IJAEDU- International E-Journal of Advances in Education

Abstract

The customs, culture and traditions of the people of a
country are representative of the history, faith, language and environment of
that country. Similarly, the cultural patterns of Pakistan speak of its rich
cultural heritage and traditions. Pakistan’s popular culture is not only the
likeness of the present but also heavily depends on the past. Pakistan’s Mughal
architecture, cuisine, textiles, television programs, music etc. are some forms
that make up its pop culture. The growth and increased range of available local
and foreign media content has raised numerous questions as to the impact and
effects it brings towards Pakistani culture. As a mature International industry
and rapidly growing local one, animation films have taken a role in introducing
the cultural characteristics of various nations and backgrounds. Animation
offers a contested site for identity formation through story-telling, which
provides wide audiences with the resources for narrative-creation and imagined
communities that can foster collective identities. This article attempts to
illuminate how the medium of animation articulates the Cultural Identity of
Pakistan, through the national history. For this purpose, it analyzes two local
animations: Unicorn Black’s Burka Avenger
and Teen Bahadur by Waadi Animation
and SOC Films. These works are examined, particularly by looking at the
gendered, outfitted, linguistic and racial representations. This research
intends to dive deeper into designing of characters i-e protagonist, antagonist
and supporting characters. The way pre-conceived notions of cultural identities
have been represented in the animations. This study will aid in better
understanding the complexities of cultural identity reflected in popular media.