Gender Role in Hercules

Gender Role in Hercules

Hercules and other Disney movies are packed with preconceived ideas and stereotypes. There are prior assumptions and tacit associations as presented via the plot and characters that bear implicit messages not only for the children, by but also to the society as a whole. For example a theme on gender and the roles of male and female characters dominate Hercules Disney movie. There is utilisation of stereotypical images to depict character’s simplistic view of their own world besides enticing the young audience.

For a long period in the history of film industry, Disney movies are widely regarded as a vital source of educational viewing experience for children. However, despite their characteristic inconspicuous appearance, stereotypic themes like gender roles and inequality are prevalent. It starts out with a clumsy young man but as the animated movie progresses, he transforms into a widely accepted image of a man in the society. Even in the modern times, men are expected to play a dominant role in protecting and providing for their families. On the other hand, women are viewed as objects of beauty and pleasure.

The stereotype of a damsel in distress is evident in Hercules as Meg (a female protagonist) is depicted as a vulnerable young woman. On the other hand, the producer depicts Hercules as a superhero that saves and protects Meg on several occasions. In the plot, Meg is intentionally exposed to numerous dangers to present an opportunity for the male superhero to take charge. As such, it is possible to prove that she is powerless as a female. As a reward, Hercules eventually wins the female's heart while she does not have an opportunity to reciprocate protagonist's feats. Therefore, the film reinforces the idea of a receptive and passive woman that does not exhibit initiative or strength. 

Furthermore, Hercules shows womanhood as disempowering and archetypical. It reinforces the idea that women are weak and frail beings. Thus, they are assigned less active roles in the plot. In one instance in the movie, the plot twists when Hades ties up and present female protagonists (Meg) to Hercules as part of a bargain. Such a scene is the closest significant role that the animated movie accords to women. When Meg is not tied up as a female protagonist, she is devising ingenious plans to manipulate the hero or she spends time as Hercules admirer. Antagonist envisions her as a mere pawn with no ambition, dreams, or violation. In fact, her role in the film is to justify and be a reward for extravagations and deeds of the hero. Similarly, other females in the movie merely react to hero. They have no special role other than following the male character and admiring his looks.

The film also portrays females as gullible and hysteric. Often, they scream at the appearance of movie hero and fall victims of his flattery as in the case of Fates. While the film portrays males as dominant figures a close scrutiny reveals their entitlement to ordinary treatment.

Most male figures in Hercules are assessed by their masculine strength. Men are symbolic instruments of raw power because they do not show any depth of intelligence or emotions. As a reward for their prowess, they receive fame, admiration and power. People neglect their human aspect. The protagonist's feelings are shallow and childlike hence a lack of romance in his relationship with Meg.

Meg's depiction conforms to stereotypes and preconceived ideas encountered by women in movies. Her body figure is unrealistically slim to arouse desires and to show her as an object of desire. In fact, Hercules and Phil, his trainer, are seen on multiple occasions ogling lecherously at Meg. On the other hand, both Zeus and Hercules have exaggerated muscular physiques hardly reflecting a body size and structure natural man. Colours are mainly used to enhance the looks of characters and to perfect their body tone. For instance, Meg’s hair is golden blonde.

 Disney Inc. intended the movie to reflect on societal view. At the time of its release, its audience--especially the children--demanded films that focus on fantasy and mystery. Therefore, the producers addressed societal needs. Besides, animated movies were still at an amateur stage, thus the evident flaws on how some of the scenes are portrayed. The film director understood that the children enjoy heroic scenes characterized by powerful male figures that have support and admiration of women.

The timing of Hercules’ release could not have been better, given that towards the end of 20^th century, political revolutions and disillusions. People needed heroes for inspiration. As such, the film sought to teach children that true heroes cannot be measured by their physical strength. Rather, people should determine their heroes by their personal character and concern for humanity. In addition, children learn about the importance of holding on to their dreams despite life challenges and distractions threatening to divert their attention. Another moral lesson of Hercules lies in enmity resulting from personal inner thoughts, dilemmas, and aspirations.