Disney’s Influence

Disney has been the biggest name in animation for years. Its movies set the standard for what people expect from animated films. While Disney has made amazing stories, it often focused on American and European ideas, leaving little room for other voices and styles to shine.

The Problem with Stereotypes

In the early days of animation, many characters from different cultures were shown in unfair or overly simple ways. These stereotypes made people laugh but hurt how some groups were seen. These images stuck around for a long time, shaping opinions in negative ways.

A Shift Toward Change

As time went on, more people began asking for better representation in movies. Studios started making an effort, with films like Moana and The Princess and the Frog featuring characters from diverse cultures. These were steps forward, but there’s still room for improvement.

Behind the Scenes: Who Tells the Stories?

Having diverse characters on screen is important, but so is having diverse creators behind the scenes. For a long time, most animated films were made by white men, which affected the stories being told. Slowly, more people from different backgrounds are getting the chance to lead, bringing fresh perspectives to the industry.

New Stories, New Voices

Recently, some animated projects have focused on intersectionality—showing how race, gender, sexuality, and disability overlap. Movies like A is for Autism explore disability in new ways, while shows like The Boondocks take a deeper look at African-American culture. These stories show how animation can tell more complex and real-life experiences.

Going Beyond Token Characters

True representation means more than just adding one minority character to a story. It’s about creating real, relatable characters with depth. For example, LGBTQ+ characters are starting to appear in animation, but there’s still work to make their roles feel natural and meaningful.

The Road Ahead

Representation in animation has come a long way, but there’s more to do. Telling stories from different perspectives makes movies and shows more interesting and real. We should support diverse stories and push the industry to keep growing because when everyone’s story is told, we all benefit.