Most western cultures consider explicit sexual content taboo. In truth, it's probably for the best, since most available media portrays sexual material as a purely physical experience without the emotional connection. The idea that a relationship is about more than just sex, and that sex should not occur unless you're emotionally invested in the other party, is core to most western parental philosophies on sex. Parents assume that until children are capable of differentiating between love and sex, they should not be exposed to sexual material of any kind. It's unfortunate really, since as with all parental restrictions, the more a child is sheltered from sexual experiences, the more they desire knowledge of them. It's in their nature; more specifically, it's in human nature to desire new knowledge. Many learned individuals (myself included) see the blatant hypocrisy in these teachings. The vast majority of adults are unable to effectively manage their sex lives, both emotionally and physically. Some go through life without ever knowing true love (if there even is such a thing), while some remain as immature as their children all their lives. If the teachers don't fully understand the subject matter, how can they hope to pass knowledge on to others? You also have to admit that Geressen has a point. A lot of anime contains subtle (and oftentimes not so subtle) intonations regarding sexism and female exploitation, not to mention incorrect portrayals of what real relationships are like. As bad as it is to be overly cautious around your children, there are also dangers arising from being too loose with what they see. Be honest here: would you REALLY let your children watch Boku no Pico? I think not.
Jazzman makes a good point aswell, I was taught about what sex was at a young age and now I'm practicaly asexual. ( this is a joke) ( or is it?) ( ha ha haaawwwhhhwwww :''( )
Hidamari Sketch has no sexual themes (tho one of the characters is often depicted taking a bath, there's nothing sexual about it, it's just where she has relaxes and considers the events of the day)
I've never understood how americans (like my big brother with his 4 kids) are ok with kids seeing people's heads blown off and extreme violence and gore in war movies, but if some titties show up or two people make love it's like "cALL THE POLICE MY CHILD IS BEING TRAUMATIZED!!!!"
also, I'm not advocating for showing kids ecchi (perverted) stuff [like BnP]. But the occasional sexual theme or nudity if it's part of a story should be ok. I think people are a little too prudish when it comes to sexual themes. I think kids can handle it and won't be traumatized if they know that people hump and have boobs or whatever
In regards to anime, there's also the cultural idea that "cartoons" are for kids so there's probably a psychological disconnect for some people that "cartoons" are depicting "adult" situations. (Not saying anyone here in particular has that issue, but it's something I've heard suggested.)
There is alot going on in a young man's brain. The exposure to the topic of sex is not what I'm trying to avoid, its the application of sexuality in the anime type settings that I'm thinking of in my head, I don't recall the names as I typically just stop watching them. But it mostly has to do with the focus of a character being their sexuality, say oversized boobs, or seductive interaction - as the main reason that character exists. I'm teaching my boys to love and respect women. I don't want them to learn to determine a woman's worth by the way she looks or acts, but attempt to see her for who she is and be good to her. Sexual immorality and porn addiction are rampant, and it starts with exposure that is mostly considered silly or "acceptable" by our society. It's just not something I want my sons to have to understand or deal with at 8 years and 11 years old. If you want to show your sons that type of stuff great, do it. If you don't have sons, come talk to me when you do. All that being said, I love watching anime with them, just wish there was more I could choose from.
I can understand that. Even as a general anime fan, I wish there was more to choose from. Somewhat tangentially, I am curious though, what is it about anime that you like in this context? Are there characteristics of anime that isn't shared by other mediums? Or is it something else?
FMA was great, big brother, little brother etc. They loved that. They are interested in action. Thats why star wars appeals to them. But while we are watching anime they are always talking about favorite characters so I know character depth is also important. So those two characteristics, action and character depth, are really hard to do well in kid-oriented shows. They like Lab Rats, for example, its about some bionic kids and Kick'n It, about a Karate Dojo. There's only so much acting growth that can happen in those kid actors lives. Those films are fairly low budget, but still very expensive since they use live actors. I think the great thing about anime is that anything is possible. My boys are very imaginative and creative, and anime appeals to those traits easily with its wild and chaotic interpretation of its story. I guess anime can get more done for cheaper.
Yea, unfortunately, in my experience, the stories with the best character development/depth don't have a ton of action or else deal with very adult themes. How does stuff like Madoka fit on this spectrum?
http://myanimelist.net/anime/1827/Seirei_no_Moribito <- this might fit the bill, @Baskitkase, though maybe a bit heavy/slow Note: I haven't actually watched this so it might not actually work
Log Horizon might work well if you haven't already gone through it @Baskitkase , while there are some romance sub-plots the characters aren't generally sexualized as such and they are more used for character development than anything else. There's a decent amount of action most of the time but there might be parts which would be considered boring to those that want all action all the time. Lots of character development though, for many characters. My brother and his wife do some drawing classes with mostly young teenagers, they often show an "Anime night" thing, in large part to look at different art-styles and stuff. They basically have a "this is what we want to show" and a "this is what you guys voted to watch" type of system. Next time I talk to them I might be able to get some recommendations about good shows suitable for a younger audience.
I do think it's kind of funny that your list consists of moe, a little ecchi, more moe, and then Welcome to NHK, which is completely different from the rest of them (at least in my view) in tone and content (well, I don't know much about Sundome).
Some suggestions. Jojo's bizzare adventure. First 9 episodes are kinda eh. But after that it gets better and better. Best show to teach your kids to never give up. Although it does have some blood. Also, a neat artstyle. Hunter x Hunter. Kinda like FMA. Only better imo. Atleast the first 60 episodes. Main character can be annoying though. Trigun Sci-fi acton flick. Looks cool and has a bit of drama towards the end. All of them are not sexual at all and are basically action. Another one I like is Cromartie Highschool. Although it's a comedy with a wierd style of humor (nothing sexual) so I don't know how 9 year and 11 year old kids would like it. Then there are also Ghibli movies. Those are always great for kids. Another fun movie is Redline. It's basically about a car race. Only action with superb animation. Visuals are everything here. Nothing sexual, although there are a few scantily clad women.
Geresen, Dubs, definitely. They're not old enough to appreciate the skill and inflection in the japanese voices yet. To the rest, thanks for those ideas! I'll check them out.
