One difference is subject matter. Anime sometimes has the reputation of being incredibly violent or pornographic in nature. This is true for many Japanese cartoons, but by no means all. In America, and the West in general, cartoons are usually seen as mainly child-oriented, even if there are several notable exceptions (The Simpsons, etc.) In Japan, animation as a medium is seen as accessible to anyone, so that adult cartoons are as common as child-friendly fare.

Anime is also usually different in style. While American cartoon characters often have exaggerated or unrealistic features, such as large heads, four-fingered hands, etc., Japan utilizes more natural proportions in many respect. Eyes are one exception, often depicted as much larger than in real life. Japanese characters may also have unusual hair colors such as blue, purple or pink. Due to the popularity of anime in the West, many American shows have tried to imitate the Japanese style, such as Avatar: the Last Airbender or Teen Titans.

Perhaps the most popular comic strip to make it to television was Peanuts. The late Charles Schulz’s characters live forever in the many specials that were broadcast for decades in prime time.

There have been others, such as Heathcliff and Garfield, cartoons based on the lives of fictional cats. Indeed, comic strip animals have been a staple of animated programs, even going so far as to base a special on Opus the Penguin and Bill the Cat from the political strips Bloom County and Outland in the Christmas special A Wish for Wings that Work.

Comic book characters which have also appeared in comic strips, such as Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, the Hulk and many others have long enjoyed animated exploits. This is largely due to the rich source material, and there have been countless hours of programs featuring their adventures.

Some of the names that you are likely to hear include classics such as Mickey Mouse, Heathcliff, Scooby Doo, Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote, Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, and let’s not forget the classic cat and mouse duo Tom and Jerry.

Today’s cartoons are filled with many computer generated special effects and additions, which is great, but it is just not the same as enjoying an episode of your old favorite cartoon. Many of today’s parents might be surprised to learn that when given the chance to see them, children would love these old classics. Sure they might not be full of special effects and bright vibrant colors, but the characters themselves are so likeable and so entertaining to watch that children do not even notice the differences.

Research has shown that as much as 70 percent of children’s cartoons contain violence.The full explanation can be found at http://111west1ststreet.wordpress.com/2011/09/12/do-cartoons-influence-children-or-do-children-influence-cartoons/ There is also a direct link between violence in children’s programming, and the violent behavior displayed in children who watch the shows. Parents have become accustomed to cartoon violence. Many parents think that allowing children to watch these types of shows is harmless. When in reality, the cartoons are actually teaching their children that violent behavior is funny.

If children are exposed to this violence at an early age, it can have a negative impact on their life. However, many children watch these violent cartoons and grow up just fine. It is up to the parents to screen what their children watch. It is also up to the children’s interpretation of what is depicted in the cartoons and how they translate it to real life.