Mirror Mirror on the wall: Evolution in the perception of female protagonists in Disney animated films by generation
Mirror Mirror on the wall: Evolution in the perception of female protagonists in Disney animated films by generation
Introduction
The Walt Disney Company has revolutionized animation as a tool for entertainment and a form of expression. Established in 1923, Disney has produced animation masterpieces such as Cinderella, Snow White, The Seven Dwarfs, and The Sleeping Beauty. The animations center around fairy tales and love stories. Additionally, the films have been at the forefront in portraying different cultures, real and imaginary. However, Disney has received widespread criticism for its portrayal of female characters over the years. When Disney’s first film launched in the 1930s, the female character lead was portrayed as the stereotypical domestic female. Films that followed took the damsel in distress portrayal of women. The female characters were often helpless and needed men to save them.
Gender roles are often part of any society’s culture. Additionally, media plays a massive role in influencing cultures. Media often mirrors what is present in a community. However, there are instances where the media influences how people interpret fundamental social interactions. Disney’s female characters have seen an evolution from being portrayed in stereotypical domestic characters to empowered characters who can make decisions and control what happens in their lives. For example, the release of The Little Mermaid film in 1989 saw Disney portray their female protagonist differently. Ariel, the female protagonist in The Little Mermaid film, did not follow the stereotypical princess portrayal. She was adventurous, ambitious, and brave. Disney transformed from her hair, dressing, and decision-making.
The evolution of female protagonists in Disney films can be attributed to the existing culture. At its release, the female protagonist characters emulate the current state of gender roles. This research explores the influence a generation has on the evolution of the perception of female Disney characters. Existing research on this subject focuses on how female protagonists in Disney films have evolved over the years. However, there is a gap in research on how the viewer generation influences how the female Disney characters are perceived.
Purpose of the study
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence a viewer generation has on the evolution of the perception of female protagonist characters in Disney films using the cultivation theory. The cultivation theory states that exposure to media influences how people view social realities. When The Little Mermaid launched, the first-ever Initial film, it was seen as groundbreaking by the generation in the 1930s. The portrayal of the female protagonist in the movie was accurate to the gender roles. However, the film is criticized by the current generation for being misogynistic.
Additionally, Disney has evolved its female characters to what the current generation describes as empowered females and pro-feminism. The evolution of the perception for The Little Mermaid film is an example of how a viewer generation influences how the female Disney protagonist characters are interpreted. This research will answer the following questions; How have female protagonists in animated Disney films evolved? And Are the perception of female protagonist roles in animated Disney films affected by the viewer generation?. This research will contribute to the relationship between the media and society. The media influence gender roles and cultural norms in society. This research will provide insight into how female protagonists in Disney films have evolved and the role of the viewer generation in the perception of female protagonists in Disney films.
Literature review
Cultivation theory
Cultivation theory is a communication framework that explains the relationship between the media and its consumers. The theory states that the media influence people to perceive the real world. The media’s portrayal of the world can influence how consumers interpret real-life scenarios. The cultivation theory was first theorized in the 1960s by George Gerbner. He sought to explain the influence of television on its consumers. His research found that exposure to certain television content influenced people’s perception of reality. For example, children exposed to commercial television content were more likely to project gendered stereotypes in fundamental life interactions than children exposed to commercial TV.
Gerbner’s initial research was on violent TV shows’ influence on the watchers. He focused on television as the tool for mass media due to its uniqueness. Television does not require a person to be literate. Additionally, television is an auditory and visual communication medium. Therefore, it easily captures the attention of viewers. Gerbner observed that the people exposed to violent television programs manifested aggressive tendencies and viewed the world as unsafe. However, the behavior change was noticeable over a while. Therefore, the more exposure, the more the viewer’s perception changed. This phenomenon was referred to as the mean world syndrome.
The cultivation theory introduced the concept of mainstreaming. Mainstreaming is the process of constant exposure to the same type of content from the media. Mainstreaming causes viewers from diverse backgrounds to have a similar outlook on the world. Advertisers use this concept to penetrate new markets. Mainstream media can shift personal views to align with popular trends. Cultivation theory also states that media reinforces people’s beliefs. For example, when victims of violence are exposed to reports of violence in media, their fear is strengthened and enhanced. Therefore, they feel more unsafe.
The impact of Disney
Before analyzing the evolution of female protagonist characters in Disney films and how their perception has changed from generation to generation, Disney films need to understand their reach. Disney is the largest media company on the planet. The company has grown by buying other media and owning significant stock in other large media companies. Disney initially launched as an animation studio before diversifying into films and television. Disney redefined the world of fairy tales and the concept of princes and princesses searching for love in magical kingdoms.
Disney animated films have become a part of childhoods for millions of children worldwide. Additionally, Disney owns theatres and theme parks that provide a kind of fairy tale reality for the consumers of Disney films. Disney’s influence on children is undeniable. Disney markets its films, music, and merchandise to children. Additionally, Disney films mirror gender norms and different societal cultures. Therefore, children are attracted to their uniqueness, storylines, and visuals. Just as gender roles and societal expectations have evolved over the years, so has the portrayal of characters in Disney films. As a result, Disney has maintained a consistent audience by releasing projects that align with the current generation’s beliefs, cultures, and gender norms.
Gender roles
Gender roles have existed as long as human life has. Gender roles define societal expectations for men and women. Gender roles are further reinforced by external elements such as the media. As a result, men and women live by fulfilling their roles. However, gender roles often lead to stereotypes that limit the expression of either gender. Human beings are exposed to gender roles and societal expectations from childhood. In today’s society, the anticipation for girls is to be feminine and domestic.
On the other hand, men are expected to be masculine. Children are introduced to gender roles and societal expectations from their surroundings. Therefore, media exposure plays a huge role in developing their identities and behaviors.
Disney films portray their female protagonist character in alignment with the concept of gender roles and societal expectations. The Disney film’s portrayal of female protagonist characters has shifted over the years. First, Disney films portrayed female protagonist characters as the stereotypical damsel in distress. This phenomenon is seen in initial films such as Cinderella. Secondly, the female protagonist characters are portrayed as rebellious. The rebellious characters such as Ariel in the film The Little Mermaid are seen as still dependent on male validation. Thirdly, the character’s portrayal shifted to fierce and independent. An example of this is Elsa in the film Frozen.