Anime & Agonism: Politics, Parody, and Anime as Transnational Genre at Animecon/Finncon ’08

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session I
  In Interactive Paper Session: Global Communication and Social Change Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

The following article explores the popularity of anime in Finland and its relationship to politics and parody. Based on first-hand observations on the ground at Animecon/Finncon 2008 in Tampere, Finland, during the summer of 2008, I argue that adoption of anime culture among youth mirrors Finland’s political, geographical, and cultural liminality. Beginning with a definition for political agonism (Mouffe 2005) and drawing an historical link between anime and politics, this study explores the connection between Finnish anime fandom and postmodern parody (Hutcheon 1989), as well as ‘blank parody’ (Jameson 1991) and aspirations to become part of the European Union (and related anxieties) (Alasuutari 2001). In conclusion, the article raises the question of anime in Finland as an example of periphery-to-periphery communication (Kraidy & Murphy 2008).

Keywords: anime, cosplay, agonism, parody, television genres, transnationalism, simulation, hyperreality

Author

• Mario George Rodriguez, Stetson University