Tearing Down Disney’s Tarzan: A Critical Look at Colonialism, Representation, and Environmental Themes

The Enduring Appeal and the Need for Re-examination

Disney’s Tarzan, released in nineteen ninety-nine, remains a beloved animated classic for many. Its breathtaking animation, particularly the innovative deep canvas technique, coupled with Phil Collins’ unforgettable soundtrack, cemented its place in cinematic history. Millions have been captivated by the story of an orphaned boy raised by gorillas in the African jungle, eventually bridging the gap between the animal kingdom and human civilization. However, beneath the surface of this visually stunning and musically engaging film lies a complex web of problematic themes that warrant a critical re-examination. This article argues that while entertaining, Disney’s Tarzan deserves scrutiny for its colonial undertones, questionable representation of African characters, and simplified, potentially misleading environmental message.

The Arrival of the Europeans and the Echoes of Imperialism

The very premise of the film, the arrival of European explorers in the pristine, untouched African jungle, immediately sets the stage for a narrative steeped in colonialism. The expedition led by Professor Porter, while ostensibly driven by scientific curiosity, carries the weight of historical European exploration, often intertwined with resource exploitation and the subjugation of native populations. The film subtly perpetuates the notion of Africa as a blank canvas, awaiting discovery and enlightenment by the West.

Tarzan as a Symbol of Colonial Influence

Tarzan himself, despite being raised by apes, becomes a symbol of this colonial influence. His inherent “superiority” over the apes, stemming from his human intellect and eventually honed through Jane’s tutelage, reinforces a hierarchical worldview that mirrors colonial power dynamics. He is implicitly positioned as the natural leader, bridging the gap between the “uncivilized” apes and the “civilized” humans, a role reminiscent of the colonial administrator mediating between colonizer and colonized.

Jane’s Role in “Civilizing” Tarzan

Jane’s role in Tarzan’s education further solidifies this colonial narrative. She teaches him language, manners, and scientific principles, essentially “civilizing” him and drawing him closer to the European ideal. While presented as an act of love and intellectual curiosity, this transformation reinforces the idea that European knowledge and culture are inherently superior. The underlying message suggests that Tarzan needs to be “improved” by European influence to reach his full potential, a concept deeply rooted in colonial ideology. We cannot overlook how Disney’s Tarzan uses these themes, perhaps unintentionally, and we must view this childhood favorite with a more critical eye.

The White Savior Trope: Protector of the Jungle

This narrative culminates in Tarzan’s ultimate role as the “White Savior,” the protector of the jungle and its inhabitants from the predatory forces of civilization, represented by the villainous Clayton. While Clayton’s greed is undeniable, the film relies on the trope of the noble white protagonist defending the vulnerable, “primitive” environment from the encroaching dangers of the outside world. This trope, prevalent in many Western narratives, reinforces a power dynamic where the white character is positioned as the sole capable savior, while the native populations are portrayed as incapable of protecting themselves.

Tarzan’s Superiority and the Underestimation of Native Agency

Consider the scenes where Tarzan single-handedly battles Clayton and his men. He uses his knowledge of the jungle, acquired through his upbringing among the apes, to outwit and overcome the intruders. While these scenes are undoubtedly exciting, they also reinforce the idea that Tarzan’s unique position as an “outsider” allows him to better protect the jungle than the apes or any other potential inhabitants. This narrative undermines the agency and capabilities of the native inhabitants of the jungle, further cementing the White Savior trope. Even if the intention was not malicious, the impact remains significant.

The Problematic Depiction of African Characters

One of the most glaring shortcomings of Disney’s Tarzan lies in its depiction of the African tribes. They are portrayed as a homogenous, undifferentiated group, largely relegated to the background and presented as “primitive” or “savage.” Their culture is never explored in depth, their language is reduced to unintelligible chants, and their motivations are simplified to fear and aggression. This lack of nuanced character development perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces the colonial-era view of African cultures as monolithic and underdeveloped.

The Absence of African Voices

The absence of African voices in the narrative is particularly troubling. The tribes are largely silent, with no clear spokespersons or representatives to articulate their perspectives. This silence further marginalizes their presence and reinforces the impression that they are passive recipients of the events unfolding around them. This is a stark contrast to the portrayal of the apes, who are given distinct personalities, motivations, and even their own language. The disparity in character development highlights the film’s unequal treatment of African and non-human characters.

Comparison to the Original Novel and the Perpetuation of Stereotypes

In contrast to Edgar Rice Burroughs’ original novel, which, while problematic in its own right, at least attempted to portray some African characters with a degree of complexity, Disney’s adaptation simplifies and flattens their representation. This simplification further entrenches harmful stereotypes and perpetuates a distorted view of African cultures. The impact of these representations on audience perceptions, particularly among young viewers, cannot be underestimated. By failing to provide accurate and nuanced portrayals of African characters, the film reinforces existing biases and contributes to a broader pattern of misrepresentation in popular media.

Environmental Themes: A Simplified Perspective

While Disney’s Tarzan appears to champion environmentalism and the preservation of the jungle, a closer examination reveals a simplified and potentially misleading message. The film’s focus on protecting the jungle from Clayton’s destructive greed paints a simplistic “good versus evil” narrative that overlooks the complexities of environmental issues. Clayton is presented as the sole threat to the jungle, a caricature of the ruthless poacher motivated solely by profit. This narrow focus obscures the systemic issues of deforestation, habitat destruction, and resource exploitation that contribute to environmental degradation.

Oversimplification of Poaching and Environmental Issues

The film also oversimplifies the motivations behind poaching, portraying Clayton’s actions as purely malicious. While greed is undoubtedly a factor, the film fails to acknowledge the complex socio-economic factors that drive poaching in many parts of the world. The needs of local communities, poverty, and the demand for exotic animal products are all ignored in favor of a simplified narrative of good versus evil. This simplification risks undermining the effectiveness of the film’s environmental message, as it fails to address the root causes of environmental problems.

The Romanticized View of Nature

The film’s romanticized portrayal of nature also deserves scrutiny. The jungle is presented as a pristine, untouched paradise, free from the complexities and challenges of human interaction. This idealized view ignores the reality of human-wildlife conflict, the sustainable use of natural resources, and the need for balanced conservation strategies. By presenting nature as a purely innocent and vulnerable entity, the film risks promoting a romanticized and unrealistic view of environmentalism. One has to wonder if Disney’s Tarzan, in this regard, could have done more to present a compelling narrative.

Acknowledging the Artistic Achievements and Enduring Appeal

It’s important to acknowledge the undeniable artistic merits of Disney’s Tarzan. The animation, particularly the deep canvas technique, was groundbreaking for its time and created a visually immersive and dynamic experience. Phil Collins’ soundtrack, with its catchy melodies and emotive lyrics, added depth and emotional resonance to the story. The voice acting was also superb, bringing the characters to life with energy and charm.

The Film’s Cultural Impact and the Need for Critical Engagement

The film’s popularity and its impact on popular culture are undeniable. Tarzan merchandise, from action figures to clothing, was ubiquitous in the late nineteen nineties and early two thousands. The film’s themes and imagery continue to resonate with audiences today, inspiring fan art, cosplay, and online discussions.

However, acknowledging these positive aspects does not absolve the film of its problematic elements. The argument that “it’s just a kids’ movie” or “it was made in a different time” is not a sufficient justification for overlooking the harmful stereotypes and colonial undertones that permeate the narrative. It is crucial to critically examine even beloved childhood films and to recognize their potential impact on shaping our perceptions of the world.

Moving Forward: Reimagining the Legend of Tarzan

Disney’s Tarzan, while entertaining, is also a product of its time, reflecting prevailing attitudes towards colonialism, race, and the environment. A critical re-examination of the film reveals a complex web of problematic themes that warrant careful consideration. While the animation and music remain impressive, the film’s colonial undertones, questionable representation of African characters, and simplified environmental message detract from its overall value.

The Importance of Nuance and Accurate Representation

As we move forward, it is essential to engage with films like Disney’s Tarzan critically and to challenge the harmful stereotypes and power dynamics that they perpetuate. Future adaptations of the Tarzan story should strive to provide more nuanced and accurate portrayals of African cultures, to avoid the trap of the White Savior trope, and to present a more complex and nuanced understanding of environmental issues. The need to be more inclusive with depictions of people of color is paramount, especially when such movies are watched by children.

Conclusion: Towards a More Critical Lens

Ultimately, the goal is not to dismiss or erase Disney’s Tarzan from our cultural memory but to engage with it thoughtfully and critically, recognizing both its artistic achievements and its problematic elements. By fostering critical media literacy, we can empower ourselves and future generations to consume media more consciously and to challenge the harmful stereotypes and power dynamics that shape our world. Let us continue to revisit old stories with new eyes, ensuring that entertainment serves as a vehicle for understanding and progress.