This piece filled me with joy and resonance for this show. I need to get back to my Dad’s attic and see if I still have my thunder tank and Panthro. Thanks for the breakdown of the magic of the ThunderCats.
You are taking me back to my childhood here! I even had the sword!! Loved that show when I was so young! I didnt even remember what it was really about! Pre mind! TV was my babysitter! I will be revisiting this show now. Thank you!
Once again an enjoyable read John. As an 80’s child this has taken me back to a time where it definitely felt like peak culture. The point that I have taken is the lack of ritual in today’s world for both adults and children. Loved the idea that you would talk in the playground about the latest episode and then re enact that. This is definitely lacking in the play that I observe in school playgrounds. Maybe something to explore further !!!
"Rituals are symbolic acts. They represent, and pass on, the values and orders on which a community is based. They bring forth a community without communication; today, however, communication without community prevails." — Byung-Chul Han
Interesting break-down of what seems simple kids entertainment. Similar to how nursery rhymes have message.
Also something I noted was that it's not only children that don't necessarily share the experience at the same time, parents also don't have the same awareness. As kids move onto personalised screens it's not the same as having the childrens shows on in the background TV in the same room. Once they go past maybe Peppa Pig and the young children shows, adults also can lose the sharing experience.
Great point Scott. Time for you to time travel back to 1985 for a re-watch with yours! When it was on originally in the US the production company sent out homework packs to schools for kids to do with their parents after each episode.
This piece filled me with joy and resonance for this show. I need to get back to my Dad’s attic and see if I still have my thunder tank and Panthro. Thanks for the breakdown of the magic of the ThunderCats.
Thanks Adam. My friend is having a whale of a time re-watching it with his 5-year-old son! There’s an enduring joy embedded in it.
Btw I’m also a recovering academic looking to create outside the ivory tower!
Amazing - I’ll get my 6 and 3 year olds on to it and will share what the reaction is!
You are taking me back to my childhood here! I even had the sword!! Loved that show when I was so young! I didnt even remember what it was really about! Pre mind! TV was my babysitter! I will be revisiting this show now. Thank you!
The glory days 🗡️
Once again an enjoyable read John. As an 80’s child this has taken me back to a time where it definitely felt like peak culture. The point that I have taken is the lack of ritual in today’s world for both adults and children. Loved the idea that you would talk in the playground about the latest episode and then re enact that. This is definitely lacking in the play that I observe in school playgrounds. Maybe something to explore further !!!
"Rituals are symbolic acts. They represent, and pass on, the values and orders on which a community is based. They bring forth a community without communication; today, however, communication without community prevails." — Byung-Chul Han
https://thundercats.fandom.com/wiki/ThunderCats_Wiki - a treasure trove to explore :-)
Interesting break-down of what seems simple kids entertainment. Similar to how nursery rhymes have message.
Also something I noted was that it's not only children that don't necessarily share the experience at the same time, parents also don't have the same awareness. As kids move onto personalised screens it's not the same as having the childrens shows on in the background TV in the same room. Once they go past maybe Peppa Pig and the young children shows, adults also can lose the sharing experience.
Great point Scott. Time for you to time travel back to 1985 for a re-watch with yours! When it was on originally in the US the production company sent out homework packs to schools for kids to do with their parents after each episode.