Animation has evolved significantly in the last half-century from paper drawings to the use of modern technology and software. Today, the animation industry employs thousands of professionals and is a means of communicating cultural values and concerns. The four animations I watched are thought-provoking examples of the way in which animators use the medium to entertain and educate.

I enjoyed the animation titled George Washington because it is a re-interpretation of history. However, I did not like the vulgar language used in the animation despite its entertainment value. For example, I found the frequent reference to George Washington’s testicles to be inappropriate. Although the crude drawings used in the animation effectively support the words of the narrator, I doubt that I would recommend this attempt at humor to anyone.

The animation titled #MeToon|March 13,2019 Act 3|Full Frontal is an effective rendition of gender violence in the workplace. A group of women animators takes turns to tell a story about the trial of Chris Savino after he was accused of sexual harassment. I appreciated that the women used animation to tell their stories. I think that they effectively used their animation skills for activism purposes.

The animation South Park – The Spirit of Christmas 1995 short (2nd ever short) is both entertaining and educational. The satire of a fight between Jesus and Santa Claus to expose the travesty of Christmas in a materialistic world is fiendishly clever. However, I found the use of vulgar language inappropriate and offensive, even though I suppose that is what makes South Park so popular.

The animation titled Hertzfeldt on Blu-Ray is an artistic masterpiece. The video is a mash-up of animated films such as The Meaning of Life and World of Tomorrow. The visual and audio effects are stunning, but I feel that forty-six seconds were not enough and that Don Hertzfeldt should have made a longer video.

I was entertained and educated by the four videos regarding issues such as alternative history and the plight of women in the workplace. However, I consider the use of vulgarity in George Washington and South Park – The Spirit of Christmas deeply offensive. I found that satire was a recurring theme in all the videos I chose, which supports my theory that animators are superb social commentators.