Distinguishing Between Race and Ethnicity
Understanding the Concepts
The waves crash against the shore, the sun dips below the horizon painting the sky in fiery hues, and a young woman with a spirit of adventure stands ready to set sail. The name is Moana, and her story, told through the vibrant animation of a Disney film, has captivated audiences worldwide. But beyond the catchy songs and visually stunning landscapes, lies a deeper question: What is Moana’s race? Delving into this question not only unveils the cultural roots of a beloved character but also allows us to understand the importance of accurate representation and cultural appreciation in media.
Moana’s journey, filled with courage, self-discovery, and a deep connection to the ocean, is deeply rooted in the history and traditions of a specific group of people. To truly understand Moana’s race, we must first understand the concepts of race and ethnicity, and how they relate to identity and culture.
Defining Race
It’s essential to grasp the difference between race and ethnicity. Race is a social construct, a system of classification based on perceived physical characteristics. The concept of race has historically been used, often inaccurately, to categorize people and has, sadly, been associated with prejudice and discrimination.
Defining Ethnicity
Ethnicity, on the other hand, refers to a group of people who share a common cultural identity, including things like language, traditions, ancestry, values, and beliefs. Ethnicity is often tied to a shared geographical origin, but it is primarily defined by cultural elements.
Cultural Sensitivity
It’s crucial to approach discussions of race and ethnicity with sensitivity. The goal is to learn, to appreciate, and to avoid perpetuating stereotypes or generalizations.
The Polynesian People
The Importance of Respectful Representation
In a world where media wields immense influence, the accurate and respectful representation of different cultures is paramount. When films, books, and other forms of media portray diverse cultures accurately, it promotes understanding, empathy, and appreciation. When these representations are inaccurate, simplified, or stereotypical, they can perpetuate harmful biases and limit a true understanding of the world’s richness. The portrayal of Moana is a key example of this, because it is also incredibly important to be careful when portraying a diverse culture, and the makers of Moana took this into account by partnering with people from Polynesian cultures.
Defining Polynesia
Polynesia is a subregion of Oceania, a group of islands in the central and southern Pacific Ocean. The Polynesian islands are spread across a vast triangle, with corners marked by Hawaii in the north, New Zealand (Aotearoa) in the southwest, and Easter Island (Rapa Nui) in the east. This triangle encompasses thousands of islands, each with its own unique traditions and histories, while sharing a common ancestry and cultural foundation.
The Polynesian People
Polynesian peoples are descendants of a seafaring people who navigated and settled these remote islands, facing challenging environments and adapting to unique climates. The history is also filled with stories of legendary navigators and their extraordinary maritime skills, using celestial navigation, wave patterns, and other methods to find their way across vast distances of ocean.
Diversity in Polynesia
While bound by shared heritage, Polynesian cultures are incredibly diverse. Among the groups and cultures are:
- Samoan: Known for strong family ties, traditional dance (siva), and intricate tattooing.
- Tahitian: Celebrated for its vibrant dance, including the iconic ‘ōte’a and hula, and its emphasis on art and music.
- Hawaiian: Recognized for the hula, surfing, and deep connection to the land. They have their own language, as well as a rich history and mythology.
- Maori (New Zealand): Renowned for the haka (a powerful ceremonial dance), intricately carved wood art, and strong tribal connections.
Each of these cultures has unique languages, traditions, and social structures.
Key Characteristics
Several common threads bind all Polynesian cultures together:
- Language: Polynesian languages share a common linguistic ancestor, the Proto-Polynesian language. While each island group developed its own dialects, core words and grammatical structures remain recognizable. The language itself is an essential aspect of cultural identity, through things like storytelling, songs, and oral traditions.
- Navigation: Polynesians are among the world’s most skilled navigators. Without compasses or modern instruments, they navigated by the stars, ocean currents, wave patterns, and the flight paths of birds. This expertise is a source of immense pride and cultural significance.
- Art, Music, Dance, and Storytelling: Polynesian cultures boast a wealth of artistic expression. Traditional art forms include carving, weaving, and tattooing. Music is often a blend of melodic instruments and rhythmic percussion, accompanying vibrant dance performances that tell stories and celebrate life. Storytelling through songs, myths, and legends is a key part of cultural transmission.
- Family and Community: Family and community are the cornerstones of Polynesian society. Strong bonds within the family and with the wider community are vital, with traditions often passed down through generations. Respect for elders and community leaders is central to daily life.
- Connection to Nature: Polynesians share a deep connection to the natural world, showing respect for the ocean, the land, and the environment. They have a deep understanding of their environment and are acutely aware of the cycles of nature. This is what makes the plot of Moana so meaningful.
Moana’s Cultural Representation
Character Embodiment
The character of Moana is a vivid representation of this rich heritage. She embodies the spirit of adventure and determination, which are core values in Polynesian cultures. Moana’s bravery, respect for her ancestors, and deep connection to the ocean all resonate with the ideals.
Accuracy and Sensitivity
To accurately examine “Moana” and its relationship to Polynesian culture, several points must be addressed:
Positive Aspects
Disney consulted with cultural experts and created a cultural advisory group, including people from Samoa, Tahiti, and other Polynesian backgrounds. This group provided guidance on the film’s portrayal of cultural practices, language, and values. This effort, while not perfect, marks a significant step toward respectful representation. The filmmakers wanted to be sure to show the people what they were like.
The film celebrates many positive aspects of Polynesian culture. These include:
- Cultural Pride: Moana’s love for her people, her island, and her culture is evident throughout the film.
- Respect for Elders: The importance of respecting elders and following their guidance is showcased.
- The Power of Family and Community: The strong bonds within the family are highlighted, alongside the importance of working together for the community’s well-being.
- Navigation and the Spirit of Exploration: Moana’s skill as a navigator symbolizes the remarkable achievements of Polynesian ancestors.
- The natural world: Moana is closely connected to the natural world.
Potential Criticisms
Despite the film’s successes, there have been some critiques, including:
- Simplification: Some people have argued that the film simplifies the complexity and diversity of Polynesian cultures, by taking aspects from many different cultures.
- Stereotypes: Some worry that there are some elements of stereotypes and over-generalizations, although Disney attempted to avoid this by using an advisory group.
Visuals, Music, and Language
Overall, the film portrays Polynesian culture in a positive and respectful light.
- Visual Representation: The film’s visual style draws inspiration from Polynesian art, including patterns, tattoos, and clothing designs. The landscapes are also beautiful, and draw upon the beauty of Polynesian islands.
- Music: The film’s soundtrack incorporates Polynesian musical elements, with traditional instruments and vocal styles.
- Language: The film features Polynesian languages, which is a valuable step in promoting language revitalization and appreciation.
Analyzing the movie
Importance for a Wider Audience
“Moana” has been hugely successful. It has increased the awareness of Polynesian culture to a global audience. This includes:
- Cultural Appreciation: The film celebrates the beauty and richness of Polynesian cultures.
- Education: The film’s popularity has led to increased interest in Polynesian history, art, music, and language.
- Representation in Media: “Moana” has helped create positive examples for young people in these cultures.
Movie Story
The movie Moana’s story is simple: A young woman is from an island, and her people need her help. She needs to go on an adventure, and find the god Maui. They will battle with monsters and restore the heart of Te Fiti. To create a plot with this amount of action, changes need to be made.
Comparing Depictions
In order to create a movie with a plot for a broad audience, changes were made. Disney needed to create a story that would appeal to a mass audience, and appeal to as many people as possible. Some examples are:
- Maui: Maui is a well known demigod, who appears in many Polynesian legends. Moana portrays him as a very strong and charismatic figure, with a lot of flaws.
- Music: Moana uses traditional Polynesian music.
- Dress: Moana and other characters wear clothing that resembles that which is worn in Polynesian culture.
Storytelling
Disney took the advice of the Polynesian Advisory group, and worked to make it as accurate as possible. In order to create a movie, many parts were included for storytelling.
- Mythology: Disney created a story that would interest as many people as possible.
- Romance: There is no traditional love story, the characters do not feel like they are in love.
- Music: Disney used a lot of great music.
Conclusion
Moana’s race is Polynesian. The film is a testament to the beauty, history, and cultural diversity of these remarkable people. The movie has given a great view of Polynesian culture, and the positive things about them. While it’s important to acknowledge potential criticisms and oversimplifications, the film serves as a stepping stone for greater understanding and appreciation. The film has had a positive impact around the world, celebrating the strength, ingenuity, and spiritual connection to the natural world that define these vibrant cultures.
Let’s not only enjoy the music, animation, and story of “Moana,” but also consider how we can deepen our understanding of the rich cultural heritage that the film so beautifully portrays.
