Fan Studies Network Conference - Theme Park Politics and Representation in Disney
Posted on 28 October 2020
Jess Gibson is a 2nd year PhD student in the department looking at the representation of disability in Disney films. She is a big fan of Disney and theme parks and recently attended the virtual Fan Studies Network North America conference. She presented on the Practice and Politics of Theme Fandoms salon where she discussed the importance of her research and how many of the stereotypical representations in Disney animated films (particularly the older films) can still be found in the theme parks. She reflected on how theme park fans should negotiate between pleasure and enjoyment versus politics and social issues.