“Garbage Pail Kids: On Caricature, Satire and Political Stench,” Jerusalem Studies in Jewish Folklore 34 (2022), 211-252. (Hebrew)
Abstract: This research explores the unexpected impact of the Israeli ecotype of GPK, which was locally distributed in 1987-88. Originally intended for children, this version of GPK significantly influenced the local political discourse. The Hebrew translation of Garbage Pail Kids, known as “Havurat HaZevel,” quickly became a widely used term, employed by publicists and members of the Israeli parliament to symbolize the ultimate political “other.” This phenomenon led to the emergence of several spinoffs. Over the past three decades, these creative initiatives have corresponded with various political circumstances, particularly Knesset and Prime Ministerial elections, as well as expressions of political dissent and protest. Through thorough analysis, my research sheds light on the enduring impact of GPK on Israeli society and its role in shaping political narratives and expressions of dissent.