As a child, I remember sitting in front of my television every Saturday morning with my sisters, anxiously waiting for Muppet Babies (1984-1992) to come on. Once the theme song began playing, we just knew that all was right with the world. In our world, we played with Gonzo and Miss Piggy as they soared into outer space; we rode rockets and walked on the moon alongside the characters. All the while making it home in time for Nanny to tuck them into bed, and our mom to make lunch.

Another cartoon I remember fondly is the The Wonderful World of David the Gnome (1988) on Nickelodeon. In this show, we followed David and his wife, Lisa, as they traveled through the forest rescuing various animals and people, all the while outwitting trolls who were nearly twenty times their sizes. Although it didn't come on Saturday mornings, my sisters and I were fans, and still know pieces of the theme song today. "Look around you, there are many things to see, that some would say, could never be….”

At the ripe, old, ages of 17, 20, and 21, respectively, my sisters and I still discuss the cartoons of our childhood; cartoons that we remember warmly and smile when we think about as we work on our resumes and study for exams.

The "Good Ol' Days,” as we have to come to affectionately refer to the period between 1984 and 1991, were comprised of shows that captured the essence of being young and innocent. They were simple shows with simple messages, and they allowed us to explore worlds with our "friends;” despite whether they were smurfs, turtles, or chipmunks, we knew them and their hopes and fears. From these creatures, I learned about family, friendship, loyalty, and honesty; all lessons that I have carried over from my childhood, and into my adulthood. One day, I will teach my future children what I learned from my "friends” in the way that they taught me—through simple, direct, intelligent, language.

Today, whe

n flipping through the channels on a Saturday morning, instead of seeing Muppet Babies, there is Dora the Explorer; instead of seeing David the Gnome, there is Spiderman. In general, cartoons today seem to pander to their child audiences; children don't expect much, so they shouldn't be given much by way of story or characterization.

Of course, there are exceptions, as there are always exceptions to generalized statements; however, for the most part, cartoons today do not capture the charisma of the cartoons from the 80s. In this respect, I feel almost sorry for today's children, because they missed out on a time when cartoons were truly great. They will never know how it felt to ride on Swift's back as we raced through the forest to save a fellow gnome; nor, will they know what it was like to travel through the walls of an old house with little people in The Littles (1983-1986).

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