Social Order and Authority in Disney and Pixar Films

Disney and Pixar films have a significant impact on society, addressing power dynamics, surveillance, racial segregation, othering, and ableism. This collection investigates the unspoken and unintended meanings of these films, applying theoretical approaches such as ecofeminism, critiques of exceptionalism, and gender, queer, and disability studies to uncover underlying ideologies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Disney and Pixar films have a significant impact on the ongoing discussion surrounding power dynamics and their portrayal in storytelling. These films explore various themes related to authority, social order, and the challenges to traditional structures. While some argue that they challenge or perpetuate these structures, their considerable influence warrants careful examination. This collection aims to contextualize Disney's films within broader conversations about power relations, highlighting their vast reach and impact.

The depictions of surveillance, racial segregation, othering, and ableism in these films represent real-world issues that affect individuals and their experiences. However, storytellers often simplify or mischaracterize these complex matters, which can lead to misunderstandings. Contributors to this collection delve into these unspoken and sometimes unintended meanings, employing various theoretical approaches such as ecofeminism, critiques of exceptionalism, and gender, queer, and disability studies. By applying these lenses, authors uncover underlying ideologies and shed light on how Disney's output both reflects and contributes to contemporary cultural conditions.

One of the key themes explored in these films is the concept of power and its distribution. Disney and Pixar films often depict characters who struggle with powerlessness, either due to their social status, physical abilities, or personal circumstances. These characters often find ways to overcome their challenges and gain agency, challenging traditional notions of power and hierarchy. For example, in "The Little Mermaid," Ariel, a young mermaid, defies her father's expectations and pursues her dreams of becoming a human, ultimately gaining the power to choose her own path.

Another theme is the role of authority figures in shaping society. Disney and Pixar films often feature characters who hold positions of power, such as kings, queens, and superheroes. These characters are often portrayed as benevolent or heroic, but they can also be subject to criticism for their actions or inactions. For instance, in "The Lion King," Simba, a young lion, is manipulated by his father, King Mufasa, into believing that he is responsible for his uncle's death. Simba eventually overcomes this manipulation and takes his rightful place as king, challenging the authority of his father and the traditional hierarchy of the animal kingdom.

The concept of surveillance is also explored in these films. Disney and Pixar often depict characters who are monitored or surveilled by authorities or other powerful individuals. This can be seen in films such as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," where the Evil Queen uses magic to spy on Snow White and keep her under her control. In "Big Hero 6," Hiro Hamada, a young inventor, uses his technology to monitor the actions of his brother, Tadashi, who has become a villain. Surveillance can be used to control or manipulate individuals, but it can also be seen as a means of protection and security.

Racial segregation is another theme that is often depicted in Disney and Pixar films. These films often feature characters from different backgrounds and cultures, and they explore the challenges and barriers that these characters face in their interactions with others. For example, in "Moana," Moana, a young Polynesian girl, travels to a distant island to save her people and confronts the beliefs and practices of the island's inhabitants. Racial segregation can be a powerful tool for storytelling, as it allows characters to confront and challenge their own biases and prejudices.

Othering is another theme that is prevalent in Disney and Pixar films. This refers to the process of categorizing individuals or groups as different or other, often based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. Disney and Pixar films often feature characters who are subjected to othering, either by other characters or by the broader society. For example, in "Frozen," Elsa, a young princess with magical powers, is feared and shunned by her community because of her abilities. Othering can be a powerful tool for storytelling, as it allows characters to confront and challenge their own identities and the societal expectations that come with them.

Ableism is another theme that is explored in Disney and Pixar films. This refers to the discrimination and marginalization of individuals with disabilities or impairments. Disney and Pixar films often feature characters with disabilities or impairments, and they explore the challenges and barriers that these characters face in their interactions with others. For example, in "The Incredibles," Syndrome, a young superhero with superpowers, is rejected by his family and society because of his appearance. Ableism can be a powerful tool for storytelling, as it allows characters to confront and challenge their own biases and prejudices and to advocate for the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities.

Despite the positive themes and messages that these films convey, it is important to note that storytellers often oversimplify or mischaracterize complex matters on screen. This can lead to misunderstandings and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Contributors to this collection investigate these unspoken and sometimes unintended meanings, employing various theoretical approaches to uncover underlying ideologies. By applying these lenses, readers can gain a deeper understanding of how Disney's output both reflects and impacts contemporary cultural conditions.

In conclusion, Disney and Pixar films have a significant impact on the ongoing conversation surrounding power dynamics and their portrayal in storytelling. These films explore various themes related to authority, social order, and the challenges to traditional structures. While some argue that they challenge or perpetuate these structures, their considerable influence warrants careful examination. This collection aims to contextualize Disney's films within broader conversations about power relations, highlighting their vast reach and impact. By applying the lenses of various theoretical approaches, including ecofeminism, critiques of exceptionalism, and gender, queer, and disability studies, authors uncover underlying ideologies and shed light on how Disney's output both reflects and contributes to contemporary cultural conditions.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 231 x 154 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793622129