If you're like me and you get bored, you retreat to social media to see if anything interesting is out and about in the digital world. If you use Facebook to do so, then occasionally, in between the social commentary and the memes, you'll find a nice little gem to take up your time, like an entire recording of a movie you like, or a series of funny videos you could watch for hours on end. A few weeks ago, for me, that gem was an entire episode of one of my favorite cartoons growing up, "Static Shock." Now, for those of you that don't know, "Static Shock" is an African American superhero from the DC line of comic superheroes. He was an extensively popular character in the early 2000's with his own TV show.
"Static Shock's" animated series was targeted at kids, but for a kids' show, it touched some fairly deep and very talked about issues. The episode that I was watching in particular was dealing with the topic of racism. Other issues included gun violence, gangs, homelessness, bullying, mental illness, bigotry, and drugs.
For a show primarily targeted at children, all these topics where very "in your face" as well. From the looks of it, the writers didn't pull any punches when it swung at these particular social issues. As an example, the episode I was watching on Facebook was dealing with racism, as I stated before. Virgil (Static's real name) was staying at his best friend, Richie's, house. At first, when Virgil asked, Richie tried to dissuade him from the idea, but he eventually gives in and agrees to let Virgil stay the night. What's the big deal? Why's Richie not so comfortable with the idea?
It turns out that Richie's dad is racist, and when Virgil overhears his opinion on African Americans, he decides to take the bus home, and from the looks of it, won't be coming back to Richie's house anytime soon. Upset, Richie called out his dad for "his stupid racism" and storms off angrily to his room.
Yes, the word "racism" was used in a cartoon meant for children.
It's comforting to know that a kid's show was okay to show these types of issues, because they were very relevant and ongoing ones that people, even children, can relate to. More so, it helps when a child is put in this particular situation and they can understand and have a way of dealing with it. Especially with how chaotic the country has been lately.
It could also be comforting for adults, as well. In an America where there is socio-political chaos everywhere and more of the countries underlying problems are being shown, it is both becoming mentally and physically exhausting being an American. A satirical cartoon that could poke some good fun and make light of everything that is happening, something like "The Boondocks" or "South Park" would be instrumental in taking some of the stress these issues are putting down.
Cartoons are an artistic medium. Like any other, they can be used to tell a story, give a unique perspective on a particular topic of interest. As entertaining as they can be, they can be extremely helpful in coping with stressful times. With everything that's going lately, some people could use a bit of that now more than ever.
