Released twenty years ago, Mulan gave many young Asian girls the representation they so desperately needed, becoming an important and deep-rooted favorite. But that doesn't mean it was perfect. It's easy to criticize old pieces of entertainment for their faults, but that doesn't necessarily invalidate them. Did Mulan do more good than bad? How many faults is too many, how inaccurate is too inaccurate?
Mulan (1998) was well ahead of its time. Featuring a mostly Asian cast and portraying a feminist Chinese story, Disney managed to give the representation that was so staunchly lacking in the movie industry, even today. However, it exaggerated some parts of Chinese culture and completely misrepresented other aspects, purposefully using elements of Chinese culture as a source for comedy. While this inaccuracy and humor may not affect the beliefs of adults whose morals have already been formed, Mulan targets a much younger, suggestible audience who might learn ethnocentrism from this type of humor. Even so, Mulan remains a classic fan favorite, which raises the question: should we reject stories that show discrimination without denouncing it?
Time
At least 60 minutes (includes watching one debate, watching additional debates will add 10 minutes each)
Objectives
Discuss cultural inaccuracies in Mulan and consider the possible detrimental effects of movies that inaccurately portray marginalized groups.
Keywords
Homework Assignment (to be done before class)
Divide the class into groups of ~5 people. Have each group prepare (with evidence) and organize comprehensive arguments for both sides on the following debate topic:
Does allowing children to watch movies with misrepresentation of marginalized groups similar to Mulan have detrimental effects? Do you recommend Mulan for children?
Each group will get 1 minute for opening statements, 2 minutes for the main argument, 1 minute for a rebuttal, and 1 minute for closing statements.
Warm-up (5 minutes)
Watch video essay posted above.
Discussion (25 minutes)
Divide into groups and discuss the following questions for 10 minutes. Then, discuss as an entire class for 15 minutes.
Debate (25 minutes)
Preparation (15 minutes)
Give the groups of 5 (assigned from the homework assignment) 15 minutes to finalize their debate plan.
Presentation (at least 10 minutes)
Randomly choose (or pick groups who volunteer) two groups to debate against each other. Whether the group will be arguing for the pro or con side will be decided by a coin toss. Each group gets 1 minute for opening statements, 2 minutes for the main argument, 1 minute for a rebuttal, and 1 minute for closing statements. Watch as many debates as desired.
Closing (5 minutes)
Shortly discuss and summarize key arguments said in the classroom discussion and debates.