to popular belief, anime is created for all different audiences and age groups, with widely varying subjects. And the animation is better than even Disney's quite often.

Here's what its like from my point of view: No one bats and eyelid at adults swarming to watch Peter Pan. But tell them you're going home to watch Fullmetal Alchemist or Eureka Seven, and they give you the look. When I tell someone I'm a fan of Japanese animation, they ask me "Isn't that for little kids?" or say, "Geez, c'mon, grow up." Actually, if they were to watch anime they would be the ones growing up; because instead of watching one of those extremely stupid, brain-washing, American reality shows, they would be watching a show with action, adventure, and something with an actual story line (not something you see in kiddie cartoons). It the anime is really good, it gives you that sense of awe when you turn it off, like "wow, that was incredible." These shows are inspiring.

Anyone who says that anime is kids cartoons has either: A. obviosly only seen Pokemon, Digimon, or Yu Gi Oh! or B. doesn't even know what is is. Most anime is way to complicated for little kids to understand, not to mention the language and/or violence in some of the shows. Its not something child should watch.

In Japan, anime is considered a type of art. The cinematography and other elements of professional film making are all harnessed in the making of Japanese animated films. Anime such as Ghost in a Shell uses computer graphics that you never see in American cartoons. Anime producers experiment with creative lighting, camera angles, and backgrounds, and focus on small details that American animators would never even think to bother with. That is the difference between American and Japanese animation itself.

Therefore, we can plainly see that just because a show is animated doesn't mean is has to be for children. Yet the previously stated misconception is still the standard American thought due to the severe lack of good animated American TV. Sadly, most people who put down anime (almost everyone I know) will never be willing to actually watch a few episodes of something good. They'll be too busy watching The Stupidest Acts Ever Caught on Tape. Yes, that's a really show.

For some of you who are willing to discover a new genre of animation go to ovguide.com
and go to the anime section on the side.This website has pretty much every tv show, movie, and anime that's ever been released. All you have to do is type what you want in the search bar and find a website that has what you want. Or if you just want to browse, click on one of the websites.

I have no recommendations as to which anime you should watch. I like everything. Your first couple of episodes will leave you feeling stupid for watching, but pretty soon I know you'll love it.