Anime or Not?

I was watching Avatar when I started thinking, can this show be considered anime even though it was created in a different region than Japan, but has anime like characteristics? Same as other shows like Oban-Star Racers, W.I.T.C.H, Teen Titans, and etc. These are actually some of my favorite shows. My opinion is that yes, I would personally consider them a kind of style of anime. Just not traditional such as others like SAO or FMA. Obviously they share many similar qualities and artwork or the word anime wouldn't come to mind. Cartoon would. What are your opinions? Do you think of them as cartoons or anime? I'd like to remind everyone, no arguing please. I feel like this thread might attract some backlash from hardcore anime enthusiasts. Just remember, everyone is entitled to their opinions, just respect everyone's opinion even if you may disagree.

Anime covers a wide spectrum of art styles, story telling techniques, and character traits. That being said, yes Avatar is considered an Anime in my books, definitely not traditional art style but it does borrow a lot of story and character traits from traditional anime shows. The line between Anime and Cartoon is a rather blurry one considering it involves story, art, and character traits. Teen Titans I think is in the blurry line, maybe a little leaning towards the anime side. Same with shows like Megas XLR, they carry a lot of anime traits but their not really anime, nor do I think they're trying to be anime...it's like...psuedo anime.

Of course, there is the slight difference of anime being less for kids. Honestly, I always considered anime cartoons for grown-ups. With the exceptions of Digimon, Sonic X, Poke'mon and Yu-Gi-Oh of course, which are specifically are designed for kids. I mean girls with gigantic boobs that jiggle whenever they walk around, wouldn't say that is exactly kid friendly. Not to mention, certain kinds of anime stories would be hard for kids to follow or understand. I think Avatar has found a good middle ground where it's enjoyable for all ages.

Just like there are anime series tailored to children there are cartoons tailored towards adults, I don't really think the demographic affects categorizing of anime vs cartoons. But I will agree that there is a large portion of anime that should be hidden from children until they can comprehend what's going on without it affecting their mindset... There are quite a few shows that find a good middleground for age demographics like: DBZ, Samurai Jack, Megas XLR, Adventure Time (debatable), Naruto (though I only really liked the first season) and those are just some examples (both from cartoons and anime)

It would be more opinion based. I for one have a few requirements towards anime, and a lot of people always argue with me over them. I suppose you could say any style of animated artwork is technically considered anime as the definition defines. I see anime as more then adult cartoons, and some anime/cartoons just don't have the elements of the anime styles I prefer, which is why I never consider things like Dragon Ball Z an anime. For this Post though, yes every and all styles of animated artwork are anime regardless of opinion.

Anime is just a term for animation, so basically a cartoon. We just use it to differentiate the cultures of the Japan and the west. Some people won't admit it though, because they hold their anime as a god and refuse to compare it to something like Samurai Jack or Gravity Falls (two amazing western shows). Same goes for manga and comics. They're literally the sames things, but with different styles and pacing.

I agree, we just have a term now "American Anime", only because it makes it easier to place ATLA since it's an American cartoon in the style of Japanese animation. Otherwise they're all lovely cartoons :P