REPRESENTATION OF 'THE OTHER' IN CARTOONS PUNKY AND LES BLAGUES DE TOTO

It can be claimed that many cartoons of domestic and international origin such as Caillou, Conni, Niloya, Pepee, Canim Kardesim, Biz Ikimiz, Can, which are broadcast and re-broadcast in mainstream media, are constructed upon 'sterile' characters. The protagonists in these idealized cartoons are urban middle and upper class families. Mothers and fathers are attentive not only towards each other but also towards their children, with no difficulty in expressing their affection. Fights, problems and even insignificant disputes are non-existant and life continues free of any problems. On the other hand, not all spectators of these cartoons can be claimed to associate with this 'sterile' media environment presented. Children of different ethnic and religious origins; children who are disabled, handicapped, poor; children who have a single parent and/or raised in unhappy environments or in disquiet do not exist in such cartoons. Within this framework, this study problematizes the representation of 'other' children in the cartoons, which are products of popular culture which mediate the understanding of daily experiences and the 'other' by the spectators. In this context this study aims to reveal how the 'other' children are represented in cartoons entitled Punky and Les Blagues De Toto which fall beyond the scope of the ordinary narrative of mainstream cartoons and which constitute rare examples within the national media.