Why Netflix's Old Enough Has The Internet So Divided
Over the past few years, Netflix has made a splash with its range of non-English originals and programs, with shows such as "Squid Game" and "All Of Us Are Dead" becoming huge successes worldwide on the streaming service. The latest series in this group is the reality-variety show "Old Enough!"
A Japanese show, the series is named "Hajimete no Otsukai" in Japan, which translates to "My First Errand." "Old Enough!" focuses on young children who are sent by their parents on various errands outside the house, such as getting a few items from a grocery store, and navigating public transit and prices along the way.
However, while the show has gained popularity since landing on Netflix, the response to it has not been entirely positive, with some viewers expressing a major concern with the show (via NPR). Interestingly, one prominent aspect of the series bothers some audiences. Here's why Netflix's "Old Enough!" has the internet so divided.
The age of the children worries some viewers
Many viewers of "Old Enough!" worry that the children are not, in fact, old enough to do the chores and tasks that are assigned to them. Although Netflix labeled the show as "wholesome," some Twitter users reportedly believe the series is dangerous to young children. One Twitter user responded incredulously to a tweet by Netflix about the series. @MzTeel asked, "Why is Netflix promoting negligence and child endangerment?" Some Twitter users replied in agreement with this user's shock. "Letting a tiny child do what this child is doing is dangerous," @ginger_nick said. "Bugger how good the drivers are."
However, a differently-minded set of Twitter users pointed out that this could be an issue of cultural differences. According to these people, young children accomplish chores like this in many countries around the world. One Twitter user noted that Japan's cities are considered quite safe. "Japan is much more safer and the toddlers have been supervised by the camera crew the whole time," @Josi802 said. "Cities are built for safety. Moreover, the whole city/town watched the kids when they walked around so they felt safe, don't worry."
In an article about the series, The Guardian pointed out that a child's self-confidence grows when they complete chores, something which may, in fact, explain part of the show's appeal.