Moana was recently released on DVD/ Blu-Ray and for digital download. This newest Disney-Pixar movie was a hit in theaters this past Thanksgiving, and it was no different for this release. After having seen the movie months ago and jamming out unapologetically to the album since November, seeing the movie once again was just as invigorating and thought provoking as the first time.
While Moana is a great representation of a princess (even though she specifically states she is not a princess), she is much more than the typical Disney princess. She is a daring girl of color, who will not be deterred from her mission no matter how stubborn Maui, the demigod, is at not wanting to be involved. She doesn’t have a love interest, she genuinely cares about learning the best ways to help her people, and already possess the basic quick thinking by providing help with diseased cocoanuts, a man’s leaky roof, and providing support and wisdom to various villagers.
On the flip side, there is also some criticism that should be brought to light. Like the fact that this is indeed white people telling the story of brown people, again, despite seeking counsel from experts on the Polynesian culture. I am not disregarding the win in gaining a brown Disney princess. I think Moana is very important for representation of a strong-willed, determined, and amazing young woman who is in charge and will go great lengths to save those she cares about.
But now that we have that win, I think we also have the right to critique and demand more and better representations, especially modern ones. I think all too often Polynesian culture has been watered down to ancient times and everyone wearing grass skirts and doing a hula dance.
I think Disney is moving in the right direction with more inclusion, especially since it has been officially announced that there is an LBGTQ+ character in the upcoming live-action Beauty and the Beast. But we, as consumers and activists, need to continue to demand and consume media that moves in this progressive direction. After all, it has taken us roughly 80 years to get to where we are today with Disney.
