Ninjago - Violent or Benevolent?
At first I didn't think Ninjago was something I wanted for my grandsons - more cartoon violence hyping a product to kids. But the boys wanted Ninjago, so I bought the first season and watched it beforehand. I found it to be immensely clever, entertaining, and I applauded the little social lessons sprinkled thru the actions. This latest in the series keeps up the tradition. Pros: engages the kids, has some worthwhile content, excellent animation. Cons: fighting and some violence, but more justified than gratuitous. Still, you can never be sure if kids are telling the difference. I like to sit with them and watch (sometimes for the 4th & 5th times) so I can try to catch problematic messages and re-interpret out loud. It's tough to get philosophical with a 4 and 5 yr old, but it's simple to remind them that these are TOYS trying to do the right thing. Besides, I grew up with Mighty Mouse and Bugs Bunny. Now THERE'S some life-lesson material. And I think I still turned out ok. I think. Read more








