Date of Award
Fall 12-14-2011
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Communication
First Advisor
Dr. Marian Meyers
Second Advisor
Dr. Michael Bruner
Third Advisor
Dr. Carrie Packwood-Freeman
Abstract
This paper used the constant comparative method to examine the 12 animated features released by Disney between 2000 and 2010 for: (1) their representation of nonhuman animals (NHAs) and the portrayal of race, class, gender, and speciesism within this representation, (2) the ways they describe the relationship between humans and NHAs, and (3) whether they promote an animal rights perspective. Three major themes were identified: NHAs as stereotypes, family, and human/NHA dichotomy. Analysis of these themes revealed that Disney’s animated features promote speciesism and celebrate humanity’s superiority by justifying the subordination of NHAs to human agency. Furthermore, while Disney’s representation of NHAs remains largely anthropocentric, most of its animated features do not reflect the tenets of animal rights.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/2371929
Recommended Citation
Leventi-Perez, Oana, "Disney's Portrayal of Nonhuman Animals in Animated Films Between 2000 and 2010." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2011.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/2371929