| Abstract [eng] |
The main object of this research – 18 Walt Disney Company movies from two different time periods – 10 years’ time period from 1990 to 2000 and 20 years’ time period from 2000 to 2020. The main purpose of this research is to explore how masculinity is represented in Disney animated films and how it may have changed over 30 years. This paper consists of content analysis of chosen movies and comparative analysis between two different time periods. These days, the Walt Disney Company is a global cultural phenomenon that reflects and offers insights into social values, culture and people's perceptions of certain ideas. Disney is one of the most popular multinational mass media and entertainment companies, whose animated films captivate the whole world with their enchanting characters, wonderful relatable stories and innovatively created animation. Disney animated films can now even be considered as the new children's fairy tales, but as in fairy tales, it is quite common for Disney films to portray characters in stereotypical ways. Disney princesses and feminine stereotypes are discussed quite often, because feminist movements always bring up and talk about the differences in women's roles, but male stereotypes are sometimes forgotten. Male gender stereotypes may at first glance appear to be positive, because men are depicted as dominant, strong and do not feel oppressed in the same way that women do. However, it is rarely considered that it is this portrayal of masculinity in films that leads to boys developing a sense of what a 'real man' should look like, and if they don't fulfil these criteria, they can be humiliated, which can be detrimental to their emotional health. Children observe stereotypical, toxic or hegemonic representations of masculinity in Disney films and form an idea of what it should look like. Since gender is considered a social construct that is formed when children observe different gender expressions in their environment, it is very important what content children watch. What adds to the influence of Disney is that Disney films are mostly watched on streaming services or television, which is still one of the most popular media and can still shape children's opinions and thoughts about certain concepts very quickly. The fact that the messages portrayed on television have a significant impact on people's perception of the world is supported by Cultivation Theory. The Social Congruity Theory also reminds us that children tend to imitate the behavior they see in their environment, so it is very possible that children will imitate the toxic behavior they see on television. Analysing the results obtained, all the examined Disney films share common features. Villains are portrayed with stereotypical masculine traits, while protagonists who display such characteristics are prevented from achieving their goals. The protagonists undergo emotional growth, realizing that abandoning traits like dominance, aggression, and emotional detachment helps them achieve their goals and form friendships. Male friendships are shown as fulfilling and meaningful, and male characters are usually motivated by personal goals or helping others, rather than romantic love. Modern films rarely feature a prince rescuing a princess, reflecting a shift away from traditional romantic dependency. Additionally, women have begun to be portrayed as villains, a trend absent between 1990 and 2000, indicating that both genders can embody villains. |
