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The Hidden Gender Stereotypes in the Animations the Little Mermaid and Tangled Essay Example

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The Hidden Gender Stereotypes in the Animations the Little Mermaid and Tangled Essay Example
The Hidden Gender Stereotypes in the Animations The Little Mermaid and Tangled

Erlina EKAWATI

ABSTRACT After the success of the feminist movement in the early 1960s, gender stereotypes are considered as not a big issue anymore. Many people tried to break gender stereotypes especially in mass media. However, it is undeniable that gender stereotypes are still imprinted because people have been fed by gender stereotypes from the show that they watch since they are young. It is shown in two animation movies titled The Little Mermaid and Tangled. This article examines various evidences of gender stereotypes that are hidden in both movies and how they are still seen although the creator has hidden them. There are two major points that will be examined in this paper. First, that the depiction of woman characters in both movies is symbolizing gender stereotypes. Second is the act, the song and the utensils that the characters use is symbolizing patriarchy system. This paper is concluded by a statement that both movies contain gender stereotypes although it has been hidden.
KEYWORDS: Gender stereotypes, grotesque, patriarchy, animation studies, women's representation
Introduction
The main aim of this paper is to make original contribution in gender studies by analyzing hidden gender stereotypes in two animation movies, titled, The Little Mermaid and Tangled. After the success of the feminist waves throughout the world, the term emancipation has arisen and allowed women to have the same rights as men. Before that, women were considered as second-class citizens who were under men’s control. Following that, there have been movements, slogans, and even works like movies, books, and videos that try to portray the freedom of women from men’s control and to show that women can stand by themselves. The question is, are they really free? Do they really have the same rights as men? As I intend to show in this article, even though women have been portrayed as free and

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