Tarzan

      Tarzan is one of few Disney stories centered on a male character; however, this does not mean it is rid of gender stereotypes. The story follows Tarzan, a boy raised by gorillas, and his first contact with other humans. Despite limited human characters, and the title character being a male separated from society, gender stereotypes are still perpetuated. The movie, for the most part, shows women to be weak, and dependent, relying on a man to save them and support them.

       The main female protagonist in the movie is a researcher, named Jane, in search of gorillas to study. Despite the purpose of the journey being to travel to the jungle and meander through dense vegetation, Jane is shown wearing a bright yellow hoop skirt in the beginning of her journey. Initially, Jane is often shown to be in danger or overwhelmed; only to be saved by Tarzan or her guide Clayton.

         Here Jane is shown to be unable to defend herself. She is on the ground looking up helplessly. This defenseless position parallels the stereotypes portrayed about the weakness and helplessness of women in Goffman’s codes of gender.  After being saved by Tarzan, Jane exhibits further stereotypes of Goffman’s codes of gender, as she swoons over Tarzan as she recants the story to her father.

         Gender stereotypes in the film are not limited to the female characters. The male characters of the story perpetuate stereotypes as well; always showing to be dominant and strong, coming to the aid of the damsel in distress.

           Jane’s guide, Clayton, is shown to be the big and strong protector of his helpless companion. Clayton fulfills the stereotype of the typical gender role of the man as shown by Goffman. He stands upright, confident and strong, never showing the feminine weakness of his companion. He solves all his problems with a gun, and he shows ruthlessness in the pursuit of accomplishing his own goals.

          Tarzan also depicts many typical male stereotypes as described by Goffman. He is strong and shows his dominance through physical prowess and displays of strength. Tarzans primitive nature is reflected in his posture; however, he puffs his chest out to show the same positions as described by Goffman asserting masculinity and male dominance. Tarzan does not show the same ruthless ambition as Clayton, but he uses his strength to assert his masculinity and to serve as the classicly male symbol of the protector.

           Both male characters are shown as protective figures over the weaker incapable female. This assentation follows suit with Goffman’s observations of the advertised male and view of masculinity, as well as the corresponding views of the advertised female. This trend is present through the majority of the movie, until the end. In the end of the film, Jane goes against gender norms and saves a helpless Tarzan, showing a reversal of roles.

              This reversal in roles marks a shift in Jane. She no longer perpetuates gender norm, but goes against Goffman’s  idea of the weak and subdued female that is expected by society. Jane proves to be strong and capable of the same feats of strength that punctuated Tarzan’s masculinity; however, this does not free her of other gender norms.

               This shows despite Jane proving not to be dependent or Tarzan to save and protect her, she is still depicted in the unstable canting position, conforming to the female gender norms she had just gone against. Though some attempts are made to go against gender norm, the depiction of gender in this film is consistent with Goffman’s Codes of Gender.