Panel discussion will look at how great tragedy inspired toys and entertainment
What: Mediating 9/11 through children’s consumer culture
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday January 9
Where: The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art (Located in the Rotary Centre for the Arts), 421 Cawston Ave., Kelowna
While the attacks on New York and Washington on Sept. 11, 2001 occurred more than a decade ago, events of that day and its aftermath find increasing representation in popular culture, including children’s culture.
Consumer culture has filled a void for children who have little immediate knowledge of the event and some aspects of post-9/11 cultural production – such as military-inspired toys and entertainment – specifically target young consumers.
A discussion led by Okanagan campus graduate students Lindsay Balfour and Taylor Scanlon will examine some of the ways 9/11 is being mediated through children’s books, games and toys. At issue is an assessment of whether and how the consumption of children’s culture might perpetuate violent stereotypes or offer a new way of understanding terror for a new generation.
This free public presentation is part of the Alter Knowledge series that brings together faculty and students form the Cultural Studies Program and the Okanagan community to foster discussion about topics related to culture, power and identity.
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