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Censored Cartoons and Blacklisted Animators in America: Exposing the Dark Side of Animation

Fletcher Mitchell

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Forbidden Animation: Censored Cartoons and Blacklisted Animators in America

by Karl F. Cohen

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2553 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	241 pages

Animation has long been seen as a form of entertainment for children, but throughout its history, there have been numerous cartoons that have been censored or banned due to controversial content. In some cases, these cartoons have been deemed too violent, sexual, or politically incorrect for young audiences. In other cases, animators have been blacklisted for their political beliefs or affiliations.

One of the most famous examples of censorship in animation is the case of the Warner Bros. cartoon "Duck Dodgers in the 24th 1/2 Century." The cartoon was originally released in 1953, but it was banned from television in the United States for decades due to its depiction of Martian invaders who resembled the Chinese.

Another example of censorship in animation is the case of the Disney cartoon "Fantasia." The film was originally released in 1940, but it was banned in several countries due to its depiction of paganism and witchcraft.

In addition to censorship, there have also been numerous cases of animators being blacklisted for their political beliefs or affiliations. One of the most famous examples is the case of the Hollywood Ten. In 1947, ten Hollywood screenwriters, directors, and producers were blacklisted by the film industry for refusing to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC).

The Hollywood Ten were not the only animators to be blacklisted during the McCarthy era. Many other animators were also blacklisted for their political beliefs, and some were even forced to leave the country.

The censorship and blacklisting of cartoons and animators in America had a lasting impact on the field of animation. Many cartoons that were deemed too controversial for the time were never released, and many animators were forced to abandon their careers.

However, the censorship and blacklisting of cartoons and animators also had a positive impact on the field. It led to the creation of more independent and experimental animation, and it helped to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of speech.

Case Studies

The following are some case studies of censored cartoons and blacklisted animators in America:

Duck Dodgers in the 24th 1/2 Century (1953)

This Warner Bros. cartoon was banned from television in the United States for decades due to its depiction of Martian invaders who resembled the Chinese.

Fantasia (1940)

This Disney cartoon was banned in several countries due to its depiction of paganism and witchcraft.

The Hollywood Ten (1947)

Ten Hollywood screenwriters, directors, and producers were blacklisted by the film industry for refusing to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC).

Art Babbitt (1907-1992)

Art Babbitt was one of the most famous animators of the Golden Age of Animation. He was blacklisted in the 1950s for his political beliefs.

John Hubley (1914-1977)

John Hubley was an independent animator who was blacklisted in the 1950s for his political beliefs. He was one of the founders of the United Productions of America (UPA),which was a major force in the development of independent animation.

The censorship and blacklisting of cartoons and animators in America is a dark chapter in the history of the field. However, it is also a chapter that has led to the creation of more independent and experimental animation, and it has helped to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of speech.

Today, the animation industry is more diverse and inclusive than ever before. However, it is important to remember the lessons of the past and to continue to fight for the freedom of expression.

Forbidden Animation: Censored Cartoons and Blacklisted Animators in America

by Karl F. Cohen

4.5 out of 5