Bernie Sanders is one of the Democratic front runners for the 2016 presidential race. His policies align well with many other Americans, and that makes him a very popular candidate for those who have been following debates and news about the election. His progressive ideas and proclaimed label as a "democratic socialist" have gained him support and attention.
However, not only does Bernie share his beliefs with a lot of Americans, but he also shares them with various characters from different Disney movies. Here are four characters that share ideologies with Sanders and who would definitely be #FeelingTheBern if they were real.
1. Robin Hood from "Robin Hood" (Wealth Inequality)
One of the largest issues that Sanders cares about is the massive amount of income inequality that is occurring in our country. He recognizes that a trend has started that allows for a majority of the total wealth of the United States to be owned by the small upper class, rather than by the large middle and lower classes. In "Robin Hood," Robin Hood notices this same issue is occurring when Prince John and the Sheriff are overtaxing the poor townspeople.
Robin Hood tackles the issue by taking the money back and giving it back to the townspeople. Sanders plans to do the same type of thing, by taxing large corporations and the extremely wealthy at a higher, fairer rate. This tax money could then be invested in programs that will help the majority of Americans. Bernie and Robin Hood both agree that the middle and lower classes deserve wealth that is proportional to their size.
2. Ted Wiggins from "The Lorax" (Environmentalism and Climate Change)
Sanders understands that climate change, and environmental issues in general, are huge problems for our country and planet as a whole. He has continually voted in favor of environmental protection, unlike many of his colleagues who have been bribed and persuaded by industries such as big oil. This is very similar to the major theme within "The Lorax." In the film, a young boy named Ted Wiggins fights back against the corrupt government of Thneedville and its mayor, O’Hare. O’Hare capitalizes on the lack of trees in and around the city by selling air to his citizens, who have no other way of obtaining it. Ted realizes that by planting a single tree, he can show the people how they actually deserve to live and end the corruption of O’Hare’s oxygen business.
Sanders wants to shift the focus from the limited supply of oil to more renewable energy sources, not only to save our planet, but also to raise the quality of life for more Americans. He refuses to be bribed by big oil, and has many plans to move our country in a more environmental direction, just as Ted did for Thneedville.
3. Mulan from "Mulan" (Women’s Rights)
Bernie has always been a strong proponent of equal rights for all, especially women. He sees men and women as equals, and sees the importance of treating them the same. In "Mulan," the Chinese ruler requires every family to send one man to military service to fight the invading Hun army. Mulan decides to disguise herself as a man to fill in for her father. She proves herself to be just as capable as her male counterparts, and ends up defeating the leader of the Huns and saves the Imperial City of China.
Sanders believes that women are just as capable, and should be valued at the same level as men in the workplace. Therefore, he plans to reduce the gender pay gap that currently exists. Bernie also supports reproductive rights and family services for those who need it. Mulan and Sanders both know that women and men deserve to be valued on the same level, and each actively defend these ideals.
4. Baymax from "Big Hero 6" (Accessible and Affordable Health Care)
Sanders supports the availability of affordable healthcare for those who cannot currently afford it. Baymax is a robot in "Big Hero 6" whose purpose is to provide health care services until the recipient is content.
Bernie wants the health care system of America to work in a similar way. He wants the pharmaceutical industry to provide affordable prescription drugs for consumers to help them, rather than leave them in a worse situation than what they started in. He believes that drug companies should be more transparent in their role and pricing, just as Baymax transparently provides medical services to his patients.
