This lecture by Tracey about animation was interesting as it made me think deeper about animation that we see in our everyday lives and how there is a deeper meaning to it then we initially interpret. I quote that particularly resonated with me was the idea presented by Terry Eagleton that "Popular culture is a category which floats ambiguously between the anthropological and the aesthetic". It made me think about how animation is essential bringing life to an inanimate object and can be used in a very powerful way. Popular animation is used to appeal to a wider audience of both the adults and the children in a subtle way which keeps them as the more obvious audience. The use of playful politics can help it keep up to date with current affairs whilst also appealing to children through their interests. I have then gone on to research examples of cases in which cartoons use alternative meanings in their work. A popular example of this is the characters in Spongebob Squarepants who there are many theories and meanings that older audiences have interpreted from this children cartoon. Obviously most of these are just speculation, however one that I found particularly interesting and convincing was the idea that the main characters have the characteristics of the 7 deadly sins.
- Lust — SpongeBob
- Sloth — Patrick
- Wrath — Squidward
- Pride — Sandy
- Greed — Mr. Krabs
- Envy — Plankton
- Gluttony — Gary
Even in 1932 in one of the first Disney movies "The Three Little Pigs" at the final scene when the pigs prove victorious over the wolf a portrait hangs in the background of their father who it is implied has been slaughtered. This is clearly inappropriate for children and would mainly only be noticed by adults.
