Orientalism

Julie Rivkin's article "English Without Shadows," speaks of the increased interest in Orientalist theory.

Scholars began to take note of the fact that many great works of English literature promoted beliefs and assumptions regarding other geographic regions and other ethnic groups...The promotion of such beliefs and assumptions in literature...was just one part of a larger processes of discursive construction in a variety of forms of writing...that represented other peoples as less civilized or less capable and as needing western paternalist assistance.

So it is surprising then, after this rise in curiosity in the subject, to find such incredibly overt promotions of Orientalist perceptions. One such example is Disney's film Mulan. In this first scene we find stereotype upon stereotype, and an interesting commentary in regards to casting and scoring.



Not only does this song follow the very typical form of a Western ballad, the voice cast for the role is Western. The film is about culture, heritage and familial honor, but Disney does not follow their own apparent moralities. All of the prominent roles in fact are played by seemingly Westerners. Supposed 'culture' is only interspersed sparingly, when humorously or conveniently applicable to the story line. Western versions of Chinese-ish music is tossed in the background of what could be any American show tune. The comic relief, as well as the source of tension is portrayed as 'more' Asian, and the intention seems to be seen as more authentic.