“We Hate the Holidays: Garbage Pail Kids and Havurat HaZevel as a Vehicle for Cultural Exchange,” In: Welcoming Visuality: New Studies in Jewish Art and Material Culture. Festschrift in honor of Prof. Shalom Sabar, Brill 2025 (forthcoming).
Abstract: This research explores the intriguing cultural exchange between GPK and Havurat HaZevel, revealing a nuanced cultural interchange between American, Israeli, and Jewish contexts. In Havurat HaZevel, we witness an infusion of diverse cultural elements from the Original Series, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July, enriching the Israeli cultural landscape with a tapestry of American and global influences. Conversely, since the release of GPK’s Brand New Series in 2013, we observe an embrace of American-Jewish content, exemplifying a reciprocal integration of cultural motifs. This exchange goes beyond surface-level interactions, revealing deeper socio-cultural dynamics at play. Through meticulous analysis, my research uncovers the mechanisms driving this exchange, shedding light on the intricate processes of cultural transmission and transformation. Furthermore, this research provides valuable insights into broader trends of cultural globalization, where cultural products transcend geographical boundaries, triggering unexpected connections and novel forms of synthesis.