The firs thought to come to our mind is yes, it is too violent. However, like everything in life, the first impression is not always the truth. We have become a society of fast food eaters, fast reactionaries and fast thoughts buyers. We don't even try to think harder. That means that we are easy target for fast thought sellers.
I was faced with the same question but as it is my habit, I kind of re-think the question over and over again. There was something in it that made me reject the notion that Tom and Jerry was too violent for kids. I found it entertaining. I watched it as a kid for years and it didn't make me a violent person. I saw my brother and friends watched it for years and they came out fine.
The reality is that cats kill mice. This is a fact. Lions and Tigers kill deers. Tom tries to kill Jerry but never succeeds. Kids understand the difference between reality and fantasy when watching some absurd clips. But it seems some dearly adults are having some difficulties understanding the difference. I understand that feelings get in our way when we try to soberly analyze something..
It is good for kids to learn while watching videos but there is time for pure entertainment as adults do all the time without learning anything. Besides, violence is a necessary evil , if we have to call it evil. We are not living in the Garden of Eden anymore and we have to deal with violence through the use of violence. We have to defend ourselves and our loved ones through violent methods if it is necessary.
Yes, Tom and Jerry is not necessary and educational tool; but it is entertaining. The violence there is just part of life. The Army and local police are violent institutionalized forces to defend nations and innocent people from outlaws. Kids need to know the reality of our lives. Government wants to protect our children from bullies. Life in itself bullies us constantly. Life is hard and we need to be tough. Let the weak say I am strong the Bible teaches us.
Tom is a bully but Jerry is a tough cookie. If we think Tom and Jerry is violent then don't let your kids watch National Geographic Channel. Lions kill deers and that is not imaginary or fictional. It is cruel reality. It is real violence.
When I hear my 3 year old grandson laugh at some of the absurdities he watches at Tom and Jerry I feel glad he has a good sense of humor at that young age.
