Stereotyping

The use of stereotyping in animation (or in entertainment in general), acts as a negative conduct of association. There is a tendency to visually connect certain aspects of one’s character, and the connotations behind them. Stereotypes are generally rooted in ethnic, racial, homophobia, etc. in order to cast people as “the others”. It’s harmful to those who are affected by it because it “justifies” the phobias and racism (even those labeled as a “joke”). There was a push in animation to use various caricature features to make a character “recognizable”, however this is starting to be said less and less. Instead stereotypes are starting to mean actions or situations that are instantly recognizable to the audience (still not entirely great).

There are instances of satirical stereotyping, and for those it’s best to look at what those who are being satirized are saying. It’s important to read works of fiction that are made by people who are not in the white, heteronormative space. March, by John Lewis is a good example of how racial stereotyping is not needed in any capacity. The story recounts John Lewis life and eventual political career sparked by the Civil Rights movement. The comic expresses how deeply racism has and still to this day impacts our society (both socially and structurally). I loved March for this, and also for how visually beautiful the novel was. The people were portrayed with relative realism (with some hints of cartooning). It contrasts with Will Eisner’s theory of using stereotypes; the little old white lady is not a kind grandmother, but instead a racist who runs out of the bathroom (March, Book One, pg. 95).