Tracing the Path of Cartoon Entertainment in Pakistan

cartoon entertainment.

Cartoon Network's popularity quickly spread throughout the subcontinent when it arrived in Pakistan via satellite dish. The network initially aired classic cartoons such as Road Runner, Tom and Jerry, Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny and Hanna-Barbera productions like The Flintstones from the 1980s. The addition of new content like Dexter's Laboratory and The Powerpuff Girls only increased Cartoon Network's appeal. Today, it is the second highest rated cable network behind Nickelodeon. Cable television introduced even more animated options with channels like Nickelodeon, The Disney Channel and The Kids Channel giving rise to beloved cartoon series including Hey Arnold!, The Rugrats and Spongebob Squarepants.

The market's focus has changed to target teenagers and adults due to oversaturation of the young audience. In the past, only The Flintstones and The Simpsons were notable cartoons geared towards this demographic. However, South Park and Futurama have also made significant contributions. It is essential to note that many children's cartoons contain double entendres that convey subliminal messages and humor appealing to mature viewers. This approach has proven successful as approximately one-third of Cartoon Network's viewers are 18 or older, according to Michael Alazzo, senior vice president of programming.

Television viewing is prevalent in our country, with approximately 115 million out of 140 million people being viewers. Cartoons have become an essential aspect of children's lives, and it's difficult for them to envision existence without them. Many kids share this sentiment, as evidenced by my eight-year-old cousin's surprise upon discovering that PTV only airs ten minutes of cartoons each morning. Cable TV allows easy access to popular channels such as Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Disney Channel, resulting in waiting for favorite shows becoming

part of their daily routine.

According to pakwatan.com/main/tourism/pakgeneral.php3, it seems that cartoons have a significant impact on young people. However, contemporary cartoons have been subject to negative criticism due to the portrayal of violence, nudity and discriminatory behavior towards specific genders.

While some experts argue that shows like The Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack promote violence, and others claim that Dexter's Laboratory, Cow and Chicken, and I am Weasel contain some nudity, along with Johnny Bravo possibly perpetuating gender inequality towards females, there are many who have rejected these opinions. They argue that modern cartoons are no more violent than the likes of Bugs Bunny and Road Runner, which showcased explosions and gunfire. Regardless of these debates, the entertainment genre of cartoons has evolved in Pakistan and now boasts a variety of networks available on TV. As a delightful addition to our diet of entertainment, cartoons offer much-needed laughter in our daily routine. These shows are more accessible than ever before and can be watched anytime, anywhere, from traditional hand-drawn animation like Tom and Jerry to the latest technical marvels such as Samurai Jack - all guaranteed to bring a smile to our faces.