Political Messages in Disney Movies

Lindsay Phillips

Since its founding in 1923, the American animation industry, Walt Disney Pictures, has produced an extensive number of films that have entertained audiences—primarily consisting of children—worldwide. Over the course of its existence, Disney’s youthful and innovative films have become a prime source of entertainment for these young viewers, and they have utilized their platform to inspire their audiences by creatively intertwining uplifting and encouraging messages into their works. Often times, these messages can be derived from the works’ political content, for Disney has incorporated many important and current ideals into the narratives of their films. Furthermore, Disney has conveyed significant political messages—including cultural division, social stratification, and women in governmental leadership—within their movies, especially those produced within the past decade such as Zootopia (2016), Wreck-It-Ralph (2012), and Aladdin (2019). Each of these movies, in particular, were blockbusters at the time of their release and reached top spots at the box office; hence, many children witnessed these stories—and the political characteristics they emanate—on screen. Moreover, many young viewers were exposed to what could be seen as rather mature messages that were cleverly depicted in an enjoyable format.

What was quickly named Disney’s most overtly political movie yet, Zootopia, was released in 2016, and it was the fourth highest-grossing film that year. In brief summary, the story of Zootopia depicted a populated society of anthropomorphized animals, featuring a bunny cop, Judy, who strived to “make the world a better place” (Zootopia). Judy moved to Zootopia (a clever play on the word utopia) with an open-heart and open mind for the city that supposedly welcomed everyone and celebrated each animal’s differences; however, she realized in time that the society did not function as perfectly as she anticipated. As soon as Judy moved to the city to begin her work as a cop for the Zootopia Police Department (ZPD) she encountered derogatory and stigmatic behavior from those around her for being a small and cute bunny. Many in the city assumed that an animal must be physically larger and stronger in order to be a cop—this is only a mere example of judgment portrayed in the film in comparison to larger themes.

As the story progressed, many other distinctions and discriminations were unveiled revolving around the central idea of prey (ethnic majorities) versus predators (ethnic minorities). For instance, Judy became friends with a fox, Nick, that she stereotyped as a shifty and untrustworthy lowlife the moment they first met. Eventually, she recognized that these were not fair judgements of her to make, and the assumptions displayed in the film further acknowledge how all identities are capable of carrying prejudice and wielding judgement, even though they may encounter it themselves. In addition to this thought, the “villain” of the movie, the Assistant Mayor Bellwether’s—a sheep (prey)—wrongful actions stemmed from her resentment for Mayor Lionheart—a lion (predator)—as a result of his disrespectful treatment towards her. These negative feelings fostered within Bellwether which prompted her to turn on all predators in the city and frame them as “savages,” so they would be dismissed by society for preys’—and ultimately her own—advantage. It’s a very intricate plot and the subliminal political messages are cleverly interlaced throughout the narrative. Overall, the story reflects forms of prejudice, discrimination, and division, which could all be perceived in the context of race or culture in order to be applicable in actuality.

One could claim that these are seemingly hefty topics to convey within the childrens’ film Zootopia; however, Disney executed it in a form that made it digestible for young viewers. Obviously, older viewers are able to more so recognize the correlation between the fictional and real-world society, but there is a significant political message that can still be grasped by all of the children watching. For instance, from this film children can learn the importance of becoming aware of others’ feelings in a social context, sentiments of equality, and respect for other individuals’ differences, in a creative manner that balances earnest truths with lightheartedness. As older viewers, one can identify how these ideas relate to recent political events centered around prejudice and inequity, including the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and protests to stop Asian Americans & Pacific Islander (AAPI) hate. Given children’s innocence, they will not be able to make these associations at the moment; however, this movie can inspire young viewers in their early learning stages of life to grow up into individuals that embrace positive attributes, such as equality, respect, care, empathy, and more.

Similarly, the movie Wreck-It-Ralph (2012) also depicted forms of division and social stratification; however, its messages were more so portrayed in an economic context. The movie follows the lives of arcade game characters, including the protagonist, Ralph, who is the (not-so-bad) “bad guy” in the game Fix-It Felix. In brief, the object of this specific game is for Fix-It Felix Jr. to repair Ralph’s wreckage on a mansion that the (not-so-nice) nicelanders inhabit. At the end of each game, after the mansion has been repaired, the nicelanders lifted Ralph up and threw him off the roof into a pile of mud. The roles of these characters in this game extended beyond their ‘work’ and into their lives outside of the game. There is a clear distinction established between the nicelanders—who adore Fix-It Felix—and Ralph. The nicelanders were obviously wealthy, for they lived in a mansion and were always well-dressed in uniforms, suits, and dresses. With their wealth, they were willing to care for Fix-It Felix and always welcomed him into their home. On the contrary, Ralph was portrayed in raggedy clothing, lived in the dump outside of the mansion, and was neglected and unwelcomed by the nicelanders. As described by Ralph himself, he was “tired of living alone in the garbage” and it was hard for him to love his job because no one liked him for it (Wreck-it-Ralph). Ralph had the job of being the “bad guy” in his game, and the nicelanders did not give him a chance to showcase who he truly was beyond that. Instead, they defined him by his work, which they saw as insignificant—at the time. It’s obvious that this separation and misunderstanding took a toll on Ralph, so much so that it prompted him to fulfill a risky task in an effort to receive the nicelanders’ approval. Gaining their approval would—in Ralph’s mind—give him a place to live in the mansion, and then he would be able to enjoy the luxuries of that alongside everyone else. Eventually, after he left, the nicelanders realized the significance of Ralph’s role in their lives and his absence put their game at risk of being “unplugged”, which would leave the nicelanders homeless themselves. In that moment, they realized that “without Ralph [they were] doom[ed],” so they altered their perception of Ralph and began to reflect on their harsh behaviors towards him (Wreck-It-Ralph).

To elaborate, the majority of Ralph’s life was defined by his isolation and homelessness, and he imagined that he would only gain happiness once he obtained a lifestyle similar to that of the nicelanders. However, he learned that is not the case, and that true happiness cannot be derived from materialistic things. Later in the movie, Ralph encountered another homeless character, Vanellope, in a different arcade game, who also lived in a run-down area, which was unhygienic, lonely, and boring. Not only was Vanellope homeless, but she was also an outcast in her game’s society where she was labeled a “glitch” or someone who was not meant to exist. After witnessing the ill treatment Vanellope endured and learning more about her lifestyle, Ralph sympathized for her and they built a friendship with one another, which brought them both a fulfillment they were missing before. Despite the rejection, separation, and mistreatment they faced, they found a happiness that triumphed socioeconomic status. Interestingly, it is also worth mentioning that Vanellope was actually given the opportunity in the end of the movie for her lifestyle to change when it was revealed she had been the princess of her society all along. Rather than complying to this life changing opportunity, Vanellope revoked her role as princess and offered to initiate a constitutional democracy within her society as a president instead. She claimed that who she was or who she’d rather be was the homeless, shabby, or ‘rough around the edges’ person she was before.

Given these political themes concerning social stratification, children can learn the importance of all people’s roles in society, despite their job, lifestyle, or wealth. These are not defining factors that place worth on an individual; therefore, all people should be given a chance to showcase who they truly are. Rather than defining or judging others based on socioeconomic factors, children can learn to see each other for who they are beyond that. Additionally, this movie can inspire children who are less privileged to be appreciative of what it is they do have and potentially still give to others in spite of their own needs, as displayed by Ralph in the film. Even though Ralph had very little, he looked out for those who were in worse conditions than himself, and, in the end of the movie, he even welcomed other homeless characters into his game and created opportunities for them there. For children who are more privileged than others, this could potentially teach them to humble themselves and recognize where it is they can express empathy for those around them rather than judging or degrading others, as those did to Ralph and Vanellope. Overall, similarly to Zootopia, Disney managed to depict rather mature political messages in an animated format with colorful and enjoyable visuals.

Disney has also implemented other political ideals into live works as well; for instance, the Aladdin movie, which was released in 2019, was a live rendition of the 1992 animation. Disney took this opportunity to rework the story in a manner that addressed political subjects in a more relevant context, compared to when it was first created 27 years ago. In the latest version of the movie, the character, Princess Jasmine, was highlighted in an empowering way, as viewers witnessed her overcome oppression and eventually become the first female sultan of her country. Although Aladdin was the title role character, Princess Jasmine had a strong and pivotal role in the newest form of the story. Compared to the original animation, she “was not defined by her romance with Aladdin, nor was her dissatisfaction with royalty out of boredom” (Cinema Blend). Rather, her hope to escape her palace and explore the world were influenced by her desires to better serve the people of her country. The struggle she endured in order to reach her great purpose was intensified for the sake of the point being made in the story. For instance, the demeaning comments directed towards Princess Jasmine by male characters were emphasized to have a greater influence on the impactful feminist message that was being conveyed. One specific blunt comment that was made to Princess Jasmine was “you are better off seen, then heard,” and she defied cruel remarks such as this in the end when she finally unleashed herself and freely spoke her mind—to defend her father, friends, and country (Aladdin).

The portrayal of Princess Jasmine in this light is especially beneficial for young girls in today’s society to witness. For many years, women have fought for equal rights to men. Although a lot of progress has been made, there’s still a long way to go in regard to the presence of women in the government—specifically in the United States. At the time of this movie’s release, it was announced that Kamala Harris would be running in the 2020 election. It was interesting how this movie was released at that time and featured a woman, a Disney princess for that matter, who was the first female to take on a major leadership role in her country. In a way, this could be seen as an unintentional foreshadow of the moment Kamala Harris became the first woman to hold office as the Vice President of the United States. As stated by Harris, "I hope that by being a 'first,' I inspire young people to pursue their dreams” (Bazaar). Just as Harris was a ‘first,’ Princess Jasmine in the movie Aladdin (2019) was as well. Disney recognized that their movie would reach young audiences—consisting of young girls—all over the world; therefore, they used their platform as an opportunity to advertise a strong, determined, and empowered woman as a central leader on screen. This is a significant message that has the potential to inspire young girls to also courageously share their thoughts and who they are with the world, despite the struggles they may encounter along the way.

Children may not comprehend these messages in this exact means; however, it plants a seed in their minds and becomes a source of influence for their thoughts and behavior. It has been claimed that Disney has the power to shape how one sees the world, and I can testify to say that—as a child who grew up watching these movies regularly—I do believe they did have an effect on me. Therefore, it’s good to see that Disney is shaping the stories of their works to be relevant to the times we are currently living in by promoting more recent and progressive ideals. In reflection, the films, Zootopia, Wreck-It-Ralph, and Aladdin, are only three of the many films Disney has created, but they each encompass a variety of political messages. As mentioned some of these messages included, social stigmas and stereotypes, cultural division, discrimination, oppression, feminism, along with many other themes. Again, Disney managed to display this substantial content in a form that can be enjoyed by numerous children worldwide. Given that the content is beyond the knowledge of most children, its incorporation does not take away from the entertaining experience of watching these movies; however, as they grow older they will come to realize these greater meanings.

Bibliography

Harris, Kamala. “Ilhan Omar, Kamala Harris, and More on the Privileges and Pressures of Being a Political 'First'.” Harper's BAZAAR, 17 Feb. 2021, www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/politics/a34458205/first-ladies-november-2020/.

Howard, Byron and Rich Moore, directors. Zootopia. Walt Disney Pictures, 2016.

Moore, Rich, director. Wreck-It-Ralph, 2012.

Ritchie, Guy, director. Aladdin. Walt Disney Pictures, 2019.

Wiese, Jason, et al. “Disney's Aladdin: 10 Differences Between The Remake And The Original.” CINEMABLEND, 5 June 2019, www.cinemablend.com/news/2472222/disneys-aladdin-10-differences-between-the-remake-and-the-original.