"Mulan"

Still from the film "Mulan" during the song 'Reflection' (1998)
http://pilotthursday.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/mulan-disney-princess-20741155-1212-720.jpg (18/10/13)

This image represents the two 'versions' of the character Mulan. On the right is the version of her that her family expects her to be, which is a 'proper' maiden; dressed nicely with full make-up. This was done prior to Mulan going to the matchmaker in order for him to assess if she was bride material. On the left is the real version of her. In the image, she looks at her reflection with a sad expression because she knows that she cannot be what her family expects her to be. Not only does this image show society's expectations for women to look a certain way, but it also implies that women must look and act a certain way in order to be accepted by society. The implications of this representation is that women feel the need to change themselves to fit into the 'norm' when it comes to being beautiful. In many cultures and societies, 'beautiful' is having pale skin, full red lips, beautiful hair and possessing qualities such as grace, etiquette and confidence. Mulan did not possess these qualities and was consequently kicked out by the matchmaker, proclaiming "You are a disgrace! You may look like a bride, but you will never bring your family honor!" This shows that women must not only look the part, but also must act the part or will be considered as defective for not living up to society's expectation.

"Honor to Us All" from the film " Mulan (1998)- 18/10/13
In this song, Mulan is being prepared to meet the matchmaker. 


While she is being groomed, the women in the song sing about how a girl should look and act.

Men want girls with good taste
Calm
Obediant
Who work fast-paced
With good breeding
And a tiny waist
You'll bring honor to us all 
Lyrics from the song 'Honor to Us All' http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/mulan/honortousall.htm - 18/10/13

This song represents the expectations that are placed upon women. The lyrics of the song list down all the characteristics of not only the ideal woman, but a woman that a man would want to marry, implying that without these qualities, nobody would want to marry you. This representation of how women should look and act creates a message to its viewers that in order for others to find you attractive, you must have the qualities listed in the song. It also implies that men are only interested in women who present themselves in a certain way and that love isn't the most important factor in finding a spouse. Although people could argue that the song unintentionally creates the message that 'men are only interested in women that act a certain way and not love' because this movie was set in China during the Han Dynasty and things such as matchmakers were the norm during those times, I must also point out that although that might be true, this film was not shown to children during the Han Dynasty. This shows that despite our medical and technological advances, our society remains the same as it did back then. Physical appearance and qualities such as obedience and grace are still ranked much higher than intelligence or personality. The implications of this representation is that women who view this film will think that having a 'tiny waist' and being diligent and obedient is more important than love. Also, the lyrics of this song will give women the impression that marriage is all about bringing honor to your family and not about joining two people who love each other. This makes marriage look like a business transaction and will cause it's personal value to dwindle until nobody will marry for love anymore, and will only marry to make other people happy.