If you are reading this then you must be an avid fan of ‘Naruto’, like me. In the animations spawned by Japanese, Naruto stands out because of its unique storyline and interesting graphics. It has such a huge and varied fan following that it’s quite amazing. Kids form the largest fan group but then there are teenagers and even adults who follow the series with equal interest. My brother insists on trying the ninja tricks that he watches on Naruto on me. As such, he is a big pain in the ass and I won’t blame ‘Naruto’ for his idiotic misdemeanors. But this trend of imitating the stunts from animations is growing among kids and it’s very worrying.

There was this news that I came across a few days ago where a freak accident left a family mourning for the death of their 10 year old son. Codey Porter of Seattle was buried in the sandbox by his friends. Apparently, the boys were acting out a scene from ‘Naruto’. According to ‘The Seattle Post Intelligencer’, the boys were supposedly reenacting the one of the show’s character’s special attacks, where the target is encased in sand. Despite his thrashing around when he could not breath, his friends did not pull him out as they thought he was joking. By the time they realized the gravity of the situation, it was too late. He died in hospital later, surrounded by his family.

Though it may seem perfect lightening rod for watchdog groups to curse ‘Naruto’ and demand its cancellation, yet it must be understood that it was an accident and nobody is to be blamed. Children find it difficult to distinguish between reality and fantasy so it’s up to the adults around them to guide them and keep them rooted in reality.

Share/Save/Bookmark