The critical research opens with an important and thought-provoking question: How are race and ethnicity depicted in mainstream animated films, and what are the implications for diverse audiences? The introduction lays the groundwork for this investigation by contextualising how animation, as a medium, has historically tackled the representation of race and ethnicity. From early tokenised depictions to more contemporary efforts at inclusivity, the subject provides a diverse field of study that reflects cultural attitudes and issues in the animation business.
The study tries to understand the complexity of race and ethnicity in animation and their broader cultural impact by framing the subject with an outline of historical context and contemporary ramifications. This foundation sets the setting for a critical analysis of the industry’s progress and the work that remains to be done in developing honest and equitable storytelling.