Disney Racism Case Study

Disney

Disney portrays a lot of racism in their movies by correlating black or dark animals as being evil and always up to no good. This teaches little kids that people of color are monstrous and bad people when really they're not. It's not common to see an African American or Latino as an actual person in Disney as they are always some sort of animal. Disney also has a lot of sexism in their movies. The guys are seen as the most powerful and they are always saving the girl in the end. Even if the girl saves herself, a character like Tarzan would always find a way to save her. Men in Disney are never seen cleaning or cooking they are usually outside working and or fighting with someone. Women are seen as the weaker sex which correlates to how it is in reality. All the women in Disney are cooking, cleaning, they have to be calm and collective, they don't fight, they can't get angry at a male, and they do all this just to be able to get a husband. When Mulan, for example, came back from fighting in the war, her grandma's first words were asking if she brought back home a man. Lastly, Disney makes young girls believe that they're bodies have to be perfect and with their perfect bodies is how they will get whatever they want. There is a lot of sexual appeal when it comes to women in Disney and this sets very high standards and demands for young girls that love watching The Little Mermaid or Aladdin and Jasmine. Both of the females in those films have perfect little bodies with feminine curves and the most beautiful hair. The documentary is right about correlating Disney with racism, sexual appeal, and sexism. It's very difficult to think of Disney as evil and that it teaches our kids about life in a destructive way at a young age. However, when looking back at all those Disney movies and really analyzing them, it's very easy to notice that they're not so innocent.

The construction of gender roles has always been one of the most controversial issues in Disney movies. An example of this that can be seen immediately is in the shape and proportion of the female characters' bodies. Each female protagonist serves as the symbol of physical flawlessness. Along with a display of wholesomeness and virtuosity, each Disney heroine possesses a tiny waistline, perfectly proportioned facial structures, skin-tight, skin-baring clothes, and voluptuous curves that attract members of the opposite sex. With knowledge of these facts, you could a look at animators' sketches and storyboards to look at the realities behind Disney films-particularly The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Pocahontas-and realize that the portrayal of females in these films creates an idealized image of the female body type. This image becomes a main factor in teenage eating disorders and depression.

The character of Princess Jasmine, for example, with her long, flowing hair and big beautiful