Saturday, March 25, 2017
Should Belle have chosen Gatson?
When we put things in context...should Belle have chosen Gatson?
Here's a powerpoint presentation that examines the Beauty and the Beast narrative towards the end of 18th century France.
Here's a powerpoint presentation that examines the Beauty and the Beast narrative towards the end of 18th century France.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Paternalism and Pro-active Females in Pocahontas (1995)
Last semester, as part of the FOCUS class on humanitarian challenges, I took a class titled “The Limits of Good Intentions”. We explored the both the limitations and unintended consequences of aid and foreign intervention, with a focus on the 2010 Haitian Earthquake. As I watched Pocahontas (1995), I felt that I could connect many of the topics I learnt in my FOCUS class to the film's content.
In particular, the film struck me as demonstrating paternalism in a foreign land.
Some quotes, particularly verbal exchanges that involved John Smith, that stood out to me in the film included:
And the fiery exchange between John and Pocahontas:
"Savages", "uncivilized", "so much we can teach you"?? I thought these terms really reflected paternalistic views held by developed nations, particularly Anglophone countries, towards “less developed” countries. In fact, I would go as far as to say that I wouldn’t use the term “less developed” in this context, because the Powhatan tribe is visibly perfectly content and satisfied with their mode of civilization. This is all very ethnocentric; the imposing of one’s culture (British) on another society.
Moreover, I thought the film was really romanticising aid. For some reason, Pocahontas reminded me a lot about Avatar (2009).
While both plots have many parallels - the annexing of foreign land, the male lead sympathizing with the local tribe - Jake in Avatar actually took the time and effort to fully immerse himself into the customs of the Na’vi tribe, while John Smith’s main motivation for switching allegiance was Pocahontas. I also felt that the romance between John Smith and Pocahontas started of because both were attracted by a person from an “exotic” land.
Furthermore, I felt that the film once again reinforced the idea that Disney female heroines have to be proactive in saving their male partners’ lives, a topic we’ve been discussing in class. Just like the portrayal of Belle in Beauty and the Beast (1991) as being responsible for humanizing Beast, Pocahontas seems to be the only one who is actively trying to negotiate peace between the Powhatan tribe and the British invaders.
In the same vein, while in Avatar, Jake actually actively takes part in the efforts to fight against the American Resources Development Administration, John Smith is pretty passive-aggressive in the film. He is reluctant to talk to Chief Powhatan because he thinks it will be futile, and after he gets captured he is basically useless from then on. In the end, Pocahontas herself has to intervene, threatening her father by almost sacrificing herself at John Smith’s execution.
In particular, the film struck me as demonstrating paternalism in a foreign land.
Some quotes, particularly verbal exchanges that involved John Smith, that stood out to me in the film included:
“There’s so much we can teach you!” (John Smith)
And the fiery exchange between John and Pocahontas:
John Smith: We've improved the lives of savages all over the world.
Pocahontas: Savages?
John Smith: Uh, not that you're a savage.
Pocahontas: Just my people!
John Smith: No. Listen. That's not what I meant. Let me explain.
...
John Smith: Savage is just a word, uh, you know. A term for people who are uncivilized.
Pocahontas: Like me.
John Smith: Well, when I say uncivilized, what I mean is, is-
Pocahontas: What you mean is, not like you.
Moreover, I thought the film was really romanticising aid. For some reason, Pocahontas reminded me a lot about Avatar (2009).
While both plots have many parallels - the annexing of foreign land, the male lead sympathizing with the local tribe - Jake in Avatar actually took the time and effort to fully immerse himself into the customs of the Na’vi tribe, while John Smith’s main motivation for switching allegiance was Pocahontas. I also felt that the romance between John Smith and Pocahontas started of because both were attracted by a person from an “exotic” land.
Furthermore, I felt that the film once again reinforced the idea that Disney female heroines have to be proactive in saving their male partners’ lives, a topic we’ve been discussing in class. Just like the portrayal of Belle in Beauty and the Beast (1991) as being responsible for humanizing Beast, Pocahontas seems to be the only one who is actively trying to negotiate peace between the Powhatan tribe and the British invaders.
In the same vein, while in Avatar, Jake actually actively takes part in the efforts to fight against the American Resources Development Administration, John Smith is pretty passive-aggressive in the film. He is reluctant to talk to Chief Powhatan because he thinks it will be futile, and after he gets captured he is basically useless from then on. In the end, Pocahontas herself has to intervene, threatening her father by almost sacrificing herself at John Smith’s execution.
Race, Socioeconomic Status and Feminism in Princess and The Frog (2009)
I’ve heard a lot of criticism regarding Disney’s portrayal of race in Princess and the Frog (2009). But I also feel that there’s also a lot to discuss regarding the depictions of socioeconomic status and feminism in the film.
Here are my thoughts on the the film :
Racial concerns
I read an article arguing that by creating a black princess but not a black prince, Disney is suggesting that black love is impossible. But personally, I didn’t see the film coming across as such. Instead, I saw the romance between Tiana and Prince Naveen as an interracial relationship. Granted, Prince Naveen’s race is ambiguous, but he seems to have a latino accent and his skin color, which is paler than Tiana’s but darker than typical white skin color, suggests that he may be Latino or Hispanic. Here are my thoughts on the the film :
Racial concerns
I also thought that the power dynamic in Charlotte’s and Tiana’s relationship was refreshingly unique. Despite their racial differences, Charlotte, as a privileged white debutante, treats Tiana as her best friend. Disney shows that Charlotte respects Tiana, even though they may not be of equal status.
Although the film has generated much controversy with regards to its use of the Louisiana voodoo as a plot device, I agree with this blogger’s argument that Disney demonstrates that “Voodoo is essentially a neutral practice that can be used for good or evil” (evil being that practised by Facilier and good being that practised by Mama Odie). I felt that this complementary relationship, in a way, debunked the “bad evil Voodoo” stereotype.
Socioeconomic status
There seems to be an emergent trend throughout the film - the exchange of services. Tiana agrees to kiss Frog Prince Naveen solely to get the money she needs to buy the mill. Lawrence readily betrays Prince Naveen and succumbs to Dr. Facilier in exchange for assuming his life.
It seems to me that in the film, different socioeconomic classes are pitted against one another; but can you blame them? Both Charlotte and Lawrence are desperate to climb the social ladder of success. The main difference between the two is that Lawrence chooses the “wrong” path by making an agreement with Dr. Facilier, while Tiana does not succumb to Dr. Facilier’s offer of granting her her dream restaurant.
I noted that only a princess, and not just a “true love” like in Sleeping Beauty (1959), can kiss Prince Naveen to save him. This all shows how highly valued socioeconomic status was in the early twentieth century.
Daddy’s Girl Stereotype
Disney has be known to perpetuate the “Daddy’s Girl” stereotype, as demonstrated in The Little Mermaid (1989) and Beauty and the Beast (1991) I found it intriguing how this stereotype was applied not only to Charlotte but also to Tiana.
From the get-go, it’s obvious that Disney reinforces several “white girl” stereotypes such as the portrayal of Charlotte as a materialistic and spoilt “daddy’s girl”. However, in a more subtle manner, Disney also suggests that Tiana’s dream is ultimately inherited from her father.
Portrayal of Race in Aladdin (1992)
When I was young, I remember being mesmerized by Disney’s portrayal of an “exotic land” in Aladdin (1992); it wasn’t until I became older than I realized that the manner in which Disney portrayed the Middle East in the film was very, very inappropriate.
Supposedly a film that celebrates racial diversity and inclusion, I felt that the film particularly reinforced the North-South divide between the Anglo sphere and the Global South. The film's titular song “Arabian Nights” is a complete testament to this:
What’s strange is that all the main characters in Aladdin all have Anglo-American accents. Disney appears to have “glorified” Aladdin and Jasmine by whitewashing their portrayals, as Robert Egert notes, "Most of the Arab characters have exaggerated facial characteristics - hooked noses, glowering brows, thick lips - but Aladdin and the princess look like white American teenagers."
Here’s my breakdown of the respective characters and their portrayals:
Aladdin
Role: Protagonist / “Prince”
Race: Arabian
Accent: American
Physical features: Paler skinned (compared to the other Arabian characters and Arabians in general)
Character description: a poor street orphan who steals food to survive. Despite being a thief, is known to have a heart of gold (perhaps, literally, since he pretends to be Prince Ali of Ababwa in order to win over Jasmine). Is carefree and jovial despite his humble background.
Closest cousin(s): Robin Hood, who like Aladdin, is kind-hearted albeit being a thief
Jasmine
Role: Protagonist / Princess
Race: Arabian
Accent: American
Physical features: Is paler skinned just like Aladdin. Very typical attractive and innocent Disney princess. Wears a very revealing outfit, despite the conservative values of most Middle Eastern societies.
Character description: As the Princess of Agrabah, Jasmine is feminine, innocent, intelligent.
Closest cousin(s): Ariel from The Little Mermaid (1989), as she has been confined to the underwater kingdom all her life under her father’s control
The Sultan
Role: Supporting character
Race: Arabian
Accent: English accent
Physical features: Has the palest complexion of all characters. Short and plump with a very white beard and moustache.
Character description: Jasmine’s father who adores on Jasmine. Very gullible and easily taken advantaged of, which seems to be reinforced by his physical appearance and age (despite the wise old English man stereotype).
Closest cousin(s): Maurice (Belle’s father) from Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Jafar
Role: Antagonist / Villain
Race: Arabian
Accent: Strong English accent
Physical features: has a darker complexion compared to the other Arabian characters. Is sinister looking and slim-faced, and has a hooked nose, well-defined and sharp jaw line.
Character description: Cunning, deceiving and greedy for power and wealth.
Closest cousin(s): Ursula from The Little Mermaid (1989)
The Genie
Supposedly a film that celebrates racial diversity and inclusion, I felt that the film particularly reinforced the North-South divide between the Anglo sphere and the Global South. The film's titular song “Arabian Nights” is a complete testament to this:
“Where they cut off your ear
If they don't like your face
It's barbaric, but hey, it's home.”
What’s strange is that all the main characters in Aladdin all have Anglo-American accents. Disney appears to have “glorified” Aladdin and Jasmine by whitewashing their portrayals, as Robert Egert notes, "Most of the Arab characters have exaggerated facial characteristics - hooked noses, glowering brows, thick lips - but Aladdin and the princess look like white American teenagers."
Here’s my breakdown of the respective characters and their portrayals:
Aladdin
Race: Arabian
Accent: American
Physical features: Paler skinned (compared to the other Arabian characters and Arabians in general)
Character description: a poor street orphan who steals food to survive. Despite being a thief, is known to have a heart of gold (perhaps, literally, since he pretends to be Prince Ali of Ababwa in order to win over Jasmine). Is carefree and jovial despite his humble background.
Closest cousin(s): Robin Hood, who like Aladdin, is kind-hearted albeit being a thief
Jasmine
Race: Arabian
Accent: American
Physical features: Is paler skinned just like Aladdin. Very typical attractive and innocent Disney princess. Wears a very revealing outfit, despite the conservative values of most Middle Eastern societies.
Character description: As the Princess of Agrabah, Jasmine is feminine, innocent, intelligent.
Closest cousin(s): Ariel from The Little Mermaid (1989), as she has been confined to the underwater kingdom all her life under her father’s control
The Sultan
Race: Arabian
Accent: English accent
Physical features: Has the palest complexion of all characters. Short and plump with a very white beard and moustache.
Character description: Jasmine’s father who adores on Jasmine. Very gullible and easily taken advantaged of, which seems to be reinforced by his physical appearance and age (despite the wise old English man stereotype).
Closest cousin(s): Maurice (Belle’s father) from Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Jafar
Race: Arabian
Accent: Strong English accent
Physical features: has a darker complexion compared to the other Arabian characters. Is sinister looking and slim-faced, and has a hooked nose, well-defined and sharp jaw line.
Character description: Cunning, deceiving and greedy for power and wealth.
Closest cousin(s): Ursula from The Little Mermaid (1989)
The Genie
Role: Supporting character
Race: Arabian??
Accent: Very ambiguous (Mental Floss describes Robin Williams’ accent as “questionable”)
Physical features: blue-skinned, muscular, has a thin black beard
Character description: Omnipotent as he can grant a designated “master” three wishes, acts as Aladdin’s saviour and confidante
Closest cousin(s): Fairy Godmother from Cinderella (1950), Ursula from The Little Mermaid (1989)
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Friday, March 10, 2017
LeFou as a Gay Man in Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Apparently, it’s been confirmed that LeFou in Disney’s remake of Beauty and the Beast, played by actor Josh Gad, will be the first openly gay character in Disney film.
Unsurprisingly, LeFou’s portrayal as a gay man has generated a wave of controversy, with Russia considering a ban of the film and with a drive-in theatre in Alabama refusing to air the film.
Here’s my yay / nay regarding LeFou’s portrayal in the movie:
Yay
Needless to say, this marks a watershed moment in Disney filmmaking. Disney’s viewership consists largely of young children, hence in maintaining its appeal to such a target demographic, the corporation has long sought to shy away from controversy by constructing “innocent” movie plots. Hence, it does indeed mean a HUGE deal that the LGBTQ+ community is finally being recognized in the Disney arena.
What I find especially brilliant is that according to Gad, in the film, it’s not explicitly confirmed that LeFou is gay. Rather, LeFou seems to struggle navigating his sexuality, oscillating between his reverence for Gatson as a hyper-masculine and hetereosexual man and his deep-seated desire to kiss Gatson. Gad seemed to have improvised LeFou’s portrayal as a gay man as he stated, "There was nothing in the script that said ‘LeFou is gay.’” In another interview, Gad further explained, “He's confused about what he wants. It's somebody who's just realizing that he has these feelings."
Nay
Be it in the original Beauty and the Beast or in the remake, LeFou, is still reduced to comic relief. The Daily Dot made a very valid point about how LeFou’s role as “the fool” or “the madman” serves as a direct contrast to Gatson’s role as a embodiment of “heterosexual masculinity”. To me, LeFou’s role is rather auxiliary and primarily serves to glorify Gatson’s portrayal.
In my opinion, the constant humiliation and degrading of LeFou doesn’t portray the LGBTQ+ community in the best light. Personally, I would have preferred it if Gatson, instead of LeFou, was portrayed as gay - a story of a man who experiences both internal and external pressure to conform to the mould of heteromasculinity, but struggles to break out of that stereotype.
On an interesting note, BuzzFeed argues that LeFou and Gatson were both gay all along (please excuse the vulgar language). In the article, Buzzfeed Staff Mathew Guiver argues that Gatson’s outward projection of hypermasculinity and his pursuit of Belle was simply a mask for his homosexuality, and a means to derail suspicion from his relationship with LeFou. Could this be true?
--------
All in all, I guess this addition of a gay character in Beauty and the Beast isn’t perfect, but at least it’s a start.
Unsurprisingly, LeFou’s portrayal as a gay man has generated a wave of controversy, with Russia considering a ban of the film and with a drive-in theatre in Alabama refusing to air the film.
Here’s my yay / nay regarding LeFou’s portrayal in the movie:
Yay
Needless to say, this marks a watershed moment in Disney filmmaking. Disney’s viewership consists largely of young children, hence in maintaining its appeal to such a target demographic, the corporation has long sought to shy away from controversy by constructing “innocent” movie plots. Hence, it does indeed mean a HUGE deal that the LGBTQ+ community is finally being recognized in the Disney arena.
What I find especially brilliant is that according to Gad, in the film, it’s not explicitly confirmed that LeFou is gay. Rather, LeFou seems to struggle navigating his sexuality, oscillating between his reverence for Gatson as a hyper-masculine and hetereosexual man and his deep-seated desire to kiss Gatson. Gad seemed to have improvised LeFou’s portrayal as a gay man as he stated, "There was nothing in the script that said ‘LeFou is gay.’” In another interview, Gad further explained, “He's confused about what he wants. It's somebody who's just realizing that he has these feelings."
Nay
Be it in the original Beauty and the Beast or in the remake, LeFou, is still reduced to comic relief. The Daily Dot made a very valid point about how LeFou’s role as “the fool” or “the madman” serves as a direct contrast to Gatson’s role as a embodiment of “heterosexual masculinity”. To me, LeFou’s role is rather auxiliary and primarily serves to glorify Gatson’s portrayal.
In my opinion, the constant humiliation and degrading of LeFou doesn’t portray the LGBTQ+ community in the best light. Personally, I would have preferred it if Gatson, instead of LeFou, was portrayed as gay - a story of a man who experiences both internal and external pressure to conform to the mould of heteromasculinity, but struggles to break out of that stereotype.
On an interesting note, BuzzFeed argues that LeFou and Gatson were both gay all along (please excuse the vulgar language). In the article, Buzzfeed Staff Mathew Guiver argues that Gatson’s outward projection of hypermasculinity and his pursuit of Belle was simply a mask for his homosexuality, and a means to derail suspicion from his relationship with LeFou. Could this be true?
--------
All in all, I guess this addition of a gay character in Beauty and the Beast isn’t perfect, but at least it’s a start.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Monday, March 6, 2017
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
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