The Daily Think

GI Joe, a popular American animated television series, first aired in the 1980s and continues to be a beloved show to this day. The show follows a team of American special forces soldiers as they engage in battles against their nemesis, the evil organization Cobra. While the show was designed to be a fun and entertaining adventure for children, it has been criticized for its depiction of violence, guns, and the military. In this essay, I will examine the potential effects of watching GI Joe and its impact on children’s perception of violence, guns, the military, and morality, as well as its use as a recruiting tool for the military.

First and foremost, it is important to consider the impact of GI Joe on children’s perceptions of violence. The show depicts intense battles, explosions, and military operations, all of which can have a profound effect on a child’s understanding of violence and conflict. While the violence in the show is cartoonish and exaggerated, it can still have a lasting impact on children’s attitudes towards violence. For example, some children may become desensitized to violence and see it as an acceptable solution to conflicts. This is particularly concerning as studies have shown that exposure to media violence can increase aggression in children.

Another issue with GI Joe is its depiction of guns. The characters in the show use guns frequently and with ease, which can send a message to children that guns are normal and an acceptable solution to problems. This message can be dangerous, as it can lead to a culture that normalizes the use of guns and reinforces the idea that guns are a solution to conflict.

In addition to its depiction of violence and guns, GI Joe also reinforces traditional gender roles and reinforces the idea that the military is the only solution to conflict. The show portrays men as soldiers and women as support staff, which can limit children’s understanding of gender roles and perpetuate gender stereotypes. Furthermore, the show glorifies military service, which can make it difficult for children to understand the complexities of military service, including the moral and ethical considerations that come with it.

Despite its problematic aspects, some argue that GI Joe can also have positive effects on children. For example, the show can help children understand the dangers of terrorism and the importance of fighting against it. Additionally, the show can promote teamwork, bravery, and leadership, which are important values for children to learn. However, it is important to consider these positive messages in the context of the show’s overall impact on children’s perceptions of violence, guns, and the military.

Finally, it is worth examining the use of cartoons as recruiting tools for the military. Some have argued that shows like GI Joe can serve as a form of propaganda, encouraging children to join the military and to view it as a positive and exciting endeavor. However, it is important to consider the implications of using cartoons as a tool for military recruitment. Children are still developing their understanding of the world and are highly impressionable, making them vulnerable to manipulation through media. Furthermore, recruiting children at a young age can limit their ability to make informed decisions about their future and can prevent them from considering other career options.

While GI Joe was created as an entertaining adventure for children, its depiction of violence, guns, and the military has the potential to have lasting effects on children’s perceptions and attitudes towards these issues. The show reinforces gender stereotypes, glorifies military service, and can normalize the use of guns, all of which can have negative consequences. Additionally, the use of cartoons as a tool for military recruitment raises serious ethical and moral concerns. While there may be some positive messages in GI Joe, it is important to consider the show’s overall impact on children and to critically evaluate its use as a recruiting tool for the military. Plus I’ll show my kids and watch this show everyday before work if I had my druthers!