Disney and Religion: A Look at Non-Western Cultures
Introduction
The Walt Disney Corporation is one of the most influential media production companies in North America with media productions ranging from TV and radio programs, cartoons and animated movies. All of Disney's animated movies are targeted for mostly the American and Canadian audiences, especially children.
Since 1937 when Disney released their first feature film "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" they have led the movie industry in the field of animation. All of these films have themes that promote adventure, love, friendship, family, spirituality and are centered around a Western Culture, however, there are some films that focus on non-Western origins. Films such as Aladdin, Mulan, and Pocahontas introduced non-Christian religions and forms of spirituality and also formulated much controversy.
Disney has often been criticized for displaying inappropriate and amoral themes in their films such as gender and racial stereotyping, commercialism, and anti-christian messages. This site is examining Disney's portrayal of non-Western cultures, particularly Aladdin, Mulan and Pocahontas, and analyzing the themes of racism, sexism, and non-christian religion that are criticized for being depicted across all three of these films.
The Walt Disney Corporation is one of the most influential media production companies in North America with media productions ranging from TV and radio programs, cartoons and animated movies. All of Disney's animated movies are targeted for mostly the American and Canadian audiences, especially children.
Since 1937 when Disney released their first feature film "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" they have led the movie industry in the field of animation. All of these films have themes that promote adventure, love, friendship, family, spirituality and are centered around a Western Culture, however, there are some films that focus on non-Western origins. Films such as Aladdin, Mulan, and Pocahontas introduced non-Christian religions and forms of spirituality and also formulated much controversy.
Disney has often been criticized for displaying inappropriate and amoral themes in their films such as gender and racial stereotyping, commercialism, and anti-christian messages. This site is examining Disney's portrayal of non-Western cultures, particularly Aladdin, Mulan and Pocahontas, and analyzing the themes of racism, sexism, and non-christian religion that are criticized for being depicted across all three of these films.
By: Melissa McDonald