Everyone moves like robots in comparison to western cartoons. That is not better
Then you haven't seen enough eastern stuff, aka anime. It's okay to have personal preferences but I just dislike it when people downplay something without the evidence to back up statements just so they can make something, which in their opinion is better, appear far superior. There are plenty of anime which have really, really fluid animation. Note that I haven't said you're completely wrong. Because there are anime like that and it is entirely possible you might've come across those that have animation problems. But to generalize and say that the characters in all anime 'move like robots in comparison to western cartoons' is plain biased behavior on your part.
No they're not, as evident in this thread.
First off, the opinions of a few forum-goers can not be taken as evidence to back up a statement. Secondly, I'd like to know what your definition of cartoon and anime are. Because, as far as my opinion goes, they're both source of entertainment which go about depicting characters and their stories using the medium known as animation. Sure, their styles are different but they're, fundamentally, the same thing.
Go watch something like Samurai Jack or Avatar. The animations in those two feel much more alive than any anime I've watched for the reasons TRIFORCE89 mentioned.
I won't deny the fact that Samurai Jack had an awesome art style. I loved watching it as a kid (actually, the only reason I stopped watching was because it stopped airing. Will totally resume it if found online; thanks for reminding me! :p). But the next sentence is entirely subjective. The east definitely do not lack when it comes to artistic masterpieces.
All said and done, though, I love both (note that I'm categorizing them as separate beings since that's what the general consensus of this thread has been so far - they're different. Just trying to avoid confusion). It is true that I've stopped watching cartoons for the most part but I'd still get glued to my chair if they'd air Powerpuff Girls or Dexters Laboratory on TV. Even Samurai Jack (why did you stop airing it, you bastards?!?). But my favorite series of all time is an anime - One Piece. One thing of note is that One Piece's art style is reminiscent of the so-called "cartoons", btw.
P.S - Indian cartoons/animation suck. It sucks beyond anything I've ever seen. And I'm an Indian. Just saying since Dave mentioned us Indians 'doing our own thing'. In my opinion, although I can see they're putting some hard work in it, they just lack enough funds and skilled animators. Not to forget, the stories generally suck. They're definitely not in the league of japanese or american cartoons yet.