I really am just a dumb bunny -- Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin)
Updated: 7/8/22
IN OUR SOCIETY, we live in a world where gendered stereotypes are a clawing reminder of our current surroundings. We are told to be ourselves, yet, are confined by others. To remain in a particular safe space or bubble. What makes a society work is learning how to defy these stereotypes. How? By unlocking our true potential -- regardless of what society may say is such.
If you aren't familiar with the term, 'stereotype', to put it simply, a stereotype is a wide societal judgement or bias in which a person or group is exaggerated. While I could easily make the entirety of this post about the sole description of various stereotypes, this isn't my intent. However, IF you are interested in more information on familiarizing yourself with what exactly it means to be gendered or stereotyped, I have provided a few links below. If not, ON TO THE NEXT SECTION!
The Walt Disney Company has been making animated films for almost over 100 years -- which is no easy feat! From princesses to princes. Castles to cottages. Sea, Earth, and Sky ... this Animated studio has brought to life stories where we can laugh, cry, and return to again and again.
Much like Disney's Fox and the Hound, a tale of unlikely friends who become 'the best of friends', Disney Animation Studio's 2016 Feature Film, Zootopia, follows the story of an unlikely duo: a bunny and a fox. Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) learn what it means to like 'the other species' despite their flaws.
While I would HATE to give away the ENTIRE movie, I would like to place your attention on a particular clip from the film.
For Context: Judy is a bunny with BIG dreams who leaves her life in BunnyBurrow to become a cop in the urban sprawl of Zootopia. Despite good grades (and being the best in her class), Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) doubts her abilities and places her on parking duty. Way ... to go? When she meets Nick Wilde on her first day, he isn't who he says he is. Bunny .... meet your pawpsicle aficionado.
The animated world, much like our own, is not always sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns (though I'm sure Bing-Bong and Joy would LOVE it if it were). Our perception of life shifts from 'what we expect' to 'how it actually can be'.
As Nick states, he doesn't think she fits the category of what an actual officer should look like. There are still people who believe that a specific gender, person, or group cannot and should not reach for particular goals and dreams to benefit the rest of society's expectations. Zootopia is a great film for those with little ones who don't necessarily know how to explain these specific topics to younglings. Or, if you need a refresher course. Or, just need some inspiration as to how Judy overcomes her obstacles (I know I can relate).
Need another clip to be convinced? You've got it!
After becoming more accepted in the community, Judy discovers on a quest with Nick what it means when the city of Zootopia claims that animals are going savage. When forced to give a speech, their relationship seems to ... pause. Much in the way that Nick stereotyped Judy, Judy does the same. And, oof -- is it harsh. Thanks for 'stating the facts' Hopps!
While we may not be able to understand what gender stereotypes ARE at first, we can LEARN and GROW. WE can become more educated through exposition and lessons. While this was a very short overview of Disney's Zootopia (as well as gender stereotypes), I shall leave you with a few more articles if you REALLY feel like diving into the topic.
TTFN! Ta-Ta, for now!
- ALICIA
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