We survive because of a balance of trial and error and repetition. We will stick with methods that work rather than try new ones. This makes sense when one acknowledges that trying new things, or methods, often results in error or discomfort. However, only by testing may we discover better ways of doing things, and repetion, though comfortable, may be ineffective. Take, for example, the Coyote. Every time he tries to catch the Roadrunner, he fails. It is obvious that the reason he fails is because he doesnt vary his methods much. 98253727 episodes of this cartoon were created on the basis of the Coyote only using about five different ways of catching Roadrunner. The same goes for Elmer Fudd, Sylvester, and Tom the cat. But why are children expected, even encouraged, to watch these shows on a regular basis when they surely must know what will happen in the end?

A child is born into the world an endless supply of creative energy, but he will still grow to make the same mistakes as those that came before him did even though he was forewarned. Not only that, but he will constantly make variations of that mistake as he continues to grow. Growth is represented as moving in time from point A to point B to point C and so on with the understanding that B represents a higher level of knowledge and understanding than A, and C as higher than B, and so forth. Somewhere, someone is determining what these levels should contain and when they should occur. Each child needs to be prepared and told what to expect from life. And that is where cartoons come into play. What better way to perpetuate stereotypes, pass moral judgements, and assign roles than through television? By way of cartoons such as Roadrunner and Coyote, kids are taught that attempting to fulfill their dreams will bring them nothing but pain and frustration. They are told that the persuer is the Bad Guy and that the one beign persued, the one who goes about his day ignorant to the fact that doom lurks around every corner, is the Good Guy. Occasionally, one will see the Good Guy defending himself against the Bad Guy. Of course, the Good Guy thwarts all of the Bad Guys attempts at victory (and who wouldnt? Victory for the Bad Guy = death for the Good Guy.). The lesson here, folks, is that by ignoring doom and rejecting new ideas, one will survive. At the same time, by attempting to fulfill ones desires, one will only be met with discouragement and pain. Avoiding doom = pleasurable. Trying to get what you want = painful. Contradictorally, via other tv shows and movies, kids are told that sticking to their convictions will allow them to reach their goals. They are taught to cheer for the underdog withe the heart of gold. Is it any wonder that as they get older, kids only become more confused and frustrated about their role in life..?