This weeks post is about Prometheus and Bob. The cartoon was a short segment on a Nickelodeon show called Kablaam. I always liked these cartoons thinking that they were the funniest part of the entire show. Usually they dealt with simple concepts such as farming or building something, but this episode in particular deals with a more complex subject, evolution. Evolution vs. intelligent design was and still is a controversy in society. I feel that Prometheus and Bob was able to touch on evolution vs. intelligent design all while disguised as a kids cartoon, showing that animation can be used to express viewpoints and reach audiences that are usually unreachable.
This episode was about a machine that could either evolve or devolve anything put inside. It started out with an angry wolf like creature that evolved into a domestic dog. It also showed a monkey being evolved into a human. This is a very touchy subject that many parents try to protect their children from. These same parents may also let their kids watch cartoons not thinking that this is something that would be discussed.
The concept of evolution vs. the concept of intelligent design is a hot topic within school systems and whether one, the other or both should be taught. With this in mind I found it shocking that the cartoon would have this subject matter in it. As a kid I loved the cartoon and regardless of what I believe in I never thought twice about it. Even now I still find it funny, but now knowing what I do about the debate on this subject, this Nick show could be viewed as edgy.
To add to the edginess, Prometheus evolved into an alien and the monkey when fully evolved was a floating brain. This challenges the biblical teaching that we are all created in God’s image. The machine itself also implies that aliens are our true creators and the ones behind evolution. All of this is probably over the heads of kids watching the show, but it does make a stand and chooses a side on the issue.
I commented on Megan’s blog and Chuck’s blog.
