mi6021jesspark2

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the below articles were read and given a short summary to explore topics similar to the one i will be focusing on as a way to gather information and a range of different sources and opinions from academic articles

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#GiveElsaAGirlfriend and the importance of mainstream queer cartoons

This article is short, sweet and simple. It explores the origin of the hashtag "Give Elsa A Girlfriend" and why it reflects audiences advocacy for queer characters within animated media. Cartoons are often one of the first aspects of media that children consume, making it a stepping stone into society and its expectations. This tied together, shows why queer identities within animated shows is important for younger audiences as this type of representation is fundamental in giving people the tools to identify who they are as a person.

This could also link to the "end of audience" theory where, due to the audiences advocacy for more representation of the lgbtq+, producers will listen to the wants of audiences and therefore cater to them, making audiences psuedo-writers.

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LINKS LIBRARY

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"Stronger Than You: Garnet as Queer Icon" By Jake Pitre

This article outlines how important Garnet is as a character to both the plot and the audience. The show, Steven universe follows alien beings who manifest from crystals and different gems. These beings can somehow mesh their physical bodies together, fusing themselves to create a new being originating from the two 'of them'original' forms. Garnet is a fusion between two gems named Ruby and Sapphire, who chose to live as their fusion to express their love for one another. The article highlights how this character has become a fan favourite as audience members resonate with pieces of Garnets identity. The Gems are all female coded due to features that are traditionally perceived as feminine (physical features, voices and the general way they present themselves). By having two gems, who are perceived to be female, so un-apologetically in love with each other, the show is inclusive and supportive of those who align with the LGBTQ+ community through the portrayal of a character that isnt just lazily hinted at, but instead is clearly queer.

[when i refer to the 'gems' i am referring to the gems as a species. same way we are called humans, they are gems. The main group of gems are called the crystal gems, same way we have a group of humans called One Direction]

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"Representing sexuality in animation, how limiting is technique?" By Adam Beer

This article explores and outlines how animation as a medium and technique could possibly become a limitation to fair and accurate representations of queer identities. It draws examples upon shows like 'family guy' (a higher budget hand drawn animation) and 'Rick and Steve' (a stop motion animation) to compare how each shows medium may change the way each show presents different identities to its viewers. The article comes to the conclusion that it is not animation as a technique that is to fault, but other outside factors such as writers, directors, networks and project investors that put constraints onto the project which can limit the inclusion of these topics within the story line.

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The fleeting nature of joy in Isao Takahata's "The tale of the princess Kaguya (2013)"

This article is, I believe, really effective in identifying key themes that it explores. This is important as the reader can easily understand what the article will go onto talk about. It also may intrigue the reader making them read on if a theme personally resonates with them. The way the article highlights that the film is the “final masterpiece of one of studio Ghibli’s founding fathers” creates a sense of importance, makes the reader view the media as almost a piece of studio Ghibli’s legacy.

The story follows an almost whimsical atmosphere, a story centred around a young girl born out of a glowing bamboo shoot and is adopted by a baboo cutter and his wife, The tale explores identity and how the girl deals with her longing for her old life and the struggles with facing superficial desire. She also struggles with her connection with nature, a complex idea often shied away from in animation as it is a media viewed as child focused. These complex themes explored in Ghibli films help separate animation away from being solely a medium for children. Japanese culture is also explored through the inclusion of cultural ideas such as a concept called “Mono-no-aware”. It is the awareness of how everything isn’t permanent. It is the knowledge that impermanence surrounds us.