디즈니 〈인어공주〉에 대한 어린이의 수용 연구: 여성성과 인종 다양성을 중심으로

초록

This study aims to explore how children interpret representations of femininity and racial diversity in Disney’s live-action film The Little Mermaid. Focus group interviews with conducted with 12 fifth-grade students to examine their interpretation and reception to the film’s characters, narratives, and visual representations. The findings indicate that most participants responded positively to the Black Ariel, demonstrating an understanding that whiteness and conventional beauty are not essential components of a princess identity. However, ambivalent attitudes and resistance based on racial stereotypes and prejudices were also observed. Participants interpreted Ariel as curious, brave, and spirited, and preferred the Black Ariel over the traditionally gentle Ariel. Furthermore, participants read a message of respect for diversity from the film, and positively evaluated the depiction of a multi-ethnic family. Nevertheless, their understanding of diversity remained at the level of recognizing the coexistence of different types of individuals. In addition, their perceptions revealed a limitation in that preferences regarding women’s appearance and skin color were reduced to matters of personal taste. This study highlights the need for media literacy education and suggests that Disney films can serve as educational resources for fostering children’s multicultural acceptance and critical literacy.

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