Ties That Bind, Ties That Break

In my opinion Mulan has been westernized, maybe not overly westernized, but definately changed in order to fit the more stereotypical views that Disney tends to display in movies. I do think that this westernization can serve the purpose to help the american viewers, specifically children, in relating to the character. It can be hard for even adults to understand foreign cultures so this westernization, although potentially stereotypical, is sometimes necessary. I do not think tha Disney is entirely at fault. They alone certainly have not created all of the generalizations that go along with gender and race. It is the common views and perceptions of the American people that have created these. However, Disney is a business and has incorporated these things into their movies in order to make money and therefore has not done much in the way of stopping this practice or common perceptions. On the other hand, I think that with more of the more representative characters appearing in the mainstream media, it could be possible that viewers would be able to relate to characters of different cultures. This needs to be a change in the media though. One movie or television show will not make the change that some would argue is needed. There has to be a comittment from both the viewers and produceers to try and make the media a more real experience. I have grown used to the westernized movies that Disney spits out every year and it may take some time for the audiences of such films to get used to a change like the one proposed. It may be meet with some opposition but in general I think that audiences would find it refreshing and enjoyable.