Disnability

Since its release in 2001, Shrek has and continues to be one of the most commercially successful franchises in popular film today. From endorsements with  Burger King to partnerships with clothing and accessories lines (e.g. Wal-Mart, Sephora, nail line OPI, etc.), the unlikely heroes and protagonists of Shrek have become cultural icons in their own right. But how is it that these characters, who revolve around the embodiment of the “freak” and disabled, have become so popular in mainstream society? What makes something so traditionally unappealing so popular? Let’s break down and analyze some popular characters within Shrek, and how (in relation to this week’s theme) it connects to the concept of viewing people with disabilities the sometimes interchangeable classification of the disabled as villains or victims.

Character #1 - Shrek : Villain transformed into hero

Mainstream society is accustomed to viewing disability and abnormality in a negative light. Those with physical and mental limitations are viewed with fear and little context, focusing more on the normal protagonist fighting agains the pitiful and evil disabled villain. Rather than focusing on the traditional “cookie cutter” hero (strong, clean-cut, handsome, etc.), the film instead revolves around the life of Shrek, a cantankerous, misunderstood ogre who is feared by his community. Though abhorred and disregarded by mass society, Shrek is portrayed as a normal being who has resigned himself to his isolated fate because of his physical appearance. As such, the movie seems to revolve around the concept of dispelling traditional stereotypes of disability, where the protagonist embraced his appearance and was able to thrive and be convincing as a hero. He was content and confident in his own skin, a concept that seems foreign for characters with Shrek’s appearance and initial demeanor. In essence, the film portrayed him as a fleshed out individual, aware of his disability and and resigned to living alone to avoid rejection from his peers. The gradual progression of his character throughout the film (and through all four films, in general), show that despite his reservations and initial disdain for societal interaction, he is capable of being an accepted member of his community. The film addressed how people view others such as Shrek, the fear and initial apprehension of interacting with those who are disabled and unwelcome in society. It was a more realistic yet comedic approach to viewing abnormality thriving amongst the norm, of learning to accept and respect a person’s differences as opposed to ignoring them. The film succeeds in the sense that it defies stereotypes previously set by society and the media, creating an unlikely hero out of the “freak.” 

Character # 2 - Princess Fiona : Helpless Victim turned Empowered Heroine

Most Disney/ fairy tale princesses are portrayed as fragile, timid, and delicate, rescued from evil, deformed villains (e.g. Evil stepmother, Rumpelstiltskin, etc.) by the their Prince Charming. These princesses almost always fall within the same pattern: beautiful, kind, patient, gentle and unassuming, characteristics engrained into society as traditional values and ideals. Like Shrek, Princess Fiona does not fit the traditional stereotypes of women in modern society. Yes, she is physically beautiful, patient, and kind, but also opinionated and capable of fighting her own battles (I highly suggest watching the fight scene between Princess Fiona, Robin Hood and his Merry Men). More importantly, the film discusses her struggles with her own disability - the “curse” of transforming into an “odious, repulsive” ogre at sundown. During the day, she is a strong, confident woman,  accepted, admired, and emulated by her peers. At night, however, she is transformed, crippled by her shame at becoming an image (in her eyes and opinion) of grotesque deformity. In fact, her primary goal throughout the movie was to reverse this curse, just so that she would no longer have to seclude herself from the rest of mass society. In this instance, Fiona’s apprehension and anxiety over her disability establishes societal perceptions of abnormality, in which physical deformities are seen as evil and monstrous. 

Conclusion:

According to scholar Jack Nelson in “Broken Images: Portrayals of Those with Disabilities in American Media,” mainstream society fuels these perceptions and ideals, portraying the disabled as victims that are to be feared, pitied and excluded from society. These two characters are classic examples of how media has the power to dispel or perpetuate stereotypes of disabilities. The commercial appeal and popularity of the Shrek franchise is a clear indication of media’s significant influence on societal perception and consumption. Despite the fact that Shrek’s hero and heroine are ogres, the film was able to market them in way that made them an appealing and refreshing alternative to traditional Disney-esque movies. In this case, the Shrek franchise was able to capitalize on disability in a more accessible and relatable manner, appealing to mass consumers who now view these characters as the norm.  As such, Shrek is a prominent example of how films (and the media in general) play an influential role in the perspectives and ideals of mass society.