Cartoon is a term that once referred to fine art during the renaissance period. Somehow, though, the term's meaning evolved (or devolved, depending on how you look at it) into humorous and witty illustrations and, finally, into animated programs meant to entertain people, mostly children. For, clarity, the term 'cartoon' in this article shall be referring to the animated programs. Recently, however, a new term has been coined: Anime. And the distinction between these two has caused much confusion.
Strictly speaking though, there should be no distinction between anime and cartoon. Anime is a term used by the Japanese to refer to animated cartoons, from their own country and from others as well. Somehow, though, the world started using the term anime in reference to Japanese cartoons exclusively. Japanese animation was once called japanimation, but this term was aptly discarded when the term 'Anime' was put into use.
Some say that they see absolutely no difference between the two, even going so far as to classify both cartoons and anime as 'childish' because of the nature of how they are presented, much to the woe of anime fans. Technically, there's no official difference and they are somewhat correct. But you only have to watch a single episode of any anime series and you'll see that anime is far more than your usual slapstick comedy man-tripping-on-a-banana-peal early morning cartoons. There is a real and profound difference between the two besides their spellings: Anime is so much more than 'just a cartoon'.
Cartoons usually have a simple and defined plot. And they're usually about the good guys fighting the bad guys. Cartoons rarely go beyond that old cliché. Most Anime series, on the other hand, are also about the same good vs. evil but the plots are rarely simple and rarely predictable. You'll find an element of politics, religion, humanity, and a score of several other abstract concepts within an anime. Whereas cartoons are just about 'evil' cats chasing 'innocent' mice or a hero defending himself and others from a very evil bully. Anime can blur the lines between good and evil so much that you'll be left wondering which side is really right. Look at the plot of Gundam, there aren't any good guys or bad guys. They're both fighting for a cause - a worthy one, and both sides are prepared to do good and evil to achieve their goals. Look at the Wave Country arc of Naruto. Zabuza, evil as he was, had evoked more sympathetic tears than any of the typical Disney antagonists. There are, however, few exceptions to the 'cartoons are simple' rule. There are cartoon series that are far advanced like X-men.
In terms of humor, anime goes beyond the slapstick comedy that cartoons offer. There won't be any corny joke about the chicken crossing the road with anime. There won't even be the quintessential banana peal. Anime humor is deep and witty. However, it is to be noted that cartoons are mostly for kids. Anime can be for an adult audience; it mostly is, actually. There are even times when anime plots are hardly suited for children.
In cartoons, there's a protagonist, an antagonist, and a damsel in distress. Their roles are well-defined and clear and the characters always act according to their roles. In anime, however, the damsel in distress may very well become the antagonist, leaving the protagonist in distress. There's no knowing what to expect in anime. Anime characters, a lot of times, are developed overtime through trials and growth, while cartoon characters remain the same from when the show started. (Of course, there are exceptions such as Spiderman.) Since there's an ongoing plot, Anime characters actually grow up and may even produce the next generation for the series. Anime fans tend to get into the characters a lot deeper because of the characters' depth and charm. Consider Naruto; viewers see him growing up from an infant to a young powerful ninja, the way he relates to people, the way he learns new techniques, and the way he evolves visually. That is one of the chief reasons for popularities of anime over plain cartoons.
For all those sensitive guys out there we wanted to find some cute gifts for guys. Each of these gift ideas were handpicked by our authors for those special guys out there. The type of guy that's in tune with his feelings and likes to talk about his emotions. If you're doing some shopping for that kind of guy then we've got some great gift ideas for you. When we wrote this article we wanted to choose some cute gifts. The kind of gift that would just make your heart melt. After much product research we were able to come up with a few great gift ideas. As for our gift suggestions these are some of the cutest gifts we could come up with.
Most men out there probably won't like a nice stuffed animal. However we know for a fact all those sensitive guys out there will. Stuffed animals are always a cute gift idea. The reason being is that you can hug them and squeeze them as much as you want. If you're doing some shopping for a boyfriend then I would recommend some of the many love bears available. When doing some product research for this article I managed to come across a few stuffed animals that I thought would be perfect for that boyfriend of yours. One was holding a giant heart in his hand. Which is perfect for all those lovers out there.
If you've ever seen those necklaces that are for lovers that is our second gift suggestion. The necklace is basically of one half of a heart and both lovers wear one. Being a romantic guy myself I've worn this type of necklace before. It's actually extremely cute for all of those romantics out there. When you're doing some shopping for this gift idea you're actually going to have a huge selection. I've seen this type of gift for friends and lovers. The type of necklace that you buy should depend entirely on the type of relationship for have with the guy.
Our last gift suggestion is going to be a gift basket. The reason we wanted to suggest a gift basket is that it allows you to customize your gift. You'll be able to add a bunch of his favorite presents. On top of that you'll also be able to add a card that can summarize your feelings for him. What I would suggest doing is finding a bunch of great gifts of things he likes. Then add a heart filled letter.
Want more cute gifts for men? Then I would suggest visiting our website. On our website you'll be able to find dozens of great gift suggestions for all of those guys out there. If you want a great gift for guys then you should check out some of our recommendations. It doesn't matter if that special man in your life is a father, husband, or even a brother you'll be able to find a great gift for him.
