What has changed, and why is it important to have diversity?
By: Praew and Atom, 9.2
In our world today, LGBTQ, racial and ethnic minority groups still face exclusion among many film industries. But, as some people may know, during these recent years, movies and films published in Hollywood have appeared to be more diverse and inclusive of marginalized communities. This could suggest that the industries have been responding to the history of criticisms of on-screen diversity. For instance, Disney films have created stories that reflect on acceptance and celebration of our differences. The first being Saludos Amigos in 1942, followed by The Three Caballeros in 1977 as well as another one in 1992 where a movie starred a character of Indian descent – The Jungle Book. And very recently, a popular movie among young kids focusing on the adventures faced by a Polynesian princess, Moana.
According to a report by UCLA, movie watchers in the US are becoming more diverse and prefer movies that show greater distinctiveness. Since 2011, the percentage of lead actors being people of color has risen from 10.5% to 27.6% in 2019. These numbers are consistently rising, slowly but steadily. Although behind-the-camera representation remains worse with less than 5 percent of directors being female or Asian - numbers static over 12 years. Some people have noticed the differences in the numbers between the on-screen and off-screen diversity and having strong opinions the diversity with film casts was all just a show to make us believe that they are trying for a change.
“The good news is companies are making more of an effort to be inclusive,” said Stacy L Smith, director of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative.
Stories with various cultures have begun appearing on many Disney Films. Disney Creators show an effort to have an impact on the views of diversity, giving a chance for young children to relate to stories that may be like the lives and experiences that they may have. It is an important aspect of entertainment to change people’s views on diversity.
Disney and Pixar have produced more films including people from ethnic minority groups lately, such as Encanto, a now popular film among all ages. Raya and The Last Dragon, Soul and more. Each film with their own unique culture and nationality. For example, Raya and the Last Dragon is inspired by Southeast Asia’s cultures from Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Brunei, and Laos. Raya’s clothes are inspired by the Chut Thai, Bagan, Salakot, and Tabengman, each a traditional outfit to their respective areas. Heart palace was inspired by the Thai Throne Hall and the Istana Nagera. Fang palace was inspired by Rumah Gadang. Most of the food you saw in the movie are from Thailand. Disney looks at the country's cultures and landscapes. But the only thing left was the diversity of Raya’s cast members. The audience suggests that more Asian cast members, should be included.
Mulan is one of the most popular and the first Asian Disney princess. She has been presented as a strong and independent woman, who served the military instead of her father, and becomes a princess after successfully beating the villain and saving China. Like Raya and the Last Dragon, Mulan did not get a good response in both the US and in China. The film’s IMDb rate is only 5.5 out of 10 in US and even worse in China, which is currently at 5.1 out of 10. The reason it is poorly rated is because the movies itself does not look like Chinese based movies. Some of the audience also felt the movies included too many Americans' cultures.
While movies such as Raya and Mulan do not receive much positive feedback, other Disney movies such as Encanto get a great response. Encanto is about a multigenerational family, who protect their village with the gift blessed to them by candle. Each member with their own fabulous power except Mirabelle. It was the first time Disney admirably expressed the different and diverse aspects of Latin Culture. Each character with diverse personalities with a lot of meaning. Isabella has been presented as a golden child and a perfectionist but inside she wants to be free. Or Luisa the strongest character but the most emotional also. The details of their clothes and the culture shown in Encanto are one of the best. The perfect combination of character gives its great review on IMDb with 7.3 out of 10.
The film that gets a better response seems to have a better presentation of their culture and diversity. Diversity in films also opens new and better opportunities for other people around the world, giving children and young people a sense of connection with the movies they are watching as they may portray their own lives and experiences.
Comments