Cartoons for Peace?

Daisy · May 9, 2006

Queen Rania of Jordon is sponsoring a cartoon series which she hopes will promote understanding and world peace:

By Claudia Parsons

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Benjamin Martin and Isam Aziz may never match the fame of Bart Simpson, but the creators of a cartoon called "Ben & Izzy" featuring the two characters have a greater aspiration -- to promote world peace.

According to a plot summary for the cartoon, Benjamin Martin, or Ben, is a symbol for his country. "The boy is smart, goal-oriented, and an individual. On the negative side, he is a bit xenophobic, self-centered, needs-to-win overly competitive, brash, and a consumer," the summary said.

Isam Aziz, Izzy for short, has different qualities.

"The boy is worldlier in his outlook and enjoys traveling -- he even knows several languages," the plot summary says. "On the downside, Izzy can be a little too serious, self-righteous, superior, and even devious."

Ben loves sports, while Izzy "is a whiz on the computer and loves to solve puzzles," although he plays soccer.

The New York Times said the budget for the project was $6 million and producers hope to have it ready to start broadcasting in early 2007.

"There is no magic pearl we can rub to make all the people in the world get along," Queen Rania said. "But projects like 'Ben and Izzy' go a long way to ensuring that the next generation grows up with a mind-set geared toward trust and tolerance."

Source: Reuters:
Click to expand...

A step in the right direction - for those of us who like the idea of world peace over world dominion.

JFox1 · May 9, 2006

I hope it helps. It's refreshing to hear someone trying to teach tolerance instead of hate.

Cartoons for Peace?

Daisy New Member

JFox1 New Member

Useful Searches

Cartoons for Peace?

Daisy New Member

JFox1 New Member