An Analysis of Utopian Stereotypes in Zootopia

Abstract

With the trend of increasing interaction between people or groups from different backgrounds on a worldwide scale, as well as the frequent exchange among international communities, it is common to see that different skin colors live under the same roof in peace and harmony. However, some negative elements do potentially exist to threaten the peace. How to maintain the peace never fails to attract attention. Disney as the tycoon of animated pictures provides audience with their own thinking regarding this topic via the movie Zootopia. Zootopia is a city where various animals live and thrive in peace. Every species are entitled the same right to pursue their own dreams. Zootopia is regarded as a utopian-like metropolis. However, under the surface, stereotypes, prejudice and bias exist and are threatening the peace of Zootopia. Through the story of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, viewers begin to think about the neglected problems of human city and the realization of human coexistence. 

This paper is divided into four parts. The first part briefly introduces the basic content of the movie Zootopia. The second part introduces the concept of stereotype, and its embodiments in the movie Zootopia. The third part introduces the concept of utopia and how it is utilized in the movie Zootopia. The fourth part is a detailed analysis of the characters, lines and plots in the movie Zootopia from the dual perspectives of utopia and stereotype.

Key words: stereotype; utopia; Zootopia