Disney Character Analysis

The three Native American Disney characters I will be discussing are Pocahontas, Grandmother Willow, and the Indian chief in Peter Pan. In real life, Pocahontas married a tribal member in her early years, and was later held captive at age 18 and then married a British colonialism (Hirschfelder, A., Molin, P., & Wakim, 1999). In the movie, she has to choose between her lover, John Smith and her tribe. When her father demands her not to see John Smith, she disobeys. However, that was highly unlikely to have happened because it was a cultural norm to abide by orders from leaders (Hirschfelder, A., Molin, P., & Wakim, 1999). Additionally, in the film, Pocahontas wore a scandalous short dress that would have been unheard of in her time (Hirschfelder, A., Molin, P., & Wakim, 1999). Overall, Disney’s

Gillam & Wooden (2010) analyzed the male portrayal of Disney men (e.g. Buzz Lightyear and Woody). For starters, Buzz Lightyear is seen as an “alpha male” in his desire to have dominance, authority, and in his competitive nature. His masculinity is challenged when he is unable to legitimately fix himself after he falls. Woody on the other hand is less masculine. He is a scrawny guy compared to the muscular Buzz. Woody too is a natural born leader, but also desires dominance as Andy’s favorite toy. Both Buzz and Woody are fighting for Bo Peep’s affection. Interestingly enough, their masculine characters are being challenged as they face failure throughout the film, and learn what it means to be a man (Gillam & Wooden, 2010). However, many of the Disney princes, for example the prince for Sleeping Beauty (unknown name), lack any character. They are there to save the damsel in distress. Aurora, sleeping beauty, was cast in a magical sleep and the only way for her to awake was by a kiss. The prince risked his life to save her, reinforcing the idea women need to be saved by a