So Much of What I've learned, I've Learned from Watching Cartoons

From age 6 to probably age 10, after school time between 3pm-5pm along with Saturday mornings meant one thing: cartoons, cartoons, and more cartoons.  Looking back I'm remembering some prominent themes coming from these animated tales: good vs. evil, overcoming one's fears, being a good friend, being safe, telling the truth, believing in yourself, and justice will always prevail. The themes repeated from cartoon to cartoon just like the background repeated itself as each animated hero was seen running on the screen.  I'll never forget how GI Joe (pictured in cell 5D) ammunition from their weapons was always red, and Cobra's was always blue; subtle details that speak to the good vs. evil theme.  I learned from an episode of the Smurfs (7B) how a small jar of jelly could give you courage if you really thought the jar was filled with some sort of magic courage supplement.  I learned that presentation is everything watching episodes of He-Man (4C).  Why no one could tell that he and Battlecat were actually Prince Adam and Cringer I'll never know, but it must have been because all that cool armor and costuming that kept people from noticing.  The Thundercats (5E) along with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (5B) illustrated individual abilities coming together  in a cohesive group can overcome all opposition and have fun at the same time. The Transformers (4E) preached a simple 'more than meets the eye' message.  'So many cartoons, so little time' is what I often thought way back when; I just couldn't get enough. I see know how each episode has helped paint a picture of optimism in my mind's eye.  Within 30 minutes good will conquer evil, we'll at meet some new friends along the way, and we'll end our episode happily together getting a good laugh.