Various entertainment programs from foreign countries are increasingly becoming the madness of Malaysians. The plan is not just broadcast on television, but can be accessed on the internet and compact discs that can be viewed easily regardless of time and place limits.
It is even more alarming that there are no filtered or unapproved plans by the Malaysian government available to viewers who may have a negative impact on the community such as contributing to the problem of crime, vice and faith.
Children are the most impressed with this situation because of their affable nature with what they see especially when viewing animated stories (cartoon).
Plans such as Superwings, Alvin and The Chipmunks, Pickle & Peanut, Maruku Can, Crayon Sinchan and Ninja Boy Rantaro are among the most popular animated children in the world. Many assume this animation is simply and good entertainment for cognitive and social development.
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Although some of these animations carry messages and positive influences, parents should be aware of the suitability of the characters, cultures and other elements in terms of character development and the identity of the child.
Studies have been conducted in the United States that all types of animation are a key factor in the formation of a child's identity or personality in that country where personality is one of the key elements in recognition of the existence and superiority of a nation and reflects the value of being carried by the nation.
Animation plans affect the behavior and attitudes of children such as communication, language, manners and behavior and how to dress. However the effect of either positive or negative animation needs to be viewed individually or specially animated.
The first aspect of speech or communication. From a positive point, animated images help in mastery of English from speech, dialect and understanding.
In fact, it helps to speak Malay language skills especially for people who have their own language (besides Malay), while from the negative point of view, there are children who change their dialect and language slang from overseas conversations that gradually erode the personality Malay language.
The next aspect looks at the effects of animation on behavior and manners. Animation exposes children with a variety of attitudes and positive qualities such as tolerance, tolerance, negotiation and ability to control the emotions of themselves when dealing with people around them. For example Animation Robocar Poli and Superwings show pure values in daily life such as mutual help, unselfishness and friendship value as emphasized in Malaysian society.
But animation also has a negative impact on this aspect. Taking the example of Alvin and The Chipmunks animations, little kids call his father's name 'Dave' and Pickle and Peanuts animation that mention obscene words and actions.
In another example, Maruko's character in Maruko Can's animations is to force his parents to follow his will and rebel if his request is not met. This is in no way contrary to Malaysia's culture and the principle of the fifth Rukun Negara, namely politeness and morality.
Significant negative effects are the malicious behavior of children against their peers after seeing the scene of the fight in the animation by imitating the techniques and fighting skills shown in the animation program seen.
The effect of animation can also be seen on the effect of usage. Clothing is the identity of a character and symbolizes a nation. Animated characters from abroad showcase their images and cultures that are not suitable for Malaysians who are more concerned about their curiosity and politeness. For example, Digimon and Pokemon animations, sexy dressed female characters that publicly display their feminine organs in almost every episode.
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Today's scenario can also see girls especially more interested in dressing like Elsa's characters in Princess animation than wearing national dresses such as baju kurung, cheongsam or sari.
Overall, there are animated cartoon animations that have positive and negative effects, but this effect needs to be evaluated by the parents by looking at the animation individually.
With the availability of animated plans on various platforms besides television, parents should be smart in selecting and controlling the appropriate cartoon plan so that the animation is not just entertainment, but it also contributes to the formation of children's personality.