[Photos courtesy of Disney & Studio Ghibli]
“Sometimes the smallest things can take up the most room in your heart.” – Winnie the Pooh.
Although we grow up our love of those childhood cartoons seems to remain strong. Maybe that is why animation is the first best friend children have in their childhood. That is why if the cartoons world lacks diversity, it is not surprising that kids seem so quick to associate certain events or person with similar fixed images in the animation, especially regarding female representation. Consequently, given what we know about the prevalence of stereotyping, the role of cartoons in shaping children’s perception is crucial.
This essay will look at research and analysis of the representation of female in movies made by two leading animation studio, Walt Disney and Ghibli during the 20th century to highlight the distinct visions these studios have regarding their female protagonists. This essay will then discuss how the visions alter the Western and Eastern cultures and how the collaboration of two studios change the world’s perception of women.