In Popular Culture
MULAN
Set in China, Mulan is the telling of a Chinese tale about a young woman named Fa Mulan who fights to create her identity among the limitations of a very traditional family and culture. The Huns, from Mongolia, are about to invade China and each family is to send one male figure to fight in the war. Fa Mulan fears that her father is still not healed from the previous battle and she poses as a male and takes her father’s place without her family knowing. Throughout the film, there is never a specific religion identified; however, it is heavily filled with references toward Chinese and other East Asian indigenous religions. Fa Mulan refers to and greatly respects the ancestors of her family. Mushu, a sacred guardian dragon is sent by Mulan’s ancestors to bring her home safely. The Fa family repeatedly mentions and prays to the Fa family ancestors. The ancestors even come to life toward the beginning of the movie, debating how best to guide Mulan in this war. In the indigenous religions, ancestors are the spirits of people who have passed on. They play an important role the lives of every individual. Respect must be shown to the ancestors, for if they are not treated well, problems may arise. On the contrary, if they are treated with honor and respect, good things come about. |
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POCAHONTAS
In Disney’s Pocahontas, a Native American girl named Pocahontas is seen as a free-spirited, spiritual and honorable young woman. One theme noticed heavily in the film is Pocahontas’ love and respect for nature. She is very in touch with her surrounding nature and makes it known to John Smith, her love who has come from across the seas. Throughout the movie, Pocahontas appears to be similar to the indigenous concept of a shaman. She has the ability to talk to the spirits, communicate with nature, sympathize with animals and understand various unidentified languages. The concept of animism is very alive in this film. In indigenous practices, respect for nature is absolutely essential. Animism is a concept that states everything in the universe is alive, and it is practiced within the film. Indigenous peoples also believe that nature gives guidance and meaning. Pocahontas often looks to nature to guide her and she tells John Smith in the song “Colors of the Wind” that nature is full of life and full of meaning. She believes that the Earth is alive and not simply some piece of land. |
MADAGASCAR 2: ESCAPE TO AFRICA
In the animated feature film Madagascar 2, Alex the Lion continues his adventures with Marty, Gloria and Melman. At one point in the journey, they are in Africa and run out of water supply. King Julien starts to explain the concept of sacrifice. He enlightens the other animals in saying that if he makes a sacrifice in the volcano, the Gods will supply him with water in return. Then, he will be able to supply them with the water. Sacrifice is a practice that many indigenous religions believe in. Often times they would sacrifice animals, and rarely humans, to the Gods or ancestors for good fortune or to restore harmony. It is a sign of respect and a way to honor the gods and ancestors as well. Additionally, when a taboo has been broken in indigenous cultures, the gods and ancestors or spirits must be pacified through sacrifice. |
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