Post#10–Historical Cartoons
For the past week, we discussed history in animation and watched: An American Tail. This animated movie showed, (through the eyes of a mouse), us the journey, harships and joy immigrants had to face as they came to America. Cartoons, often animate historical events, to bring entertainment value to the views.
I’ve seen many cartoons, that parody after certain historical events. I. Freleng, directed an animated cartoon called “Bunker Hill Bunny.” In this cartoon, Bugs is fighting Sam the Hessian during the Revolutionary War. The cartoon shows the historical side of the colonist fighting, the allies of the British–the Hessians. But, it also shows the reason why the colonists were fighting against the British army. In the cartoon, Sam is bombing the fort of Bugs and demands that he give up that fort. Bugs, brings out the spirit of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiess,” that the colonists brought during the Revolutionary War.
Unfortunately, this cartoon doesn’t give the full background on the Revolutionary War, or accurate account. But, it does offer an entertainment and some educational value to the viewer.
Now, there is cartoon that was made recently called “Liberty Kids”(2002) and the shows follows three childern before, during and after the Revolutionary War. The three childern, also get to meet famous men from that time period. Each episode, tells of an actually event that happened pre & post-revolution. The three kids are: James, Sarah and Henri LeFevre. James works for the Pennsylvania Gazette, owned by Benjamin Franklin.
In the episode of “Bunker Hill” we get see the attitude from both the British and Americans. The British see the Americans as “rebels” and should be put down. The Americans, as in the words of Sarah “are determined to drive the British away from their shores.” The attitude of the colonists are seen even more, as the battle progresses on. As the episode continues, we see ordinary men fighting against a well-trained army. But, that shows the determintation of these men, they are fighting for something more than removing the Red Coats from their shores. They are fighting in the name of liberty, and it takes everyone–not just the army–to fight and defend her.
What appeal do cartoons, offer in the case of historical events?
I commented on Amanda Cole’s blog and Erica LoMonaco blog
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This is a great idea in theory, but I think it needs to be worked on a little. It comes off a little dry to me, which I honestly do not think history is. Overall, I think it is amazing that they are trying to show both sides and be a little more accurate, I just think they can do it in a little more interesting way.
I feel like historical cartoons can serve two different purposes. One, animators can use the medium to make a commentary about different events in history and their personal views on how events happened. Also, I think that historical cartoons are also a great way of teaching kids who are glued to their tvs a little about their past.
[...] ETA: I commented on Joe Gayk’s blog and Brenda Weber’s blog [...]
Blog Post #10: All Shapes and Sizes « Wittel's Blog said this on April 4, 2010 at 8:12 pm |
History is always a touchy subject. Whether it is shown in animation or live action it is rarely displayed accurately and with an un-biased perspective. I think it works in animation if it is a satirical view or something similar to that. As for children being educated by these animations, I think it’s better not to have them educated on a inaccurate view of history that is biased. Yet the stuff that they actually get right and where they convey both sides of the argument, that stuff could actually be informative.
[...] commented on Emily Witt (#51) and Brenda Webber #50 Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Tim Burton Stop Animation from 1982 [...]
I loved watching An American Tale this week in class…and even though I have seen it several times before, I never realized the historical content that was in it before this week. I remember seeing Liberty Kids as well. I think that when animations for kids focus on historical content, and use that animation for educational purposes…it’s a very positive thing!