I feel like the whole sentiment of "animation isn't taken seriously", while very very true in terms of the head honchos of the film and TV industries, is a bit exaggerated when talking about public opinion. Maybe I'm just lucky with the people I've met, but every adult I've talked to IRL about animation knows how long it takes to make, how not all of it is made for kids, how being made for kids isn't a bad thing, usually has a fundamental understanding of the medium's recent history (at least in relation to the common aesthetic shifts) or recognizes names like Chuck Jones and Tom Kenny, and can often mention something animated they really adore (usually Pixar or The Simpsons)
