Introduction
Anthropomorphizing, or the activity of integrating cartoon animals with human characteristics, has an extensive and fascinating past. Over the course of many years, this approach has provided a rich environment that has allowed for the investigation of a wide variety of complex social problems. The idea was skillfully brought to life in the Disney film “Zootopia,” released in 2016 and thought by many to be one of the most visual examples of the idea. Throughout the movie, anthropomorphic animals are used as a medium for the delivery of messages related to topics such as prejudice and bias. In this paper, I will make an attempt to study how “Zootopia’s” representation of cartoon animals as human-like connects with traditional notions of existence and conduct. Specifically, I will examine how “Zootopia’s” presentation of cartoon animals as human-like occurs in the film. In particular, I will focus on how “Zootopia’s” portrayal of foxes as human-like connects with audiences. It is also likely that audience members will focus extensive attention on the film’s metaphor for racial and cultural prejudices.
Anthropomorphism and Stereotyping in “Zootopia”
The animated feature film “Zootopia” tells the story of a prosperous city where animals of all types, including predators and prey, coexist peacefully. Animals are often given human characteristics and reasons for acting in order to make them appealing to viewers. While the book is entertaining, it also examines some of society’s problems through the lens of the differences between predators and prey. The film portrays predators as naturally hazardous and hostile, which is reflective of the ethnic biases and preconceptions that are prevalent in some human societies. To comprehend all the implications of anthropomorphizing, it is essential to investigate the manners in which different animal species are portrayed and the forms in which they are given various attributes in the film “Zootopia.” The article “Can You Spot the Fake Horses?” by Joe McGovern examines the topic of cinematic anthropomorphism. McGovern explains this method has an effect on viewers and how it may create a narrative (McGovern). The observations made by McGovern provide a solid foundation upon which to conduct an analysis of the impacts of anthropomorphism in the book “Zootopia” and its potential relevance to the real world.
Reinforcement of Stereotypes and Audience Perceptions
Due to the fact that it portrays a variety of characteristics common to a large number of different animal species, the film “Zootopia” has the unintended consequence of exerting an influence on the audience that has the effect of confirming the viewers’ preexisting ideas. This impact is brought about as a result of the fact that the movie portrays a wide array of different species of animals. People who watch the movie “Zootopia” are likely to come up with that feeling due to their viewing experience. The portrayal of anthropomorphized animals in the film provides the opportunity for the consolidation of previously held ideas. Consequently, an opportunity exists for the development of prejudices (Nelson and Vihman). The findings of McGovern’s research on anthropomorphism in film shed light not only on the capacity of film storytelling to shape the point of view of an audience but also on the power that visual narrative holds to do so. McGovern was the one who carried out the research.
Because viewers are encouraged to draw connections between the actions of humanized animals and those of those groups in real life, it significantly impacts how people regard individuals of different races and ethnicities and how they interact with one another. This is due to the fact that viewers are encouraged to draw comparisons between the actions of the humanized animals and those of members of the respective groups. James Leo Cahill explores comparative anatomy in narrative in his work “Neozoological Dramas: Comparative Anatomy by Other Means.” This article is a part of his dissertation. When we apply Cahill’s concepts to the film “Zootopia,” we are able to see how the film uses animal features as a form of anatomy comparison (Cahill). This is something that we observe when we apply Cahill’s ideas. In this manner, the movie alludes, in a roundabout fashion, to the subject of human diversity and the associated prejudices.
Social Commentary and Empathy Building
The issues of racism and discrimination are discussed in “Zootopia” through the lens of an insightful critique of society that goes well beyond the essential repetition of stereotypes. Using anthropomorphized animals in the movie contributes to creating a realistic narrative that encourages viewers to analyze their preconceived ideas and biases critically. Derek Bousé, author of the book “Science and Storytelling,” examines how the film business is bringing together elements of science and storytelling in his work. In the instance of “Zootopia,” anthropomorphism serves as an excellent tool for narrative and enables a detailed exploration of complicated social themes. This was made possible by the book’s use of the device. As a consequence of this, it encourages in-depth conversations concerning diversity and inclusiveness.
The movie is successful in part because of the feeling of empathy that it inspires in its audience. Cartoon characters are often accessible for viewers to relate to, and “Zootopia” makes the most of this connection by using it to its advantage by starting talks about significant social problems. Because it stimulates conversation on the adverse effects of stereotyping, this aspect of the movie is in line with the film’s educational mission. In his article titled “Why Look at Animals?,” John Berger gives a theoretical framework for understanding the way humans and other animals are portrayed in art and movies (Berger). This framework can answer the question, “Why look at animals?” By adopting Berger’s views, “Zootopia” may be seen as a powerful tool that cultivates compassion and comprehension by humanizing animals in a way that connects with viewers. This is accomplished through the film’s main character, Nick Wilde.
Educational Value and Critical Thinking
The computer-animated feature film “Zootopia” offers viewers of all ages, particularly younger children and adults, a great deal of enjoyable entertainment and teaches them significant life lessons. This is especially true for adults and younger children. Throughout every moment of the film, there is an intense focus on the significance of challenging one’s preconceived notions, and viewers are encouraged to look into the consequences of making assumptions based on what appears to be the exterior of just another person. In other words, the movie encourages viewers to question whether or not it is safe to make judgments about someone solely based on how they appear on the outside. Because “Zootopia” encourages viewers to look past the film’s fictional facade and see the anthropomorphized animals as symbolic representations of real-world concerns, Berger’s viewpoint on observing animals becomes relevant. “Zootopia” was directed by Disney and released in 2015. As a consequence of this, Berger’s point of view deserves to be taken into consideration.
One of the contributing causes is the article written by Jonathan Burt titled “John Berger’s ‘Why Look at Animals?’ A Close Reading,” which assists with the growth in the educational significance of “Zootopia.” This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Berger’s points of view and contributes to the rise in the educational value of “Zootopia.” It could be complemented within a broader imaginative and cultural framework than would have been possible otherwise, thanks to Burt’s insightful observations on how humans portray animals in popular culture (Burt). Without Burt’s findings, it would not have been possible to do so. Before Burt’s conclusions, this was not the case at all. The members of the audience who watch the movie are in a better position as an immediate result of this to be prompted to think about and engage in conversation on urgent issues currently affecting our society.
Conclusion
The animated film “Zootopia” challenges us to rethink our worldview as well as our understanding of what it is to be a human being because it introduces cartoon animals with human characteristics. This raises several significant inquiries that need answers. In the film, the representation of stereotypes based on race and ethnicity through the use of a metaphor that is only barely concealed acts as a vehicle for commentary on society, empathy, and education; nevertheless, in the end, it only assists in functioning as a vehicle for propagating such assumptions. While viewing the film “Zootopia,” it is possible to engage in good debates about themes such as understanding, tolerance, and the effects of unfair treatment. This is due to the fact that “Zootopia” investigates the consequences of anthropomorphism in relation to real-world occurrences. The study by Joe McGovern, James Leo Cahill, Derek Bousé, John Berger, and Jonathan Burt sheds light on the relationship between characters by exposing their multiple sides. The animation in question is revolutionary, and it features anthropomorphism, storytelling, and commentary on society, all of which relate to one another in a complex manner.
Works Cited
Berger, John. Why Look at Animals?: John Berger. Amazon, 1st edition ed., London, Penguin, 2009, www.amazon.co.uk/Look-Animals-Penguin-Great-Ideas/dp/0141043970#:~:text=Here%20he%20explores%20how%20the. Accessed 17 Nov. 2023.
Burt, Jonathan. “John Berger’s “Why Look at Animals?”: A Close Reading.” Worldviews, vol. 9, no. 2, 2005, pp. 203–218, www.jstor.org/stable/43809300.
Cahill, James Leo. Zoological Surrealism: The Nonhuman Cinema of Jean Painlevé. Library Catalog (Blacklight), Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Press, 2019, catalog.libraries.psu.edu/catalog/38353027. Accessed 17 Nov. 2023.
McGovern, Joe. “Can You Spot the Fake Horses? “Rrr” Visual Effects Team Breaks down How Hundreds of Animals Were Created.” IMDb, 2022, www.imdb.com/news/ni63876126/. Accessed 17 Nov. 2023.
Nelson, Diane, and Virve-Anneli Vihman. “Bringing the Toys to Life.” From Culture to Language and Back: The Animacy Hierarchy in Language and Discourse, vol. 5, no. 2, 2018, pp. 203–223, https://doi.org/10.1075/ijolc.00007.nel. Accessed 27 Apr. 2021.
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