The Subjugation of Art to Propaganda: An Anti-trans Children’s Picture Book and the Culture Wars
Article
Article Title | The Subjugation of Art to Propaganda: An Anti-trans Children’s Picture Book and the Culture Wars |
---|---|
ERA Journal ID | 9873 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Kerby, Martin, Curtis, Elizabeth, Bedford, Alison and Baguley, Margaret |
Journal Title | Australian Art Education |
Journal Citation | 43 (2), pp. 186-199 |
Number of Pages | 13 |
Year | 2022 |
Publisher | Australian Art Education |
Place of Publication | Australia |
ISSN | 1032-1942 |
Web Address (URL) | https://www.arteducation.org.au/current-and-previous-editions-for-sale/245-volume-43-number-2-2022 |
Abstract | This article will analyse Ashley St. Clair’s anti-trans children’s picture book Elephants are Not Birds (2021) by exploring its political, literary, and artistic context, one that is shaped by a culture clash between progressive and conservative elements of American society. In doing so, the authors reveal it to be so overtly ideological and so devoid of aesthetic sensibilities that it struggles to ‘work’ on a literary or artistic level. St. Clair’s lack of nuance and her failure to recognise that picture books rely on subtle and evocative imagery makes it unlikely that it will prove popular with young children though it may well appeal to adults fearful of a left-wing domination of children’s literature. |
Keywords | Anti-trans; children’s literature; culture wars; gender; picture books; propaganda; transgender |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 470506. Children's literature |
470208. Culture, representation and identity | |
390203. Sociology of education | |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/yyx10/the-subjugation-of-art-to-propaganda-an-anti-trans-children-s-picture-book-and-the-culture-wars
110
total views4
total downloads5
views this month0
downloads this month