Cartoons hold more power than you think.
https://youtu.be/TeJ5NsduyK4
It may be a rather silly presentation (cartoons weren't the most respected of acting careers), but consider how many kids saw that message. Compare to POTUS's own victory.
The race between Lion-O and Cheetara is an example of what cartoons held in them.
They held our culture in them.
Contrast to modern productions, such as 'Thundercats Roar." Even if the production is more fluid and the voice actors better directed - the productions are a mockery of our history and culture. Hence why kids and young adults have latched onto Anime.
Q, as to your "those awake can see" regarding symbols, here is my question… Is it that these groups are trying to project themselves as masonic, satanic, etc? Are they branches of these groups that have taken a dark interpretation of their 'secrets?'
Related to your bad apples reference? The bad apples don't spoil the bunch.
It would seem to me that they cloak themselves in what will give an advantage. They turn churches into brothels and schools into lobotomies. They use something for evil, regardless of what it is they associate themselves with. I would argue they created the church of satan to draw in frustrated edge-lords and harness their chaotic nature to antagonize good people, even if the members are more edgy than actually malign.