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"Predators.
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They may be strong, and loud, but prey outnumber predators 10 to 1.
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Think of it: 90% of the population united against a common enemy.
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We'll be unstoppable."
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Zootopia, the colorful animated film produced by Walt Disney Pictures, has been able to
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draw an audience of all ages with its uplifting call for us all to avoid discrimination based
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on stereotypes.
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Although initially aimed at children, Zootopia has also reached adults through the skillful
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integration of imagery and messages that go beyond the boundaries of a traditional Disney
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movie.
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In this case, the film introduces a clear moral to the storyline: prejudice by the state
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or society is harmful to everyone.
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Zootopia tells the story of a community of civilized animals free from their historical
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predator-versus-prey tendencies.
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Although equality of predator and prey seems to be widely recognized, it is clear that
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it is still an ideal and has not been fully internalized by all the inhabitants of Zootopia.
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"I want you to remember this moment the next time you think you will ever be anything more
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than just a stupid, carrot-farmin', dumb bunny."
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From a young age, the main characters Judy and Nick were criticized for their dreams
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of defying their respective traditional career paths.
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In addition, Judy faces more subtle discrimination because of her gender, and Nick with nuanced
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economic class discrimination.
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While Judy succeeds in overcoming these barriers, Nick is unable to.
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"Hey, hey.
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No one tells me what I can or can't be, especially not some jerk who never had the guts to try
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to be anything more than a popsicle hustler."
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"Alright look, everyone comes to Zootopia thinking they can be anything they want.
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Well, you can't.
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You can only be what you are.
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Sly fox, dumb bunny."
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The unlikely pair soon discovers that their mayor has been hiding a dark secret: that
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predators are turning savage.
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In an alleged effort to protect the public, the mayor locks up the enraged animals without
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due process, thereby violating their fundamental rights.
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This sort of violation of the rule of law by government authorities, allegedly in the
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name of public safety, is not unlike what President Duterte has done in the Philippines,
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where the state now routinely violates human rights and assassinates anyone who it claims
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is involved in the drug trade.
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Initially, Judy believes that the animals' DNA is the reason they turn savage.
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"Why is this happening?"
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"We still don't know.
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But...uh, it may have something to do with biology."
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"What do you mean by that?"
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"A biological component, you know, something in their DNA."
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"In their DNA?
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Can you elaborate on that, please?"
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"Yes.
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What I mean is: thousands of years ago, um, predators survived through their aggressive
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hunting instincts.
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For whatever reason, they seem to be reverting back to their primitive savage ways."
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As peaceful demonstrations take hold of the city, Judy begins to doubt her views and learns
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the truth.
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The new mayor of Zootopia, and animal of prey, is trying to scapegoat and systematically
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incarcerate all predatory animals.
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"I know you'll never forgive me, and I don't blame you.
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I wouldn't forgive me either.
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I was ignorant, and irresponsible, and small-minded.
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But predators shouldn't suffer because of my mistakes.
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I have to fix this."
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"Come here.
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Okay, oh you bunnies.
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You're so emotional."
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During the movie, the relationship of Judy and Nick mirrors some of the discoveries and
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revelations that take place in Zootopia as a whole.
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Over time, Nick is able to change Judy's preconceived view of his species, and in turn Judy helps
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him see that his ambitions are valid and attainable when viewed apart from stereotypes based in discrimination.
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"Look inside yourself, and recognize that change starts with you.
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It starts with me.
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It starts with all of us."
