Prejudice and Stereotypes in The 2016 Disney Movie "Zootopia"

Zootopia, the 2016 Disney animated masterpiece, serves as a powerful metaphor for a contemporary multiethnic society where prey and predators coexist in harmony. The film portrays a seemingly utopian world where every animal has its role in the economy, politics, and culture. However, beneath this harmonious surface lie deep-seated prejudices and stereotypes, fueling discrimination and perpetuating systemic inequalities between the two social groups.

Defining Ideology and its Role in Society

An ideology, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, is a “system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.” Karl Marx described ideology as a superstructure of society, reflecting the dominant class’s worldview. In Zootopia, the dominant ideology is expressed through stereotypes and prejudices, shaping social dynamics and reinforcing societal divisions.

Stereotypes and Prejudices in Zootopia

Stereotypes, derived from the Greek words stereos (rigid) and tupos (impression), are oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a social group. Similarly, prejudice is an irrational, preconceived notion about individuals or groups, often rooted in tradition or societal norms. In Zootopia, prey are depicted as numerically superior but perceived as weaker, while predators face mistrust and are stereotyped as inherently dangerous. Judy Hopps, a rabbit and a police officer, struggles against gender and prey-based biases, while Nick Wilde, a fox, is mistrusted due to his species' stereotype as sly and deceitful.

The Role of Ingroup and Outgroup Dynamics

The film effectively illustrates the psychological constructs of ingroups and outgroups. Prey view predators as an outgroup, perceiving them as a monolithic and threatening entity. Conversely, they see their own group as civilized and morally superior. This dynamic is fueled by the human tendency to boost self-esteem through group identity, often at the expense of others. Such dynamics lead to illusory correlations, where negative traits are unjustly associated with outgroup members.

An example of this is Bellwether’s plot to frame predators as inherently savage by using a drug to incite violent behavior. This creates a false association between predators and aggression, enabling her to manipulate societal fears for political gain. Historically, similar mechanisms have been used to marginalize and scapegoat groups, as seen during the Holocaust when anti-Semitic propaganda perpetuated harmful stereotypes about Jewish people.

The Psychological Foundations of Scapegoating

Scapegoating, a recurring theme in Zootopia, has been studied extensively by social psychologists. The frustration-aggression hypothesis and authoritarian personality theory provide insight into this phenomenon. When individuals or groups experience frustration, they may displace their aggression onto vulnerable outgroups, whom they perceive as threats. Bellwether’s authoritarian traits, including her rigid thinking and ethnocentric attitudes, exemplify this dynamic as she channels societal frustrations into prejudice against predators.

Illusory Correlation and Social Exclusion

Illusory correlations arise when people falsely associate two unrelated elements. In Zootopia, predators are unfairly linked to violence due to Bellwether's manipulation, leading to widespread fear and discrimination. This mirrors real-world examples where marginalized groups are unfairly targeted based on isolated incidents. Once such correlations take root, they contribute to systemic social exclusion and reinforce discriminatory laws and policies.

Challenges of Breaking Stereotypes

Once ingrained, stereotypes are difficult to change. They are reinforced by cognitive, linguistic, and behavioral processes, which protect them from disconfirmation. Even when individuals encounter evidence that contradicts stereotypes, they often dismiss it as an exception. Judy’s initial view of Nick as an exception to the predator stereotype underscores this challenge.

However, Zootopia also highlights methods for overcoming prejudice. Personal contact and individualized understanding, as seen in Judy’s evolving relationship with Nick, can help break down stereotypes. Additionally, public revelations, such as Bellwether’s exposure as a manipulator, can shift societal perceptions and challenge harmful narratives.

Lessons on Empathy and Social Responsibility

Zootopia delivers a poignant lesson on the importance of empathy and understanding in dismantling prejudice and fostering equality. Stereotypes and prejudices are not isolated phenomena; they are supported by societal structures and individual biases. Overcoming these barriers requires collective effort and personal introspection. By empathizing with others and questioning our preconceptions, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society. This transformative journey towards understanding and unity is the key to combating inequality.

Conclusion

The narrative of Zootopia serves as a powerful allegory for the challenges and opportunities of living in a diverse society. By addressing stereotypes, prejudice, and systemic discrimination, the film provides valuable insights into the complexities of social cohesion. As individuals, communities, and societies, we must embrace empathy and work together to overcome the barriers that divide us. Only then can we achieve true equality and build a world that celebrates diversity.

References

• Arendt, H. (1963). The Banality of Evil. Penguin Books.
• Oxford English Dictionary. (n.d.). "Ideology."
• Siddiqui, S. (2015). "Corporate America is getting more LGBT-friendly." The Washington Post.