There is no doubt that characters' appearance, depiction, and personalities in animation have changed over the decade. Such influences as wars, politics, feminism, and race/culture/religion have all had a large impact on the way we depict and choose our characters. It would seem a no-brainer to think that "feminist culture has improved the way we see females in animation today", and that "because racial segregation has been long abolished, we'll see more non-white positive role model characters". That would be very closed-minded to think so, and sadly we still struggle with the way our changing attitudes are perceived in the industry.
One writer, Christine Hoff Kraemer, has written an article suggesting that Western animation i.e. Disney, doesn't compare well to Japanese anime in the way female role models are depicted. On her website: Christine's Really Long and Exciting Website Filled With Treasures , you'll find a lengthy explanation which goes into great detail about how anime uses female protagonists to promote awareness for such topics as the environment, which gives them instant popularity as they are obviously aiming to do good rather than the likes of Disney princesses who are aimed at young children, often a bit dumbed down in the way they act, and aren't really powerful representations at all (apart from the likes of Mulan and Pocohontas, of whom are the best represented in my opnion).
However Mulan and Pocohontas, in Disney's favour, aren't white, which is good as it shows solidarity and difference. In my opinion, many of the Disney princesses come across as a bit useless and pathetic, which says a lot about how Westernised animation portrays Westernised characters. If you take the likes of Princess Mononoke, Kiki's Delivery Service, and even Akira - all of which are Japanese animated films by Studio Ghibli, their female protagonists are all strong-willed, stubborn, and powerful in some form or another. They wear sensible clothing that is suitable for the adventure they are going on, and do not have lanky, unrealistic figures that most women do not have. It will forever bother me that most Disney princesses' clothing/appearance isn't really that suitable for kids.
One blogger, "iamnotthebatman" (click for blog), shares his opinions on many of Disney's characters. Take princess Jasmine for example: "Although her outfit generally balances out with the trousers, it is clear to see that she is not wearing a lot up top for a kids film. This fact becomes more disturbing when the realisation dawns that she is actually fourteen and suddenly her garb becomes inherently wrong. This is, needless to say, not what a young princess would wear, although the outfit is not unfit of the time. What we see Jasmine modelling is the garb of a concubine, a woman sold or traded to a man as a commodity, and an outfit most unfit of royalty. She is unmarried. She is not promised. Instead it is more likely that she would be more covered, and not depicting one of the lower level of sex servant." This is just one of many examples of Western female characters are changed to meet the oversexualised attitudes of society.
Jessica Rabbit is a notorious example of how society has allowed for characters to push boundaries. She is one of the most well-know and loved characters by men and women alike. She oozes sex appeal, which is all well and good, but the film she originates from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" (which was released in 1998, which is relevant) is aimed at children! There was also some controversy over a split second of complete bottom-half nudity from Jessica as she stumbles out of a car. Although you may not be able to clearly notice this when played at 24 frames per second, there was a lot of outrage and it was soon recalled to be corrected.
Betty Boop (created by Max Fleischer of Fleischer studios) was also well known for being a risqué character, challenging what was seen as agreeable at the time. She first appeared in 1930 in an episode named "Dizzy Dishes" and was instantly noticed for having a rather voluptuous figure, being scantily-clad, and based on the appearance of a "flapper" girl. Some of the cartoons she appeared in were actually banned for insinuating drug use, being too racist, and of course being too sexual. If those animations were shown today - of which they are available online so therefore have been watched by the masses who seek them out - there would not have been nearly as much uproar due to changing attitudes. Although Minnie Mouse for example has plenty of footage of her showing off her bloomers and wearing a short skirt, the fact that she is depicted as child-like and innocent completely nullifies it of any sexual intention apparently. I see it as even more sinister than if she were an adult!
Somehow, I think with all nudity and objectifying in pop culture now, there wouldn't be as much fuss; but should there be? I believe that in a mere few decades, animated characters may even have the same rights to freedom as pop music videos, magazine images, and the overall disgrace celebrities are bringing to the West. Changing attitudes WILL change character development.
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