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Preface
Preface
The inspiration for this project came when I was reading the book 1001 Movies You Need to Watch Before You Die. I was captivated by how it curated a list of essential films that spanned different eras and genres, providing a comprehensive view of cinematic history. This sparked an idea—what if I could create something similar, but focused on cartoons? The world of animation is so vast, filled with classic characters, groundbreaking storytelling, and artistic innovations that shaped generations. I imagined building a guide that could help people explore and appreciate the most significant and influential cartoons ever created.
However, as I dug deeper into the concept, it became clear that writing a traditional book wasn’t realistic for me. The sheer scope of the research, writing, and time required was overwhelming. I realized I didn’t have the capacity or the detailed, specialized knowledge necessary to produce a complete and authoritative book on my own. That’s when the idea of an “open-source” book, or more accurately, a wiki, came to mind. Instead of trying to do everything myself, why not create a collaborative platform where other fans and animation enthusiasts could contribute, shaping it together? It would be an ever-evolving resource, where the knowledge and passion of a community could help preserve the history of animation.
One important thing I want to clarify is that I don’t take full responsibility for the content that appears on the site. The goal is to approach this project from a purely historical and educational perspective. Many classic cartoons, particularly those from the early and mid-20th century, contain politically and racially insensitive content. These works were created in a time when societal norms were very different from today, and as a result, they often reflect the prejudices and biases of their era. My intention is not to glorify or promote these outdated views, but I also don’t believe in censoring them. These cartoons are products of their time, and they capture the spirit, attitudes, and cultural context of the era in which they were made.
To fully understand the evolution of animation, I believe we must engage with the past honestly and critically. By studying these works in their historical context, we can better understand how far we've come in terms of representation, inclusivity, and sensitivity, while also appreciating the artistic and technical achievements of the time. This is why I chose not to censor these cartoons—they offer valuable lessons, both in terms of the craft of animation and the cultural issues they reflect.
In addition to the content, another aspect of the site that I want to address is the use of images. The images you’ll find on the site are pulled from various sources across the Internet, and I do not claim ownership of them. My goal is to credit the original authors or sources wherever possible, and I am committed to adding proper links or attributions as soon as I can. I want to ensure that creators get the recognition they deserve, and I appreciate the work that others have done to preserve these images. If any content needs to be credited or removed, I am more than willing to address that as well.
Ultimately, this project is about offering a space where the history of animation can be explored and discussed in an open, thoughtful way. By providing this platform, I hope to give people a chance to engage with cartoons not just as entertainment, but as cultural artifacts that reflect the artistic brilliance and the complexities of the times in which they were made. Together, we can preserve these works for future generations while ensuring they are studied within their proper context.
However, as I dug deeper into the concept, it became clear that writing a traditional book wasn’t realistic for me. The sheer scope of the research, writing, and time required was overwhelming. I realized I didn’t have the capacity or the detailed, specialized knowledge necessary to produce a complete and authoritative book on my own. That’s when the idea of an “open-source” book, or more accurately, a wiki, came to mind. Instead of trying to do everything myself, why not create a collaborative platform where other fans and animation enthusiasts could contribute, shaping it together? It would be an ever-evolving resource, where the knowledge and passion of a community could help preserve the history of animation.
One important thing I want to clarify is that I don’t take full responsibility for the content that appears on the site. The goal is to approach this project from a purely historical and educational perspective. Many classic cartoons, particularly those from the early and mid-20th century, contain politically and racially insensitive content. These works were created in a time when societal norms were very different from today, and as a result, they often reflect the prejudices and biases of their era. My intention is not to glorify or promote these outdated views, but I also don’t believe in censoring them. These cartoons are products of their time, and they capture the spirit, attitudes, and cultural context of the era in which they were made.
To fully understand the evolution of animation, I believe we must engage with the past honestly and critically. By studying these works in their historical context, we can better understand how far we've come in terms of representation, inclusivity, and sensitivity, while also appreciating the artistic and technical achievements of the time. This is why I chose not to censor these cartoons—they offer valuable lessons, both in terms of the craft of animation and the cultural issues they reflect.
In addition to the content, another aspect of the site that I want to address is the use of images. The images you’ll find on the site are pulled from various sources across the Internet, and I do not claim ownership of them. My goal is to credit the original authors or sources wherever possible, and I am committed to adding proper links or attributions as soon as I can. I want to ensure that creators get the recognition they deserve, and I appreciate the work that others have done to preserve these images. If any content needs to be credited or removed, I am more than willing to address that as well.
Ultimately, this project is about offering a space where the history of animation can be explored and discussed in an open, thoughtful way. By providing this platform, I hope to give people a chance to engage with cartoons not just as entertainment, but as cultural artifacts that reflect the artistic brilliance and the complexities of the times in which they were made. Together, we can preserve these works for future generations while ensuring they are studied within their proper context.