Film Recommendation Zootopia: A Compelling Allegory and Story upon Race.

Disney historically has done very poorly upon portraying race. From the racist crows (A reference to Jim Crow) in Dumbo to the whitewashed sanitized Pocahontas that neglected the part with the rape, genocide, and deadly diseases, Disney has many more examples of racial insensitivity to say the least. It's surprising then that they've produced Zootopia, a film that tackles race relations with touching nuance and sensitivity as to be relatable to children and adults. If you haven't, go see it.

Read on past the picture for full thoughts. Warning: there be Spoilers, matey! Yar.

I drew a version of Nick and Judy where they end up on the opposite side of law. I love their chemistry.

Judy is an excellent character that shows a large degree of growth. Her beginning stance though is an interesting one that's seldom seen in fiction. Often we see the frothing at the mouth rabid racist that shouts slurs and is downright despicable. These cardboard cut out villains do exist in real life but over representation in fiction make it easier for more subtle forms of racism to blend in when it's too cartoon to be real. It's refreshing that this rabbit's racism doesn't stem from outright hate but rather from fear and misunderstanding. Judy is a compassionate bunny, she is simply ignorant of the deeper level but she shows awareness that many racists lack. Also being a position where she is discriminated against and in a position to discriminate gives her the empathy capacity to envision racism from multiple angles. Her initial confrontation with Nick highlights her fighting against ingrained preconceptions.

Racism can be kind. Hold on before you run off and let me explain. Sometimes when we mean to help someone we can still condescend to them. It's like daddy patronizing you and holding your hand. These folks are misguided but aren't evil. It's a moral gray like how Judy Hopps fur's is nice shiny and gray. There's also the "model minority myth" where a certain minority is praised as being good while 'positive' stereotypes are spread about them. Example: "Asians are good at math." This is also detrimental to progress to racial equality and groups rather than individualizes people. Beneath such thoughts are also an inherent sense of superiority. It harkens to how the British conquered and imperialized Africa calling it a 'White man's burden' to bring 'civilization' to the 'dark' continent. These thoughts helped assuage the guilt of the imperialists that weren't outright complicit in genocide and pillaging. When Judy calls nick "articulate for a fox", Nick sarcastic says "that's not condescending." The sarcasm flies over Judy's adorable ears. The cancer is not benign, it's just less lethal killing with kindness.

While some may think that the different racist remarks between the species may dilute the Prey and Predator allegory divide, I feel it's a masterful touch that illustrates the superficially hare-line (yes I will be making terrible because I think they're bunny... errrr I mean funny) cracks between members of groups we lump together. A Caucasian may group Asians in one category but Asian is a large freaking landmass. There's tons of races and one might be surprised to find that they hate one another deeply because of historical and/or current grievances. A Japanese student participated in making fun of me with her white friends by sticking a "Made in China" sticker on my back. Note: I am not even Chinese but I am of an ethnic minority (I'm in lots of minority groups, thereby alien and lonely). Conversely, Asians might categorize all Caucasians as "White" while ignoring deep divides there, such as the colorful mix that comprises all of Europe. I've heard disparaging spoken of the Irish in my company with some white people. I imagine that in my absence the same people would speak behind my own back. Racism cuts in so many directions.

It's a racist world out there. Folks that fail to see it are either sheltered, in denial, or consciously choosing ignorance. Because you are are minority also doesn't mean you can't be racist. If you watch Fox News you'll see tons of 'token' minorities that have made careers re-affirming racists and acting as proxy mouthpieces to spout propaganda that divides. In Zootopia, Judy through careless language sparks a racial powder keg. She may have been the spark, but we must remember that the powder's already been there being poured into that barrel for a long time. The news reporters there are quick to spread the fire of that narrative. The parallels here to our world are disturbing to say the least. What then though does it all serve?

Bellweather in Zootopia, is revealed to be the architect of the the film's central conflict. Her use of the Prey vs Predator narrative serves secure her power. There may be predators in the world of Zootopia but Bellweather is the Apex Predator. She is representative of those who utilize rousing racist rhetoric to muster the masses to unite against a minority. This pattern of power grabbing has many historical analogs. It is also the mechanism for the maintenance of power and authority. The petty divisions of race are a diversion and distraction from issues of Class. So long as the lower classes fight among themselves, they shall never see the puppet masters laughing above in their skyscrapers at the 'peasants' below. In the U.S. less than 1% own more than half of all the wealth. This gap widens ever more while we are blinded by race.

Here's a kicker. The animals in Zootopia are characterized by wide gulfs in physical difference. Yet they've assembled themselves in a relatively orderly society. There's no genocides ongoing (that we know of). However, we on earth discriminate based upon minor differences in skin pigmentation! We aren't even really different races! We're all genetically compatible! There is but one master race: the human race! ... forgive me Purple Pelican People of Andromeda Galaxy, we've yet to meet. Perhaps when we do we may celebrate our mutual carbon based natures. If you're not composed of carbon, then we may share a drink to our shared common space in this lonely universe.

Let us promote an empathetic and understanding world where a Bunny and Fox may marry.

I'm probably shouting into the darkness, but I hope someone out there is listening. Spread the message of Bunny and Fox love!