Friday, April 5, 2013

Children's Television

Recently I was watching a Chinese children's television program with my sister just an hour or so after watching PBS Kids, and I suddenly realized the extreme differences between Chinese and American children's television.

Here is an example plot line for a children's television show in America (on PBS or Qubo or something, not Cartoon Network):
Character gets up. Character walks to parents/friends/guiding figure. They hug and/or greet each other. They begin to play. A problem arises, or something needs to be found. Everyone gasps in terror. Character comes up with a possible solution. Possible solution fails. Character comes up with another possible solution. Possible solution fails. The deadline grows nearer. Everyone gasps in terror. Character has an epiphany. Character solves the problem by using teamwork (or other kind of respectable tactic)! Celebration! Yea! Someone makes a corny joke or comment that is supposed to be funny. Everyone laughs heartily. Scene fades away. Credits.
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Here is an example plot line for a Chinese television program based on my experiences which may or may not be comprehensive:
Character and friends play outside. They go to search for something. Someone attacks them. Giant sweat drops appear and float before everyone's faces. They fight. Everyone ends up with a giant pink bump marked with bandages protruding from his or her forehead. The object is found. The attacker attacks again. The attacker is tricked into being cornered (somewhat) at the edge of a cliff. Character pushes the attacker off the cliff. Character grins as the friends basically worship him. Someone says something stupid. Everyone sighs in despair and then laugh weakly. Credits.

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