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