The difference with "Anime" and "Cartoons"

I should have followed the introduction with this topic. It's a common debate and problem that should be addressed. It's how fans outside of Japan use to describe their favorite Japanese shows. To put it simply:

Anime - Japanese animation/ cartoons
Cartoon - Western animation/ cartoons

Although technically. "Cartoon" is translated as "Anime" in Japanese. The trend is that western animations or what we commonly call as "Cartoons" tend to be more "wholesome" and usually targets a younger audience. Japanese animations are a different story. They are more flexible to what they release and usually has shows that could accommodate both the young and mature audiences.

In other words. The use of the two terms are simple: It's to differentiate the two cultures.

Plain and simple.

Then how do we know if it is an "Anime" then? Easy. The show came from Japan. Intended and targeted at their audience. For instance, "Avatar: The last airbender". It was inspired by the Japanese style of animation and some Asian cultures but it is not an "Anime". Since it was first aired in the United States. And it targets their audience.

There was a time in the west. When the Japanese shows just began to appear in their shores. Usually "Americanized" or changed to better suit their viewers. Like Voltron, G-Force, Speed Racer and Astro Boy to name a few. The western fans during those days originally called them as "Japanimation". It was a more clearer and better way to determine where the shows originated from. I can't recall when the term "Anime" started to be used. And since it is what the Japanese used to describe the shows. It was ultimately used outside Japan as well since it was easier to remember and say.