Moana: A Win Taken With a Grain of Salt | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Moana: A Win Taken With a Grain of Salt

Disney takes steps forward, but needs to go further

19
Moana: A Win Taken With a Grain of Salt
Wikimedia Commons

Moana was recently released on DVD/ Blu-Ray and for digital download. This newest Disney-Pixar movie was a hit in theaters this past Thanksgiving, and it was no different for this release. After having seen the movie months ago and jamming out unapologetically to the album since November, seeing the movie once again was just as invigorating and thought provoking as the first time.

While Moana is a great representation of a princess (even though she specifically states she is not a princess), she is much more than the typical Disney princess. She is a daring girl of color, who will not be deterred from her mission no matter how stubborn Maui, the demigod, is at not wanting to be involved. She doesn’t have a love interest, she genuinely cares about learning the best ways to help her people, and already possess the basic quick thinking by providing help with diseased cocoanuts, a man’s leaky roof, and providing support and wisdom to various villagers.

On the flip side, there is also some criticism that should be brought to light. Like the fact that this is indeed white people telling the story of brown people, again, despite seeking counsel from experts on the Polynesian culture. I am not disregarding the win in gaining a brown Disney princess. I think Moana is very important for representation of a strong-willed, determined, and amazing young woman who is in charge and will go great lengths to save those she cares about.

But now that we have that win, I think we also have the right to critique and demand more and better representations, especially modern ones. I think all too often Polynesian culture has been watered down to ancient times and everyone wearing grass skirts and doing a hula dance.

I think Disney is moving in the right direction with more inclusion, especially since it has been officially announced that there is an LBGTQ+ character in the upcoming live-action Beauty and the Beast. But we, as consumers and activists, need to continue to demand and consume media that moves in this progressive direction. After all, it has taken us roughly 80 years to get to where we are today with Disney.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

191094
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15368
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458205
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26799
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments