Gender Stereotypes In The Film Mulan

Whether or not society acknowledges and speaks on the global issues surrounding civilization, there are an abundant amount of sources that address certain problems without directly doing so. These hidden messages are found in children’s books, novels, music and, more specifically, films. For instance, Mulan, a children’s movie based on a mythical, women warrior, depicts an ongoing problem within social hierarchy amongst men and women. Since before the foundation of the nation known now, social norms have separated men and women from one another and identified what he or she is intended for. These gender roles portray the qualities “true” men and women must encompass as a way to fit in society and avoid the possibility of being a social outcast;
However, in time of distress, Mulan does not rely on her strength to overcome the obstacles presented. Instead of listening to the advice of the men, she utilizes her own instincts to stop the Han army from killing the few men left in her regiment. Once again, Mulan overthrows the stereotype of women being fit only for domestic work by using her cleverness to device a strategy within seconds. She may not have the same capability of being as physically strong as the rest of the men, but it is this physical impediment that encourages her to use other resources to help her reach greatness and success in time of emergency. Because of Mulan’s quickness, the men hold an immense amount of admiration and gratification towards her until they find out she is a woman. Due to the men’s loss of appreciation and trust they had towards Mulan before they discovered she was a woman, the film addresses gender roles furthermore. Simply because of gender, Mulan losses her spot as the hero of the day, and becomes a “treacherous snake” regardless of the achievements she reached. Even when she is accused of treason and looked down upon, Mulan continues her journey in attempt to save her town rather than giving in to defeat. She not only empowers herself, but she also demonstrates how women can rise even when they