The Persistence of Animation

Portrayals of Class Mobility in The Simpsons

Abstract: As with most prime time animation, class is a recurring theme in The Simpsons. Its popularity and volume of episodes provide an ample case study. The Simpsons portrays a stereotypical American working class family, and presents themes of class mobility. Using a selection of episodes, this paper aims to explore the real world realities of this theme.

The ramifications that result from the show’s representations are discussed, including interviews engaging the group the show allegedly depicts. This investigation includes how audiences interpret the portrayals, and how it influences their views of class. In the current economic crisis, the idea of class mobility continues to play an important role in how the show reflects American society.

Biographical Statement: Harrison Stark is a graduate student at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He is working towards his MFA in animation. Harrison attained a Bachelor’s of Science in Telecommunications from Ohio University with a minor in Music.

The Work of Animation in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

Abstract: In The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction Walter Benjamin sets a standard for the purpose of art, which is a demand for revolution concerning the politics of art itself. And it is in this highly influential piece of writing that Benjamin mentions many forms of artwork, yet Benjamin fails to mention one important form of art — animation. It is from here that I will begin to deconstruct Benjamin’s most famous piece of writing by infiltrating his argument and placing animation in the forefront of a discussion concerning the art and politics of animation.

Biographical Statement: Corbett Miteff is an artist and academic from Texas and currently studying for his PhD at Cardiff University, Wales. His topic for research is futuristic visions of religion in science fiction animation. By undertaking an approach to critical theory and applying it to animation, Corbett explores certain assumptions made by academics and artists, all while exploring alternative views of seminal texts.