Disney Movies: Gender Roles In The Lion King

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The movie, The Lion King (Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, 1994), is one of the most well-known Disney films out there, and continues to be a favorite among children and adults of all ages. For those who are not aware of the plot of The Lion King, it might help to know that it is an animated, lighter, lion version of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Throughout the movie, The Lion King expresses a deeper idea of male dominance and stereotypical gender roles. It does this by emphasizing the notion that males have to be brave, heroic, leaders and females should be more nurturing and dependent on men. In the film, The Lion King, males are shown as the stronger and more courageous sex. The title in and of itself is sexist, claiming that the only important …show more content…

Even though Sarabi, Mufasa’s wife, is considered Queen while he is in power, she does not get nearly the amount of recognition or admiration that Mufasa receives. Also, when Mufasa dies, instead of the throne going to Sarabi, the throne is taken over by the only available male left in the pride, Mufasa’s brother, Scar. Also, nearly every character in The Lion King, is a male animal. The only real prominent female character is Simba’s best friend Nala. This movie reiterates the idea that females have to completely depend on men in order to survive. For example, when Mufasa dies and Scar becomes King, the lionesses are not happy with how he rules. Instead of joining together or electing a new female leader to try and take Scar down, they insist on finding another male lion, Simba, who can do the job for them. This claims that women are weak and inferior no matter what, even if they completely outnumber the men. The way this movie says that women are incapable of leading without men proves that it maintains the idea of male dominance. The Lion King also seems to emphasize the notion that males should be protective and females should be nurturing. In today’s society, a stereotypical mother is caring, generous,

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