A Comparative Analysis of the Representation of Disney's White and Non- White Women in Brave (2012) and Moana (2016) Aulia

Home , Moana (Disney character), Tiana (Disney character)

Aulia Khairunnisa A Comparative Analysis of the Representation of Disney’s White and Non-White Women in Brave (2012) and Moana (2016)

A Comparative Analysis of the Representation of Disney’s White and Non- White Women in Brave (2012) and Moana (2016)

Aulia Khairunnisa English Language and Literature Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia [email protected]

ABSTRACT In the earlier films produced by Disney, the female main characters are dominated by white-skinned women. Disney’s films that have non-white female main characters just emerged at the end of the 20th century. However, the question whether white women and non-white women maintain the same qualities are still going on. Thus, this study investigates the representation of Disney’s white and non-white women in Brave (2012) and Moana (2016) produced by Walt Disney Studios in the 21st century. Adopting a qualitative method, this present study analyzes the female main characters’ characterizations which are drawn upon Boggs and Petrie’s (2008) framework of characterization in films. The study also employs Corrigan’s (2010) framework of mise-en-scene to strengthen the analysis. The findings reveal that Disney’s white and non-white women are represented differently. Disney’s white women tend to be represented as a rebellious female main character in the domestic sphere. On the other hand, Disney’s non-white women represent a devoted female main character in the realm of the public sphere. Despite the differences, both female main characters represent a new archetype of Disney’s princess who is more egalitarian, brave and not dependent on men.

Keywords: women representation, white and non-white, domestic and public sphere

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INTRODUCTION ethnicity (Malfroid, 2009). These Disney animated films produced by repeated scenes can also construct Walt Disney Animation Studios have the representation of gender, race, been regarded as children’s ethnicity or even class through entertainment for many years until various portrayals of the main today. The popularity of Disney characters. As Stewart and animated films makes the films to be Kowaltzke (2007) suggest, regarded as the icons of childhood representation consists of repeated for the last century (Bazzini et.al, elements that appear in the film. The 2010). One of the icons of Disney more the elements are repeated, the animated films is the franchise of more the representation seems Disney princesses which began with normal or natural (Stewart & Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Kowaltzke, 2007). 1937 (May, 2011). The Disney The ways women are Princesses franchise is the films represented in Disney animated films about female main characters that are are interesting to study. There are either naturally born as princesses or several studies that have discussed end up marrying the royal families in women, gender, and race the end of the film (Guizerix, 2013). representation in Disney films. The representation of these female England, Descartes, and Collier- main characters is interesting to Meek (2011) studied gender explore since it may affect the representation in 9 Disney princess children’s conception towards films to examine the princes’ and women in general. princesses’ characteristics in the According to Malfroid perspective of traditional masculinity (2009), parents tend to generally and femininity. The result shows that regard Disney animated films as male characters show more innocent. In fact, repeated scenes androgynous characteristics and have over many years from the films may less change in gender portrayal, influence the children in perceiving although female and male roles have the conceptions of gender, class, and changed over time (England et al.,

Aulia Khairunnisa A Comparative Analysis of the Representation of Disney’s White and Non-White Women in Brave (2012) and Moana (2016)

2011). Another study on Disney on gender portrayals. The finding films that is conducted by Guizerix shows that Disney’s women of color (2013) examined the evolution of were represented as more masculine, Disney princesses’ roles in 10 but egalitarian in the recent films. animated films about princesses. The However, a comparative finding shows that the princesses in analysis of the representation of Disney films have experienced white and non-white women in several developments in terms of relation to skin color produced by physical appearance, relationships Disney in the 21st century is not and cultural heritage (Guizerix, widely accessible. Thus, the writer is 2013). intrigued to examine the In the earlier films produced representation of Merida and Moana, by Disney animation studios, the two female main characters in Brave female main characters are and Moana, who are different in dominated by white-skinned women. terms of skin color and ethnicity. The Disney’s films that have non-white study is also relevant to real life female main characters just emerged since film often serves as the at the end of the 20th century. In representation of reality (Heintz & relation to the representation of Stracey, 2006). By knowing the women, this phenomenon is message that a film tries to convey, interesting to study since there is still people will be able to know the an ongoing question whether the reflection of reality. representation of women is also Brave (2012) is chosen influenced by racial categories such because Merida, the female main as race and skin color. May (2011) character, is the latest Disney’s white studied 6 Disney films, The Little princess produced by Disney Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Animated film in the 21st century. Beast (1991), Pocahontas (1995), Merida is also unique in terms of her Mulan (1998), The Princess and the physical appearance and personal Frog (2009) and Tangled (2010), to traits compared to the previous investigate whether race has an effect princesses since she shows a more

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tomboyish aura. As what Guizerix investigate how Disney’s white and (2013) states, Brave represents a non-white women are represented in milestone in Disney films since the the films. Representation in film has female protagonist is unique and is been considered important since the not romantically attached to a man in images, symbols, and narratives in the end of the film. Similarly, Moana films and other media can lead is also chosen because the female people to think of how an individual main character, Moana, does not construct their social identities and have a love line with a man like the how they come to the idea of what it previous means to be male, female, black, Disney women usually have. white, etc. (Brooks & Hebert, 2006). Released in December 2016, Moana By studying the representation of is also the latest non-white female Disney’s women by skin color, this main character in the film who has a study is expected to develop the role as the daughter of the tribal perception towards white and non- chief. Moana needs to save her island white that are presented by Disney from the curse because of the stolen animated films in this era. stone which is believed as the heart of the mother nature of Te Fiti THEORETICAL REVIEW Island. Brave and Moana are chosen Representation because both of them are 3D Representation according to Hall animated full-length films produced (1997) is a process by which by Walt Disney Studio in the 21st meaning is produced and exchanged century. by people in a particular culture. It Based on the reasons above, connects meaning and language to this study aims to examine the culture since representation also representation of white and non- involves the use of language, signs, white women in Disney animated and images to represent things (Hall, films Brave and Moana. Since this 1997). It means that in order to study will compare women represent something, the meanings of representation, the study will an object need to be shared by people

Aulia Khairunnisa A Comparative Analysis of the Representation of Disney’s White and Non-White Women in Brave (2012) and Moana (2016)

through the use of language. To put convey the meaning or the idea of it simply, representation is the shared the representation, the use of meanings. People will be considered common language is needed. belong to the same culture if they Similar to Hall, Sikov (2010) perceive something similar, or if they suggests that representation can be share similar meanings and defined as to stand for, to indicate or conceptual maps (Hall, 1997). communicate through signs and There are two kinds of the symbols. Hall (1997) also states that systems of representation: the system the use of different language may in mind and in language (Hall, also represent the different meaning 1997). The system by which all sorts of the same concept. of objects, people, and event are In films, Sikov (2010) further associated with the concepts we have states that the representation can be in our mind is called mental shown through its mise-en-scene representation. The meanings of an elements. This is supported by object or concept depend on the Heintz and Stracey (2006) who claim systems of concepts and images in that mise-en-scene is often defined as our minds in order to represent the language of film. Since mise-en- something (Hall, 1997). To represent scene is the language of film, it can something people have to relate what be considered as the second system they have in mind with language. of representation proposed by Hall This is called the system of (1997). Mise-en-scene features can representation since representational be considered as a link to connect the system includes not only individual system representation in the concepts, but also the other concepts filmmakers’ mind with the such as organizing, clustering, representation which the film itself arranging, and classifying concept tries to promote. (Hall, 1997). Representation in films can Language is the second also be derived from the way the system of representation (Hall, character is characterized. 1997). It means that in order to Characterization in films is also

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considered as one of the elements of external action, internal action, films since in general, reaction from others, dramatic foils, characterization is one of literary dialogue, caricature and leitmotif, elements. Therefore, in analyzing the and choice of name. These methods representation, characterization of characterization are rather similar which focuses on the way a character to what Reams (2015) says about is characterized can be relevant to methods of characterization in the study. fiction. The difference is that Boggs and Petrie (2008) consider that Characterization in Films dramatic foils, caricature, leitmotif, In order to create a particular and choice of name are also character, the author uses important in shaping the characterization. Characterization is characterization of certain characters a process by which the author gives a in films. description for all of the characters Since the object of this study she or he makes (Reams, 2015). In is film, the methods of other words, it is a process by which characterization proposed by Boggs a fictional character is developed by and Petrie (2008) are considered the author. (Reams, 2015) argue that more relevant to the study. There are there are five methods in the process eight methods of characterization in of characterization found in fiction. films that are proposed by Boggs and ‘P.A.R.T.S’ is the acronym of the Petrie (2008) which include: (1) characterization methods which characterization through physical stands for: physical appearance, appearance, (2) characterization action, reaction, thoughts and speech through external action, (3) or dialogue (Reams, 2015). characterization through internal In film, there are also some action, (3) characterization through methods of characterization. Boggs internal action, (4) characterization and Petrie (2008) explain that through reaction from others, (5) characterization in films can be made characterization through dialogue, through physical appearance, (6) characterization though dramatic

Aulia Khairunnisa A Comparative Analysis of the Representation of Disney’s White and Non-White Women in Brave (2012) and Moana (2016)

foils, (7) characterization through sets, the quality of the acting, and caricature and leitmotif, and (8) characters in the scene. Those characterization through choice of aspects are then called the elements name. of mise-en-scene. In order to identify how a Setting is one of mise-en- character is characterized in the film, scene elements. It refers to the place a tool in film studies is needed. Mise- or location that the filming is taking en-scene, as one of the elements of place (Corrigan, 2010). Setting is films, is believed as the language of important in the story because it film (Heintz & Stracey, 2006). helps us understand more the story Therefore, it can be said that the action in the film (l & Thompson, analysis of mise-en-scene can 2006). Moreover, another element in strengthen the analysis of mise-en-scene is costume. Basically, representation through costumes are clothes that the actors characterization of the main wear in the film. According to characters. Corrigan (2010), costumes vary across the spectrum and they can be Mise-en-scene used as the identity of the character. The term mise-en-scene refers to “all In analyzing costumes, it is those properties of a cinematic image important to question why the that exist independently of camera characters look and dress the way position, camera movement and they do (Corrigan, 2010). Sreekumar editing” (Corrigan, 2010, p.51). and Vidyapeetham (2015) also state According to Bordwell and that costumes can reveal the Thompson (2006), mise-en-scene personality of characters, social includes the aspects of setting, status, or the era that they are living costume and makeup, lighting, and in. actor’s performance. Similar to Another element in mise-en Bordwell and Thompson (2006), scene is lighting. Lighting refers to Corrigan (2010) argues that the mise- “the various ways a character or an en-scene includes lighting, costumes, object or a scene can be illuminated,

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either by natural sunlight or from create racial diversity to the Disney artificial sources” (Corrigan, 2010, Princesses collection. In the film p.58). Moreover, another element in Pocahontas (1995), Pocahontas the mise-scene is called actor’s female main character is depicted as performance. The actors’ a strong female figure. However, performance in the film is also according to Wiersma (as cited in regarded as the elements of mise-en- Towbin et al., 2004), Pocahontas scene (Bordwell & Thompson, gives a conflicting message about 2006). Similar to what Bordwell and women. She is a strong female Thompson (2006) say about actor’s character; however, ends up performance, Corrigan (2010) argues following a stereotypical female that acting style of the actor is script at the end of the film because included as the mise-en-scene Pocahontas needs to stay at home out elements. The actor is the individual of choice. Wiersama (as cited in who plays the role of a character in Towbin et al., 2004) suggested that the film. However, an actor is not perhaps making Pocahontas takes the restricted to human figures only. leadership in her community would Bordwell and Thompson (2006) make she is less-constrained. argue that abstract drawings or three- Following Pocahontas dimensional characters in animated (1995), Walt Disney Studios films can also be regarded as the produced another princess films from actors in the film. The performance different races. Mulan (1998) joins of the actor includes the facial the collection as the princess from expression and movement or China. Nearly ten years later, in gestures shown by the actor in the 2009, Princess and the Frog, an film. animated film about an African- American princess also joins the Women in Disney Animated Films collection of Disney princesses. In In relation to women and races, May the film, Princess Tiana is a self- (2011) states that in Middle era, reliant woman who strives for her Disney animated films also began to dreams of owning a restaurant.

Aulia Khairunnisa A Comparative Analysis of the Representation of Disney’s White and Non-White Women in Brave (2012) and Moana (2016)

According to Guizerix (2013), European women are totally different Tiana’s life of reliance and hard- from women from third world work to achieve her dreams is in countries. The European women are contrast to Lottie, a white woman in more or less liberated from their the film who has a carefree and patriarchal domination whereas the leisurely lifestyle. Thus, it also third world women are still indicates that Disney hints the power struggling to cope with the European of white privilege in the film women (Morton, 2003). Therefore, it (Guizerix, 2013). can be inferred that there are also However, May (2011) argues differences in terms of will and that the question whether racially aspirations of white and non-white diverse princesses maintain the same women in general. qualities as the European princesses According to Syed and Ali is still going on. In this case, (2011), there is also an inequality European princesses refer to those between white and non-white women princesses who belong to the in the terms of their rights. It is the Caucasian race or white princesses. result of power differences between Non-European are those princesses the two races, white and non-white in who come from a different racial general. Many white women are able background or simply called non- to take more advantages in the white princesses. May (2011) argues aspects of economic, political, legal, that it is important to know the physical and psychological because quality of both white and the non- of their whiteness (Syed & Ali, white princesses since Disney 2011). It means, compared to non- animated films are commonly white women, white women have enjoyed by today’s society. more access to public sphere or domain because of their whiteness. Inequality between White and Public sphere, according to Kuersten Non-White Women (2003), is traditionally attached to Spivak in Morton (2003) argues that men because men are concerned with the will and aspirations of the the regulated world of government,

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trade, business, and law, which share the same privilege with men women were usually excluded. It can over women because of their be inferred then that white women whiteness. Thus, non-white women share the same privilege with men who are considered to be over women in terms of their broader underprivileged compared to white access to the public sphere. women, have less access to the In contrast with the concept of public domain because of their skin the public sphere, domestic sphere is color. usually attached to women because women are usually excluded from METHODOLOGY matters outside home and family. The data for this study were According to Kuersten (2003), in the collected from two Disney animated domestic sphere, women’s films, namely Brave (2012) and confinement to concerns around Moana (2016). In collecting the data, home and family are regarded as there are three steps included. First, natural. Women are excluded from the screenshots that contain the political, economic, and any appearance of Merida and Moana are independent assignments or roles. taken to be analyzed in terms of The exclusion of women from public method of characterizations in the duties are due to the concern films. Second, the screenshots are regarding women’s tender reselected by considering the similar sensibilities that are said would contexts occurring in both films. The affect women’s ability to do their contexts happening in both films private obligations in the domestic should be similar to make the scenes realm (Kuersten, 2003). It is said that comparable. In the last step, the public duties would affect their selected screenshots are categorized women’s tender sensibilities and into tables based on the methods of harm their home and family life. characterization proposed by Boggs In relation to white and non- and Petrie (2008). white women’s rights, it can be In analyzing the data, the first implied that white women in general step is selecting which mise-en-scene

Aulia Khairunnisa A Comparative Analysis of the Representation of Disney’s White and Non-White Women in Brave (2012) and Moana (2016)

elements that can be used in women are represented differently. analyzing each method of The different representation is characterization. Then, the collected caused by the different spheres in data are analyzed using the which the characters are situated. As framework of characterization Disney’s white woman, Merida is method in film proposed by Boggs represented as a natural-looking, and Petrie (2008). The chosen mise- strong-willed and rebellious white en-scene elements proposed by woman in the realm of the domestic Corrigan (2010) are also analyzed to sphere. On the other hand, Moana, as strengthen the analysis of the the representative of Disney’s non- representation based on the white women, is represented as a characterizations. After analyzing the loving, self-sacrificing and devoted methods of characterization, the next to her people in the realm of the step is investigating the significance public sphere. However, despite the of the findings by using the differences, both the Disney’s 21st discussions on two relevant issues century women are represented as such as women in Disney issues and more egalitarian, brave and not the inequality between white and dependent on men. It means that non-white women. Lastly, the regardless of their skin color, Disney conclusions were drawn by also portrays women in the 21st century as providing several recommendations women who can fight for herself and to conclude the study. not dependent on men since they are not romantically attached to a man FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION throughout the film. Disney’s white and non-white women are represented through film Physical Appearance elements, namely, characterization In terms of physical appearance, and mise-en-scene. Through the Merida represents a natural-looking analysis of characterization and and rebellious woman in the mise-en-scene, it is found that domestic sphere. As the Disney’s white and non-white representative of Disney’s white

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women, Merida consistently wears to the Queen who keeps shouting at the same dress throughout the story. her to stop performing the archery. Merida only wears a different Based on the physical costume when she is formally appearance analysis, Merida is introduced to the sons of the King’s portrayed as a white woman who allies in order to be betrothed to one does not really pay attention to what of them. Merida’s consistency in she wears. Merida also represents a wearing the similar costumes is rebellious woman who is against the influenced by the context she is in, domination in the realm of that is largely domestic. Her domesticity. Her domestic sphere, on domestic sphere is the Kingdom, the one hand, makes her oblivious where her life mostly revolves. with her physical appearance by wearing similar costumes most of the time; on the other hand, it restricts her and forces her to rebel against the domestic rules set by her mother.

On the other hand, Moana is (00:26:28) represented as a local woman who is Moreover, her rebellious side devoted to her people in the realm of can also be seen from the costume the public sphere. Moana’s context, she wears when she performs her which is more on the side of public archery skill in front of the King’s domain, can also be seen from the allies. She tears off her tight dress to costumes she wears in the film. She show her determination and has more varied costumes because opposition towards the Queen’s she frequently changes the costumes prohibition. The dress which she according to the events of the story, deliberately tears off shows her which most of the time require her to determination in order to show be involved in public affairs. The people that she is able to perform costumes she wears also make her archery better than the sons of the more mobile compared to Merida’s. other clans. She even does not listen

Aulia Khairunnisa A Comparative Analysis of the Representation of Disney’s White and Non-White Women in Brave (2012) and Moana (2016)

on how she acts in the realm of domesticity. She is not directly involved in a physical battle against the enemy like Moana does. Instead, she is shown as a woman who is (00:32:22) vocal in voicing out her The figure shows Moana disagreements towards a domestic when she performs her sailing skill. issue such as arranged marriage. She Moan ties her hair into a bun in order is also more skilled in a masculine to make her more comfortable while game such as archery and is able to sailing the boat. The setting of the use her skill when facing domestic story which takes place in the ocean crisis such as searching food for also indicates that she is outside breakfast. home or in the area of the public sphere. Throughout Moana’s journey in the ocean, her costume seems convenient for her to do her activities in the ocean. She does not look uncomfortable at all and she looks (00:54:06) more mobile in her dress. Moreover, This scene happens when Moana and all Merida’s costumes in the film the bear mother need to look for also have the ornamental patterns on, something to eat for breakfast. which represents her locality. Realizing the critical situation, Merida then uses her archery skill to External Action catch some fish in the river. The In terms of external action, as the crisis that Merida and her mother representative of Disney’s white experience is domestic because it women, Merida’s action also relates to something to eat and only represents a rebellious and strong- involves the two of them. The crisis willed woman in the domestic also indicates domesticity of Merida sphere. Merida shows several actions which leads her to be represented as

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a strong-willed woman who will do public domain since it includes the anything to solve the problem in the matter of a lot of people. On the domestic sphere. The action of other words, Moana’s action in this Merida is related to domesticity scene is driven by public matters. In because the crisis is commonly found the end, she also successfully beats in domestic setting where two the enemy because of her strength members of the family need to find and bravery. Thus, it can be implied something edible for breakfast. that Moana is represented as a On the other hand, Moana as a devoted woman in the realm of the Disney’s non-white woman, is public sphere. represented as a woman who is devoted to her people in the public Internal Action domain. It is because Moana’s In Brave and Moana, there are two actions in the film are mostly driven kinds of internal actions that are by public matters. She is also directly comparable to be analyzed. In involved in a physical battle against Disney’s Brave, Merida dreams the enemy in order to protect a lot of about her mother that is a part of people. Merida’s childhood memories. Meanwhile, in Disney’s Moana, Moana is having a fantasy when she is about to give up on her journey to save the people. Since internal action also includes what the characters (00:48:03) think in the film, dialogues are also In this scene, she fights the important in investigating the enemies that want to steal the heart internal action of Merida. of Te Fiti. In her steady position, she is ready to beat the enemies in order to protect the green stone that later will be restored to save the lives of her people. Moana’s crisis is in the

Aulia Khairunnisa A Comparative Analysis of the Representation of Disney’s White and Non-White Women in Brave (2012) and Moana (2016)

(00:06:55) and the fantasy she is experiencing in In the beginning of the film, the film. From her internal action, Merida’s thoughts are revealed after Moana’s contribution to public she wakes up in the morning. In matters appears on the surface. terms of actor’s performance element, Merida’s facial expression shows happiness because she does not need to go to lessons on being a proper princess. The dialogue that

Merida says in this scene also shows (00:17:40) that she actually does not like to be a In this scene, Moana walks princess. up to the mountain with confidence Merida: “But every once in a while, there’s a after she realizes that everyone in the day when I don’t have to be a princess. No island has their own role. Moana’s lessons, no expectations. A day where realization, lead her to become a anything can happen. A day I can change my fate.” devoted female leader since she (Minute 00:06:51 – 00:07:08) realizes that she has a role that is Merida shows that she does important to the lives of her people. not comfortable being a princess and She should put aside her own desire she wants to change her fate. to go beyond the reef and be the Moreover, Merida also shows her leader instead. It can also be seen rebellious side because she likes from the dialogue she says in this doing outdoor activities which are scene. against her mother’s preference more Moana: “I can lead with pride. I can make us rather than participating in the strong. I’ll be satisfied if I play along.” (Minute 00:17:30 – 00:17:35) classes. The context she is in is also From the dialogue, it can be domestic since it revolves around implied that Moana’s role is leading personal and family issues. the people of the tribe. Moana is Moana’s internal action can confident that she is able to lead her be seen from the scenes where people with pride and make the tribe Moana is alone in her own thoughts strong. This thought of Moana shows

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that as a woman, she has an Queen looks angry because Moana independent role in the film. does not pay attention to the class. Moana’s independent role indicates The reaction from the Queen, who is that Moana has more access to public angry towards Merida shows that she domain since historically, public is disappointed since Merida shows domain gives privilege to men to her rebellious side by not focusing have independent roles or on the lesson. The Queen’s assignments. disappointment towards Merida can also be seen from the dialogue she Reaction from Others says in this scene. In terms of reaction from other The Queen: “A princess must be characters, Merida as the knowledgeable about her kingdom (pause) she does not doodle.” representative of White woman is (Minute 00:06:12 – 00:06:18) represented as a rebellious princess The Queen’s dialogue implies in the realm of the domestic sphere. that Merida is also not Merida’s representation can be seen knowledgeable about her kingdom from the other character's opinions yet. Therefore, the dialogue supports and actions towards Merida in the the argument that Merida is not yet film. considered as a proper princess because of her rebellious side. The knowledge that her mother

emphasizes is also about the kingdom, which in this case, is the

domestic sphere for Merida. (00:06:18) This scene shows how Merida’s On the other hand, Moana is mother or the Queen reacts towards represented as devoted daughter Merida’s action when she does not who is trusted to be the next leader focus on the lesson and draw her by her father and her people. The mother’s sketch instead. In terms of reactions from other characters in the actor’s performance element, the the film can be seen from the scenes where Moana is alone with her

Aulia Khairunnisa A Comparative Analysis of the Representation of Disney’s White and Non-White Women in Brave (2012) and Moana (2016)

father and the reaction from public enough to lead her people and raise when she returns from her journey. the whole island higher than before. Moana represents a woman who is trusted as a leader in the realm of the public sphere.

Dramatic Foils (00:11:02) In Disney’s Brave, the foil character This scene shows Moana that of Merida is her own mother or the is trusted to be capable of doing the Queen. Merida’s attitude and job as the next leader. Her father physical appearance are the opposite shows her support to Moana by of her mother. Meanwhile Merida is embracing Moana to convince her presented as a woman who loves that she will do a good job as her outdoor activities such as archery people next leader. The reaction and horse-riding, her mother shows from her father shows that as a her dislike towards Merida’s favorite woman, Moana is capable of doing activities. the job a man. It can be seen from the dialogue said by Moana’s father below. Moana’s father: “There will come a time, when you will stand on this peak and place a stone on this mountain. Like I did, like my (00:06:24) father did. And his father, and every chief that has ever been. And on that day, In terms of the actor’s when you add your stone, you will raise this performance element, facial whole island higher. You are the future of expression of Merida does not really our people, Moana.” show excitement during the lesson. (Minute 00:10:38 – 00:11:02) She keeps arguing with her mother It can be implied that because she does not like the lesson Moana’s father has trusted Moana to and seems to be bored because of it. be the next leader. It means that her The Queen, Merida’s mother shows father thinks that Moana is proper

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behaviors and lifestyle on how a of view. Moana’s foil is a man princess should be, which makes her outside her family and is a stranger becomes the opposite of Merida who for Moana too. Because Moana has does not want to be like that. to deal with public affairs, the other Merida’s foil character is her own character serves as Moana’s foil is mother and her family member, not a member of her family. which indicates that Merida is in the domestic context. CONCLUSIONS On the other hand, Moana’s The analyses Merida’s and Moana’s foil character is Maui, a Demigod in characterization show that Disney’s her culture who becomes her partner white and non-white women are in her journey. It is found that represented differently. Disney’s Moana’s context is more public white women are often placed in the because of her foil character is a context of domesticity as can also be stranger and a man outside her seen from the franchise of Disney’s domestic domain. princess films which often put women in their domesticity and subordination to men in their lives. However, Disney through the representation of Merida shows that in the domesticity, women should not be less-powerful or subordinate (00:44:51) to men in their lives. Merida’s strong Moana’s foil is Maui because disagreement towards the idea of the his behavior and physical appearance arranged marriage represents the are the opposite of Moana’s. He egalitarian idea that women have an shows pessimistic attitude which is equal right to choose someone to in contrast to optimistic attitude of love. Moana. Throughout the film, Moana Therefore, it can be and Maui are the partners who argue concluded that compared to Disney’s a lot because of their different point white women who are often

Aulia Khairunnisa A Comparative Analysis of the Representation of Disney’s White and Non-White Women in Brave (2012) and Moana (2016)

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