Advice on what can be changed to help avoid stereotypes: Mulan

Given all the information we have on gender stereotypes contributed through one of the most powerful mediums such as Disney, we now have the choice or power to avoid or change stereotypical notions of gender. The earlier Disney cartoons displayed a very high level of stereotyping in female as well as male roles. To reiterate, the women were displayed as the weaker sex through all major Disney cartoons. The men were shown to be brave and strong, and of course come to the women’s rescue when needed. As children watch these cartoons, they absorb these gender stereotypes and begin to apply them within their own frame of thought. As they grow older these ideas remain in their mind, which thus leads to further generation of stereotypical mindset.
Within the last decade or so, Disney has begun to change the way they depict their female characters within their animation. The character Mulan is a great example of Disney swaying away from the gender “norms” which many of the popular Disney characters held. Mulan defies gender norms for women. She is brave and strong. Unlike the “damsel in distress” princesses. Her bravery comes from her step to take her sick father’s place in the war as a soldier while being disguised as a man. She is seen as the hero in this film, which is a big leap for Disney to portray a woman as the hero instead of the man. Not only is this a great way for Disney to depict women in a more positive and less gender stereotypical way, but it also includes many aspects of culture. The film is based on the Maya culture, and really goes into detail on the heritage of the culture. These are all positive steps Disney is taking in creating animation almost free of stereotypical notions of both males and females. Children clearly enjoy watching these films and learning all that they possibly can from them. It is time to create a world of change in all animation to better suit the cultural and educational aspects of both the characters and the plot.

Source: http://sorrel.humboldt.edu/~jgv1/319Web/examples/2002/BattleCry.pdf