I'm a little late to the party, but I finally got around to seeing the new Disney movie, "Zootopia." Obviously, I loved it. Who doesn't love cute little animals wearing clothes, living and working in their own animal universe, and serving each other up a nice heaping of racism and bigotry? Wait what? Yup. "Zootopia" boldly explores the very adult topic of systematic bias and cultural racism through the childlike platform of Disney Animation.
The film opens with a history of ancient times, where predators hunted for prey and lived in a savage state of chaos. Claiming that they have now "evolved to become civilized" the predators and prey now seem to coexist in the melting pot of Zootopia. But things aren't as peachy as they seem. In this seemingly perfect society, animal "races" are quick to stereotype and judge each other, certain types of animals are hired into job positions solely to fill a quota, and service is even refused to certain species and local businesses. There is hazing. There is fear mongering. There is discrimination. A little upsetting, yes. A little too relevant, yes.
"Zootopia" is as shocking as it is charming, but it is not the first Disney attempt to push the boundaries in terms of content matter. "Inside Out" explored the topic of mental illness and emotional stability through the point of view of a little girl's human like emotions. The film explained the complexity of what goes on in our own heads in a way that was understandable to audiences young and old. Speaking from experience, I know that it has allowed people to have an easier time expressing their thoughts on taboo subjects like depression, anxiety, pain, and loss.
A few years prior, Disney came out with another unsettling but powerful movie, "Wall-E." Set in an apocalyptic wasteland left after centuries of human pollution, "Wall-E" clearly demonstrates the need to have a serious conversation about protecting our environment. All from the point of view of a cute little robot. What fun.
Disney is clearly using its power and influence to send a message. They want to get us talking. They are stepping away from the traditional morals and lessons of an animated children's movie like staying true to yourself and following your dreams, and are taking on more relevant topics. Things that matter to our society today. Their choice in content is a little controversial, sure, but with great risk comes great reward. "Wall-E," "Inside Out," and "Zootopia" were all huge box office successes.
Disney has taken a leap and is subjecting us as the audience to issues that may be uncomfortable to talk about, but issues we do care about deep down. For impressionable children, these films have the potential to get the conversation started at a young age by breaking down the barriers of silence and taboo.
"Zootopia" is Disney Animation's latest attempt at provoking meaningful conversation. It explores a problem that plagues our world in every aspect whether we are fully aware of it or not. "Zootopia" doesn't just show one group oppressing another. It shows how every single animal species, from every rank in the social hierarchy, plays their part in the bigger problem by stereotyping, judging, and ultimately harming one another. This cycle of prejudice results in the oppression of everyone. This movie is a must see learning lesson for children and adults. Only we can create change, and that starts with starting a conversation.
