What is animation?

Today I read from Paul Wells' "Animation: Genre and Authorship." (Some quotes, notes, and thoughts.

"... many studios worldwide have insisted upon using their own indigenous fine arts traditions, mythologies and cultural imperatives in order to differentiate their own work from what may be regarded as a diluted form of American artistic and cultural imperialism." (pg. 2)

Being American, I wonder what my own preconceived notions are of what animation is and could be. (Realistic, linear narratives, perhaps?). What kinds of stories are told in America? Princess, fairy tales, happy endings, independence, hard work - American values. What kinds of stories are told elsewhere? What kinds of stories need to be told today? Here? In my own city? In my home? Where do we begin making stories - and for whom are they written?

Preston Blair: Animation is "the process of drawing and photographic a character - a person, an animal, or an inanimate object - in successive positions to create lifelike movement... Animation is both art and craft; it is a process in which the cartoonist, illustrator, fine artist, screenwriter, musician, camera operator and motion picture director combine their skills to create a new breed of artist - the animator. (Blair 1994: 6)" (see page 4)

Hmm

"Manipulation" by Daniel Greaves 1991