Research Paper

http://pacisalyssaeunice.blogspot.com/

THE SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES SENT TO CHILDREN

BY TELEVISION SHOWS

AND IT’S NEGATIVE EFFECTS

A Research Paper Presented to

The Faculty of the English Resource Center

School of Multimedia Arts

Asia Pacific College

Magallanes, Makati City

In Partial Fulfilment

of the Requirements of the Course

ERESWRIT - Research Writing

Alyssa Eunice T. Pacis

April 2014

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

Cartoons are popular today. From Calvin and Hobbes to The Flintstones, Mickey Mouse to Tom and Gerry to The Amazing World of Gumball and Gravity Falls cartoons have been famous in every decade today, from generation to generation it is greatly enjoyed and appreciated. For some reasons, cartoon is popular because an average child spends 1480 minutes per week watching television therefore, the average child spends about 4 hours watching television every day; four hours spent brainwashing.

Cartoons and TV are usually watched by the children/other audiences by means of entertaining themselves. It is viewed so people can have fun and just enjoy every episode of each cartoon show. But, most of the people think that cartoons are good for the kids. Nelson Berry said in his article entitled “Subliminal Messages, Stress, and Cartoons - What Cartoons Teach Us About Dealing with Stress” he stated that cartoons can be an excellent educator. It can teach children of their ABCs and all about the Earth and its nature. However, he also stated that too much of cartoons can be detrimental and can cause something to put in our mentality without us noticing which is the so called: subliminal messages.

To sum up, creators of the cartoon shows have developed these shows for the fulfilment of the children’s enjoyment. Nelson Berry also said that these cartoon shows even though they are bright and colourful, it can be a threat to the kids because the characters display a risky behaviour, thus these cartoons use hidden messages. These subliminal messages are sent for the adults.

Nelson said that “subliminal messages are so powerful they can even completely erase stress from your system such that you will not be able to even perceive it.” (http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/subliminal-messages-stress-and-cartoons-what-cartoons-teach-us-about-dealing-with-stress)

He says that adults can enjoy the subliminal messages that cartoons have and that it will gain them stress-free. That is even cartoons are mainly for children, subliminal messages are for adults to enjoy it.

Cartoons is also popular today because, instead of cartoons are giving entertainment to children, it also entertains the adults. As the year passes by and the generations are being evolved, people have produced sophisticated cartoon shows therefore making cartoons more mature.

In the article “Why 'Adventure Time,' Now In Its Fifth Season, Is More Groundbreaking Than You May Realize” written by Eric Kohn. He says that: “While the vast enthusiasm for shows like "Breaking Bad" and "Mad Men" have lead the argument that television has entered a golden age of mature storytelling, animation has always thrived in the format with broad appeal indicative of different expectations that liberate the form. Even before "The Simpsons" proved the viability of adult-oriented primetime animation, "Looney Tunes" demonstrated the ageless appeal of slapstick comedy and that visual humor has the capacity to entrance viewers of all ages with a more complex set of access points.” (http://www.indiewire.com/article/why-adventure-time-now-in-its-fifth-season-is-more-groundbreaking-than-you-may-realize)

In the article, Eric clearly says that as cartoons are being popular today, adults have been enjoying them also as well as the children. And that the cartoons are entering to the golden age of mature story-telling as some cartoons were created really for the adults. Having that said, cartoons are limitless. It shows how flexible cartoon shows can be that are offered to the mass media. Not only children, but also adults can enjoy the craft of animation being showed in the cartoon shows.

Cartoons are popular today also because it cannot only entertain the children but it can also inform or educate them. Children can learn a lot from educational cartoon shows like Dora and Barney. These can give them more vocabulary words and can teach them small knowledge on different languages.

Fatima Khoulani said in her article entitled “Positive effects of cartoons on children” in the website (en4all.proboards.com) that “When a kid watches TV in his very early age, he learns many things before going to school. He takes up things easily and tries to learn how to speak and conduct himself.” (http://en4all.proboards.com/thread/1/positive-effects-cartoons-on-children)

She explains that being able to watch educational cartoon shows can broaden the child’s brain, therefore having more advantage when they go to school. They also learn how objects and some other things work with its meaning and they can practice how to pronounce and say them.

Cartoons are also popular because cartoon characters influence kids. Cartoon characters are very charming and appealing to the children as well of the adults. A lot of times we are able to relate to them and also we would love to laugh at their frolics, mistakes and adversity no matter what. A child idolizes everything or anyone that seems to be nice to them and this result to them having to adapt the characteristics of these cartoon characters. It can affect them from how people trust each other and react to things, to people's fashion and their favourite styles of music.

Caroline Scott-Thomas explains in her article entitled “Cartoon characters may influence kids’ taste preferences” based on the experiment the researchers made that “the result of this experiment provide evidence that the use of popular characters on food products affects children’s assessment of taste.”  This quote says that even on food the kids are being influenced. (http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/R-D/Cartoon-characters-may-influence-kids-taste-preferences)

This is a good advantage for the children. They can eat as many healthy foods they need to partake because they think that when their favourite cartoon characters are up in those cartons of cereal boxes or whatsoever, they have this mindset formed: that it is said and made to be delicious because it tells that the cartoon character loves it. All in all, children are more likely to enjoy the taste of foods when they are branded with their favourite cartoon characters.

In spite of the popularity of television in the society today, the researcher observes that watching TV Shows has a bad effect especially on children. 

It is believed that TV shows contribute greatly to the attitude and behaviour of people. Therefore, spreading awareness about the possible negative effects of television on families, especially on children, will be useful be useful because it will/can add knowledge to parents and others about the things it can ruin one's attitude or behaviour.

Besides discussing the broad world of TV shows, it’s positive and negative effects and its cause and effects; the purpose of this paper is to explain why cartoons are bad for children.

B. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer these questions:

1. What are the subliminal messages that are sent to children by cartoon television shows and what are the possible negative effects of these TV shows?

C. Significance of the Study

Parents. This research paper would be able to help the parents in becoming more aware of what a TV show can do to their children. This will help them to be more careful in choosing what not to let their children watch. This is also to inform them of the certain things this world can offer especially in the field of television.

Future Parents. This research paper will help them so that they also know that the TV shows also have bad effects and sometimes have subliminal meaning behind it.

Children. This research paper would let the children see things clearly and differently. This also is an additional learning or trivia to them.

Students. This research paper would help them open their mind in what is happening to the media and the lessons they are trying to preach. This is also an additional knowledge in the matter.

Teens. This paper would/can change the way they think. This can change their perspective and be aware and be and so that they can be a good example to the rest of the society especially to those who are younger.

Singles. This is useful and has an impact. This can also serve as an announcement to them that they may be a better example and to help people be aware of this matter. This can also help them encourage others to watch a better TV show.

Future Researchers. This research paper would be helpful to the future researchers especially if they have the similar topic. This can serve as a reference and format.

D. Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on the negativity of TV shows to the children and some of the cartoon conspiracies. TV shows especially in the cartoon genre that is mostly watched by the kids.

Due to the emphasis on cartoon TV shows, this study will no longer discuss other types of genres like musical, horror, and such as so to focus on its negative side. Moreover, the researcher believes that the children are one of the priorities of the society and they need to be protected and cartoons are what they watch so this paper is going to focus on what they watch.

E. Materials and Methods

This research paper is based on the researcher's finding on the internet. Mostly all the sources of the data are harvested/collected articles from the internet that talks about the TV shows and kids and its effects. The other information relevant to the study came from books.

This will be analyzed and showed by the means of pointing out certain things the cartoon TV shows preach and will be observed in the view of psychological perspective. The researcher also includes some examples and situations on the experience about the TV shows.

F. Definition of Terms

1. Conspiracy. A secret plan made by two or more people to do something that is harmful or illegal.
(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conspiracy)

2. Entertainment. The act of amusing people.
(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entertainment)

3. Subliminal. Relating to things that influence your mind in a way that you do not notice.
(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subliminal)

4. Television. An electronic system of sending images and sounds by wire or through space.
(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/television

Chapter 2

DISCUSSION

What are the subliminal messages that are sent to children by television shows and what are the possible negative effects of these TV shows?

I. Cartoons with Subliminal Messages

A. SpongeBob SquarePants

               

SpongeBob SquarePants is one of the cartoon shows that are very familiar to every kid’s life today since it has been airing in the television for a long time now and it has a non-stop viewing in Nickelodeon. This cartoon show is one of the non-sense yet fun cartoon show ever in my entire childhood life. Although it is fun and enjoyable, it has a deeper meaning, yet I think it is an obvious one.

According to the article entitled “SpongeBob SquarePants and the Seven Deadly Sins” by Duncan Stewart that “We tend to think of children's television as safe a place for our kids, a bastion of innocence in a sometimes scary world. And what could be sweeter than a neon-yellow anthropomorphic sponge? So it might surprise you to learn that many people believe the characters of SpongeBob SquarePants are based on the less sunny aspects of humanity.” (http://www.modernmom.com/e0aea2ea-3b45-11e3-8407-bc764e04a41e.html)

In the article, she explains that each of the main characters in SpongeBob SquarePants was inspired by one of the seven deadly sins. Patrick represents the sin of Sloth being a lazy person who lives under a rock, Squidward represents the sin of Wrath being angry almost all the time to everybody, Gary represents the sin of Gluttony for eating nearly everything he sees, Sandy represent the sin of Pride being showy in everything, Plankton represents the sin of Envy because he wanted to beat Mr. Krabs’ food business, Mr. Krabs represents the sin of Greed because of the love of money, and SpongeBob represents the sin of Lust for longing for so much affection.

B. Adventure Time

Adventure Time is one of the cartoon shows that children and even pre-teens and teens and even young adults are addicted to. They love this show so much for many reasons. This show is all about a boy who is named Finn and his twenty eight-year old magical dog named Jake with magical powers that can stretch to any shape and form and who encounters a lot of strange and some serious adventures in the Land of Ooo.

The researcher have read on about the truth behind the show Adventure Time and was entitled "The Truth" by Deliah Tomlinson on quotev.com. The show is about a boy named Finn. He was a thirteen-year old boy who was extremely lonely: having no friends and being ignored by his mother, who was having a difficult time trying to support him juggling two jobs. Finn's only friend was his loyal dog, Jake. Deliah said that “Finn will dream of adventuring until his dying day.” (http://www.quotev.com/story/2487988/The-sad-truth-behind-adventure-time/1/).

               

After Jake died, Finn got severely depressed and attempted to commit suicide by having an overdose. Rather than dying, he fell into a coma and was stuck in the hospital. Doctors feared he would never wake up from the coma. Unfortunately, they were correct, as Finn would never wake up from his coma, stuck in a dream, a fantasy world Finn had always dreamed of, and told Jake about. After all, it is truly “Adventure Time” the show about depression.

C. The Hunchback of Notre Dame

In the original story which I read in an article entitled, "HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME" by an anonymous writer on sparknotes.com it says that Esmeralda has three potential suitors, while Quasimodo is just some deaf and ugly hunchback watching her from his tower. One of the suitors is Phoebus, he shows up and has his way with her. He then gets stabbed in the back by Frollo, who pins the attack on Esmeralda.

It also tells us that Esmeralda is the one who attempted the murder, she is sentenced to be hanged. While the hero in the story, Quasimodo rescues her and hides her in Notre Dame, wherein Frollo tries to rape Esmeralda. Quasimodo saves Esmeralda again and this time Frollo gives Esmeralda up and there is a brief and bloody battle during which Frollo tells her he will rescue her if she will ‘give her love’ to him. She refuses and he hands her over to the troops. Frollo watches as Esmeralda is executed, and laughs hysterically as she writhes at the end of the rope. From then on, Quasimodo throws Frollo from the heights of Notre Dame. And Quasimodo crawls into the crypt where the corpses of executed criminals are left to rot and he wraps himself around Esmeralda’s decaying body. Eventually their two skeletons are found, wrapped in an eternal embrace. He lies there like that until he eventually dies of starvation.

D. Mickey Mouse

In the article entitled "The Mickey Mouse Cartoon That Might Make You Kill Yourself" by Remy on remycarreiro.com, he states that "For as long as video tapes have existed, so have existed the rumors of certain videos being embedded with hidden messages that can twist the viewers perception and mental state." (http://remycarreiro.com/the-mickey-mouse-cartoon-that-might-make-you-kill-yourself/).

There is more to Mickey Mouse than we ever imagined. The story behind the mouse suicide is a deceptively simple one. According to the article, Walt Disney was said to have gone into the studio right before his death and spent days working on his single animation by himself. Feeling tired, he came into Walt Disney studios and chose one animator to show the film to when he finished it. The animator was alone, in a room, he was watching the nine-minute movie. When the movie was over, he exits the room and he walked towards the security guard. He is said to have murmured the words ”Real suffering is not known”, over and over again, and then pulled the gun from the guard’s holster and shot himself in the head.

II. The Negative Effects of these Subliminal Messages

A. The 7 Deadly Sins

Sloth, wrath, gluttony, pride, envy, greed and lust: there are no forces more destructive, demeaning and deceptive. Although the list has been around for quite some time, a lot of  people don’t see the relevance of these sins in modern society.

Sheryl Nantus said in her article entitled “The Seven Deadly Sins Explained: How Do They Affect Your Life?” in the site voices.yahoo.com that “The seven deadly sins may seem outdated and ancient, but a closer look can show you that they are alive and well in the world of today.” (http://voices.yahoo.com/the-seven-deadly-sins-explained-they-affect-1051755.html).

She said that it may look banal/old hat, but if we closely and notice today’s generation it is very animate. From the poorest of poor to the richest of the rich, whoever you are, we face this seven deadly sins every day. In her article she explained how the seven deadly sins can affect each individual and that we may be falling into its prey without even knowing it. There are effects of these deadly sins that may affect a child negatively in any way.

 First is the sin of Lust. Lust is the sin of the out of control sexual desire. People are mentally and physically used to gain their interest in a sexual way. Sheryl Nantus said in her article that lust is also in the extent of pornography in the magazines especially on the internet caused by the sexual addiction in the society. Kids can bring pornography in one click of an ad on the internet and it can capture their minds in no time, so better watch them before anything worse can happen.

Gluttony is excessive intake or use of something, abusing of substances. Sheryl said in her article that obesity is one of the major health crises, the sin of overeating. But Sheryl said that it can also be applied to withholding food from others in order to give supply to ourselves. An example would be a plea from the local food bank asking for donations to help feed the needy. This can be the result of kids who actually sees the character in action of gluttony and can ruin their health by eating anything they want especially when they are bored, unhealthy food can consume their nourished bodies.

Greed is basically the act of holding and grabbing. To obsessively desire for more and more material wealth and the power that goes with it. Sheryl Nantus also said that hoarding items is another form of greed such as priceless art away from public. Mr. Krabs portrays this sin and it is sad that it can teach the kids to love money above all else and can also cause to theft.

Most people think that sloth is the act of being lazy, not doing much of anything and just sitting around and doing anything. Although this is also true, being a sloth is also staying busy most of the time but don’t do the things they should. They stay busy so they may have an excuse. Sheryl Nantus also said that the definition sloth extends in including those who refuse to take action when the opportunity presents itself.  An example would be as simple as helping the elderly and people with disabilities to cross the street.

Patrick is one of the adored characters in the show SpongeBob SquarePants. Being such an adorable chubby starfish, kids can imitate how he’s been a sloth for almost every time. Being a sloth can actually lead to obesity which is actually part of gluttony and obesity can also lead to frustration and stress.  

Wrath today is known as violence and abuse though wrath mentioned in the show SpongeBob is referred as anger.  Wrath as said by Sheryl is the violence that surrounds our streets and our news broadcasts around the world. While it is also anger, against yourself, your friends, or even strangers. The effect of this deadly sin is not having control on anger. The more you hate, the more you will not be loved and you will eventually be depressed and lonely.

Sheryl said that envy is the mindset that brings us in the condition of desiring of wanting those items. This deadly sin also includes when you take pleasure in the misfortune of others, such as laughing when you see someone you dislike have a bad fall. Having said that, it is harmful for a child’s behaviour because it is like saying that acquiring things can give you a better life and that being happy of someone’s downfall is okay.

The last deadly sin is pride, better known today as “ego-tripping”. Self love is the cause of every sin. Sheryl stated in the article that this sin can be found everywhere, from famous celebrities preening themselves for the camera to the politicians seeking votes and pronouncing themselves to be the best for the job over others using less-than-honorable techniques. Self-indulged people are frustrated longing for attention. Thus, they have a tendency to make nonsense arguments leading others to frustration, anxiety, anger and depression. By doing so, they not only affect themselves but also the people around them. Arrogance and haughtiness can also result to a spoiled brat kid.

Sheryl suggests that maybe we can prioritize the good virtues in our life that can combat the seven deadly sins to make the world a better place. In summary, I think that we can make this work if we start it at home and continue the good work by spreading it. Exposing kids to a better environment and giving them a healthy lifestyle is one of the things that we can teach our children in the society.

B. Depression and Suicide

What you watch, what you listen to and what you read can affect you entire mood, thoughts and actions throughout the day. TV shows should make us happy and smile. TV shows should brighten up our day through its humor and the good flow of the story. TV shows should make us laugh until we drop. TV shows should contain good and effective lessons. But unfortunately, there are shows that don’t even make us emotionally healthy.

In the article that I have read entitled “Too Much TV Can Make You Depressed” by Emily Main, they have said that the more time you spend in watching TV, the more you will be depressed. It is said that they become depressed at the gap between their own life situations and the reality TV shows whom they aspire. Therefore, it increases the isolation of a person. Too much TV is bad for your psyche as it is for your whole body. She suggest that too much TV can make you gain weight making you have the possibility to be obese anytime if you don’t stop watching for a very long time.

Emily Main said that “Next time you’re watching TV, ask yourself if there’s something else you could be doing.”  (http://www.rodalenews.com/watching-too-much-tv-0?page=0,0).

This is a good suggestion when you are depressed, because depression can lead to eating a lot and eating a lot can lead to obesity and obesity is not good and it can also lead to frustration.

An example of a show that teaches depression is the cartoon show Adventure Time created by Pendleton Ward. Finn was a thirteen-year old boy who is very depressed because he doesn’t have friends and her mother barely talk to him, usually ignoring him. He only had one, loyal friend, a dog named Jake who then died after few years because of an old age. After Jake died, Finn got really depressed and attempted committing suicide by overdosing. Finn would never wake up from his coma, stuck in a dream, a fantasy world Finn had always dreamed of, and told Jake about.

This kind of lesson that this show is teaching is very unhealthy for a child to watch. The deep meaning behind this is all about depression and suicide. These two are interconnected according to the book that I read entitled, “Psychology 7(updated edition)” written by John W. Santrock.

John Santrock said that “severe depression and other psychological disorders can cause individuals to want to end their lives. Although, attempting to suicide is an abnormal behavior.”  

There are 3 factors of the cause of suicide also according to the book: Biological, Psychological and Socio-cultural Factors. Finn is experiencing the socio-cultural factor wherein the cause is a loss of a loved one who died.

Children being exposed to this show are putting the children in danger because as a child can see, they believe and it can give them the possibility to be depressed. Being depressed is hard to face especially when the one who is facing it is a child of young age. This will burden everyone around him/her because an untreated depression is dangerous. It also increases the chance of risky behaviour such as alcohol or drug addiction and can ruin a relationship. So to sum it up, we should be careful for what our children can be adhering to. Supervision is recommended. And for me sensitivity should be used when the creator of a TV show is presented in the TV they should be more considerate to the audience who watch their show.

C. Necrophilia

According to an article I read entitled, "Necrophiles" by Katherine Ramsland on crimelibrary.com, she said that "Necrophilia is an erotic attraction to corpses, with the most common motive cited by psychologists as the attempt to gain possession of an unresisting or non-rejecting partner." (http://www.crimelibrary.com/serial_killers/notorious/necrophiles/necro_4.html)

In other words it's making love or having inter-course with a dead corpse. I think that Necrophilia is one of the most weird and bizarre practices of abnormal and perverse sensuality because a normal person can't possibly receive pleasure from a dead body anymore. An example of a TV show that teaches children Necrophilia is: The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Gravediggers and mortuary attendants are most often found practicing necrophilia. They are engage in this activity because of their loneliness and coupled with easy access to corpses. It is known that necrophilia often choose a profession which allows them free and unhindered access to dead bodies.

Even though gravediggers and mortuary attendants are the people who mostly do this, it still and will negatively affect a child. Necrophilia is not a way to entertain a children’s mind because it will give them a show that is not good to them. Being able to learn this as a kid can consume their minds and can also dream of those things. 

Chapter 3 

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

SUMMARY

This paper attempted to determine the subliminal messages that are sent to children by cartoon television shows and the possible negative effects of these TV shows.

The research design used in this study is in the descriptive research method in which data and information from articles and studies found online and books were used to answer the research question on hand. The research findings are the following:

1. Cartoons have subliminal messages and some of them are: SpongeBob SquarePants, Adventure Time, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Mickey Mouse.

2. Each of the main characters in SpongeBob SquarePants portrays each of The Seven Deadly Sins.

3. Adventure Time has a back story that teaches depression that usually causes to suicide which is the back story of Mickey Mouse and also sometimes it causes obesity.

4. The Hunchback of Notre Dame’s real story teaches Necrophilia, having inter-course with a dead body.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. Cartoons teach the 7 Deadly Sins.

2. Cartoons teach depression and suicide.

3. Cartoons can cause obesity.

4. Cartoons teach Necrophilia.

RECOMMENDATIONS

After drawing the conclusions of this study, these are the suggestions that can help others in the future:

1. Audiences should be sensitive or be conscious of the substance of these cartoon TV shows, as they may show or reveal a deeper meaning.

2. Parents should lead and boundaries to their children in watching heavy-detailed cartoons, most especially when they contain harmful and dangerous scenes because there are many negative effects these kinds of shows convey to kids.

3. Future researchers can and should use this study so that they can use any details or information related to their topic that this paper can help. 

REFERENCES

A. Books

Santrock, J. W. (2005). Psychology 7(Updated Version).

               New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

B. Electronic Media

Nelson Berry (December 23, 2010) : Subliminal Messages, Stress, and Cartoons - What Cartoons Teach Us About Dealing with Stress” from http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/subliminal-messages-stress-and-cartoons-what-cartoons-teach-us-about-dealing-with-stress

Eric Kohn (November 13, 2012) : “Why 'Adventure Time,' Now In Its Fifth Season, Is More Groundbreaking Than You May Realize” from http://www.indiewire.com/article/why-adventure-time-now-in-its-fifth-season-is-more-groundbreaking-than-you-may-realize

Fatima Khoulani (Mrch 21, 2009) : “Positive effects of cartoons on children” from http://en4all.proboards.com/thread/1/positive-effects-cartoons-on-children

Caroline Scott-Thomas (March 8, 2011) : "Cartoon characters may influence kids’ taste preferences” from http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/R-D/Cartoon-characters-may-influence-kids-taste-preferences

Duncan Stewart (2013) : “SpongeBob SquarePants and the Seven Deadly Sins” from http://www.modernmom.com/e0aea2ea-3b45-11e3-8407-bc764e04a41e.html

Deliah Tomlinson (December 16, 2012) : "The Truth" from http://www.quotev.com/story/2487988/The-sad-truth-behind-adventure-time/1/

Anonymus : "HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME" from http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hunchback/summary.html

Remy (July 27, 2012) : "The Mickey Mouse Cartoon That Might Make You Kill Yourself" from http://remycarreiro.com/the-mickey-mouse-cartoon-that-might-make-you-kill-yourself/

Sheryl Nantus (March 4, 2008) : “The Seven Deadly Sins Explained: How Do They Affect Your Life?” from http://voices.yahoo.com/the-seven-deadly-sins-explained-they-affect-1051755.html

Emily Main (April 9, 2010) : “Too Much TV Can Make You Depressed” from http://www.rodalenews.com/watching-too-much-tv-0?page=0,0

Katherine Ramsland : "Necrophiles" from http://www.crimelibrary.com/serial_killers/notorious/necrophiles/necro_4.html