Aladdin And Peter Pan Film Analysis

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Although many people believe that the radical stereotypes and misrepresentations of minorities included in film are a thing of the past, they are very wrong. Stereotypes and misconceptions of minority groups in film and media often occur today. Some stereotypes are portrayed in film through a more subtle way, but in others, the radical representation of minorities is very evident. The two films Aladdin and Peter Pan, along with the more recent music video to “Ain’t It Funny” by Jennifer Lopez all include major stereotypes and misrepresentations of minority groups including: Arabians, Romani gypsies, and Native Americans.
Throughout the film Aladdin, many negative stereotypes of Arabians are presented. Following the introductory song “Arabian Nights”, sung by an Arabian man, he immediately tries to sell street items as simple as a plastic box. As the costumer begins to walk away, the Arabian merchant stops him and deviously tries to sell the “exceptionally rare” magic lamp. This merchant is willing to say anything to make a sale. The Arabian merchant is presented as a deceitful man, caring only about making money off of people rather than being honest about the true quality of the items he tries to coax his costumers to buy. Very quickly in the movie, the Arabians receive the stereotype of the common bootlegger or phony salesmen. Not to mention, the turban on the Arabian man’s head is extremely emphasized reaching a size of almost his entire body. These negative stereotypes continue into the misrepresentation of Arabian culture through the song “Arabian Nights”.
The song “Arabian Nights” contain lyrics that demoralizes the Arabian ethnicity. In the beginning of the original version, the merchant sings, “Oh I come from a land, fr...

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...hief’s daughter, Tiger Lily, from Captain Hook; reiterating the need for white people to save the minority group (Native Americans). Unfortunately, classic Disney movies such as Peter Pan contain many racist stereotypes that may go unnoticed by a young audience, causing a distortion of a child’s perspective of many minority groups.
Throughout many media outlets, misrepresentation of minorities often occur. Many times these stereotypes go unnoticed. After repeatedly seeing these stereotypes in film we begin to view them as typical and start believing them. Films and other media are easily able to brainwash viewers, especially of younger generations, into believing the many stereotypes displayed on screen. The films Aladdin and Peter Pan, along with Jennifer Lopez’s music video “Ain’t It Funny” all portray misrepresentations and stereotypes against minority groups.

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