THE LITTLE (DISNEY) MERMAIDS: EMBRACING HUMAN IDENTITY THEN AND NOW
THE LITTLE (DISNEY) MERMAIDS: EMBRACING HUMAN IDENTITY THEN AND NOW

Summary/Abstract: In my paper, I investigate how the image of the little mermaid has been constructed by the Walt Disney studios over the last half century, from the initial cartoon version of the character in the 1989 American animated musical fantasy to its contemporary counterpart in the 2023 American musical film. I will contrast the two different character constructs and their impact upon a young audience, alongside a discussion of white race dominance and the cultural homogeneity of identity versus the concept of multiculturalism and the idea of embracing cultural diversity. Separately, I will focus on the little mermaid figure as opening up a philosophical perspective on the human condition and will attempt to explain the identity construct in the original version of the tale by Hans Christian Andersen and its implications for the idea of embracing the human identity, both male and female.

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