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Contact Information: Shauna Wilton Assistant Professor of Political Studies 4901-46 Avenue, Camrose AB T4V 2R3 Phone: 780-679-1154 Fax: 780-679-1590 E-mail: swilton@ualberta.ca |
| Dr. Wilton came to Augustana in 2003, and has also taught at the University of Alberta (Political Science) and the University of Lethbridge. She teaches primarily in Canadian politics and comparative politics, as well as in the Crime and Community Program. She is currently working a number of research projects related to culture, gender and ethnicity. | |
From the 2009 Conference, May
Wilton, Shauna
A Very Useful Engine: The Politics of Thomas and Friends
Abstract Thomas and Friends is a highly popular, multimillion dollar empire consisting of children’s toys, clothes, books and television shows. The antics of Thomas and his friends entertain children around the world. Such an influential brand, watched by millions of children, deserves examination and analysis. What messages are being conveyed to our children as they watch the show? How do these messages serve to constitute a political culture and advance a specific vision of the good citizen?
The TV show, aired daily on Treehouse in Canada, depicts the daily lives of Thomas, a steam engine, and his friends. The stories take place on the Island of Sodor, an isolated political and social community under the rule of Sir Topham Hatt. This microcosm of a community projects political and social values to young viewers. This paper explores these values through a content and critical discourse analysis of a selection of the television shows. In particular, messages about citizenship, authority, individuality and the common good within the series are investigated.
This masterwork was presented in May of 2009, as part of workshop F13(a): Power, Identity and Ideology in Popular Culture.
No joke.
