I am not ashamed to admit it: I am an adult woman who loves children’s cartoons. I would say my condition started right after I entered college – I found myself watching many different shows from Cartoon Network, some from my childhood, but also some newer ones.
Danny Phantom, Adventure Time, Steven Universe – they worked their way into my daily life, until suddenly I couldn’t stop craving them. I NEEDED my daily fix of cartoons. And of course, it was so convenient to get – most cartoons range from 10 minutes to 20 minutes long, easily a short enough period of time that I could sneak one or two in between classes and work.
I’m still not quite sure how it happened, but one day it crossed over from a healthy little hobby to an addiction. Not only was I spending all my time watching cartoons, I was also looking up cosplays and fanart. I was taking *gulp* Buzzfeed quizzes to find out which character I was. Woe is me! How could my life have taken such a terrible, unforeseen turn of events? How can I break these chains that tie me to such a childish addiction?!
I kid, I kid. Honestly, I really do love watching cartoons, but I don’t consider it to be a problem. What’s wrong with not wanting more of the same monotonous comedy or drama? I still love shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Portlandia, but sometimes I just need a little escape back to childhood.
Shows like Adventure Time or Steven Universe aren’t as immature as you might think. They cover a lot of topics that even us adults can relate to, too, and in a way that is fun and cute to watch. In SU, Steven struggles with trying to live up to everyone’s expectations of him, and deals with missing a mom he never got the chance to meet. In Adventure Time, Finn learns about jealousy, love, and loss. Not to mention all the adorable side characters that you grow to love! My personal favorites are Marceline and Garnet – two very badass women.
Is it childish to watch children’s shows? Sure! But who doesn’t want to feel like a child again every once and a while? Don’t you want a glimpse of when things used to be so simple? So easy? Back when you didn’t have responsibilities or worries – those were the days! Why try to run away from them? I embrace my inner child full heartedly. And honestly, if you aren’t watching Steven Universe, what are you even doing with your life?
