Herkules Disneya w nowych ramach. Antidotum na hegemoniczną i toksyczną męskość
Reframing Disney's Hercules: An Antidote to Hegemonic and Toxic Masculinity

Summary/Abstract: Since Snow White bit that apple almost a century ago, Disney films have continued to shape the fairy-tale genre and the gender ideologies it promulgates. Disney's portrayal of masculinity has traditionally been considered rather conservative as it promotes stereotypes and heteronormative narratives. However, a more complex image of Disney filmography has begun to emerge, revealing elements of a sensitive, family-oriented, and non-violent masculinity. Building on this more nuanced direction, this article proposes a new, reparative way of looking at masculinity in Disney films. Rather than focusing on Disney's regressive or progressive intentions, the author argues that we should attend to the cracks and surprising twists in the films that allow us to invest them with more forward-thinking, resonant interpretations relevant to the needs of today's society. To illustrate this approach, the author uses Hercules by Ron Clements and John Musker (1997) as a case study, arguing that it can be read as a critique of hegemonic masculinity – one that questions the idea of a single, normative model for boys and men, exposes its illusory promises, and satirises the way such masculinity is idealised. At the same time, it provides a visionary warning against toxic masculinity by illustrating the numerous ways it can manifest and by promoting instead a sensitive masculinity that respects consent and an empowered femininity that resists toxicity. By ascribing this newfound significance to Hercules, this article aims to invite the examination of older Disney films in a new light – one that enables them to take on a more progressive and hopeful role in confronting toxic masculinity today.

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