disney’s mulan:
1 Why is it important for Mulan and others in the film not to shame their families?
2 Why did the ancestors care about what happened to Mulan?
3 Why is it a crime for a woman to enlist in the army?
4 At the beginning of the film, Mulan was reciting a litany of what a good daughter should be: “quiet, demure, graceful, polite, delicate, refined, poised, and punctual.” Are those goals that girls aspire to today? Should they?
5 Mulan was not what the Chinese society thought a girl should be. What did this have to do with her decision to substitute for her father?
6 How would the behavior and communication of the characters differ in a high versus low context culture? Does perception play a role in this process?
7 Your text discusses 9 factors related to cultural identity in Chapter 3. Choose two of these and give specific examples of each manifests in the movie.
The correct answer and explanation is :
1. Why is it important for Mulan and others in the film not to shame their families?
In Mulan, the importance of family honor is central to the cultural context of the story. In traditional Chinese society, a person’s actions reflect not only on themselves but also on their family. Family reputation is considered a crucial aspect of one’s identity, and any dishonorable actions could lead to disgrace for the entire family. This cultural value is deeply rooted in Confucian principles that emphasize filial piety, respect for elders, and societal expectations. Mulan, being a daughter, feels the weight of these expectations, and her initial struggles are rooted in her desire to live up to her family’s ideals, even though she doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional woman. The film explores how Mulan’s actions ultimately bring honor to her family, though this is achieved by defying the gender roles imposed on her.
2. Why did the ancestors care about what happened to Mulan?
In the film, Mulan’s ancestors are spiritual guardians who are deeply invested in the well-being of their family line. The ancestors’ concern for Mulan stems from their desire to preserve the family’s honor and legacy. They guide her through her journey because they recognize her potential, despite the fact that she does not conform to the traditional expectations for women. The ancestors, particularly the character of the Great Stone Dragon, symbolize a connection to heritage and the importance of upholding family values. Their care for Mulan is a reflection of their belief in the potential of every family member to contribute to the family’s honor, even if it requires breaking away from convention.
3. Why is it a crime for a woman to enlist in the army?
In the historical and cultural setting of Mulan, it is a crime for a woman to enlist in the army because women were not traditionally allowed to participate in warfare or other public duties. The societal norms of the time placed women in domestic roles, where they were expected to maintain the household and contribute to the family’s social status through marriage and motherhood. Women were seen as weaker and less capable of participating in physically demanding tasks like fighting. This gender inequality is a major conflict in the story, as Mulan defies these expectations by disguising herself as a man to protect her father, illustrating her determination to break through the limitations imposed on her by society.
4. At the beginning of the film, Mulan was reciting a litany of what a good daughter should be: “quiet, demure, graceful, polite, delicate, refined, poised, and punctual.” Are those goals that girls aspire to today? Should they?
The traits Mulan recites reflect traditional feminine ideals rooted in societal expectations. In modern times, the goals girls aspire to can vary depending on culture, personal values, and societal changes. While qualities like grace, politeness, and punctuality may still hold value in some contexts, they are no longer the sole attributes expected of women in many societies. Today, girls may also aspire to traits like independence, resilience, leadership, and self-expression, embracing a wider range of possibilities beyond the passive, obedient ideals from Mulan’s era. The notion of what girls should aspire to is subjective, and while some traditional qualities may still be relevant, modern society increasingly encourages girls to define their own goals, allowing them to grow beyond traditional gender roles.
5. Mulan was not what the Chinese society thought a girl should be. What did this have to do with her decision to substitute for her father?
Mulan’s decision to substitute for her father highlights her rejection of the rigid gender roles in Chinese society. She is not the quiet, graceful, or demure daughter that society expects; instead, she is resourceful, strong-willed, and brave. Her decision to take her father’s place in the army stems from her deep love for him and her desire to protect him from the harm that his physical condition could bring. Mulan’s actions also represent a break from societal expectations about what women should or should not do. She demonstrates that the qualities of courage, strength, and loyalty are not confined to a particular gender and that honor can be achieved by defying traditional expectations.
6. How would the behavior and communication of the characters differ in a high versus low-context culture? Does perception play a role in this process?
In a high-context culture like that of China, much of the communication is implicit, and the meaning is often understood through non-verbal cues, shared knowledge, and relationships. Characters in Mulan frequently rely on gestures, tone, and mutual understanding rather than direct verbal communication. This contrasts with a low-context culture, where communication is more explicit, direct, and detailed. For example, Mulan’s family expresses their concern for her well-being through subtle hints and looks, rather than outright telling her how they feel. Perception plays a significant role in this communication style, as individuals must be sensitive to underlying meanings and social expectations. In Mulan, the characters’ behavior and communication are deeply influenced by these cultural norms, shaping the way they relate to one another.
7. Choose two of the nine factors related to cultural identity in Chapter 3 and give specific examples of how each manifests in the movie.
Two factors related to cultural identity that manifest in Mulan are family and gender roles:
- Family: In Mulan, family plays a central role in shaping Mulan’s identity and decisions. Her respect for her family’s honor drives her to act, particularly when she disguises herself as a man to protect her father. Her actions demonstrate how deeply family expectations can influence personal choices.
- Gender roles: The film addresses traditional gender roles, particularly the idea that women must be passive and graceful. Mulan’s decision to join the army directly challenges these gender roles, as she proves that women can be just as brave, capable, and honorable as men, ultimately reshaping her own identity in the process.
These factors highlight the interplay between societal values and individual identity, showing how Mulan navigates and redefines her place in her cultural context.