ABSTRACT

This original media ethics case study will analyze the evolution of the Disney princess character by comparing the 1937 movie, Snow White, and the 2016 movie, Moana. The case study will analyze how the respective characters are portrayed based on the stereotypes of gender and beauty. Disney has progressed with its portrayals of female main characters. The case study will analyze these ethical issues by using the Potter Box, which is a four step method using the facts of each character’s role and the values about gender and beauty that an audience sees in these movies. The Potter Box will also analyze the questions of loyalty between Disney and the viewer, and to discuss the ethical principles that might conflict between traditional Disney princesses and characters such as Moana.

The ethical issues will be clarified by answering the following three questions:

1. What features make the characters Snow White and Moana alike? Different?

2. What stereotype ideas about gender and beauty do each of the movies portray?

3. How is calling Moana a “new” Disney princess still stereotyping?