Cultural hybridization
Cultural hybridization is the blending of some aspects of a culture with those of another culture. Examples of such elements include language, music, and food, among others. Among the most popular folk tales in the Chinese culture is Mulan. It pays tribute to patriotism and filial love in equal measure. Several films and television productions are based on Mulan. It is way before Disney production. The 2004 film Hua Malan, which is based on martial arts, was also developed form the Mulan folk tales. Michelle Yeoh, a Chinese start, was instrumental in its production. It was shot in the Chinese stage and also entailed special effects. However, the Disney version of Malan differs significantly from the one based on the Chinese in that the former involves considerable changes. In contrast, Chinese adaptation has retained most of the original content. It is important to note that the producer of the Disney version made use of various strategies to ensure that a Chinese legend remains entertaining in modern times while also retaining its unique cultural flavor.
More importantly, the final Disney product retains the element of individualism that is popular with the American culture. At the same time, there is also evidence of gender and ethnic reaffirmation. Nonetheless, this is inconsistent with the philosophy upon which the initial Chinese material is based. An element of filial holiness is evident from the Chinese culture, in effect setting the stage for the attainment of personal fulfillment. The Disney version also contains another critical change in the form of the themes of sexual ambiguity and transvestism. The difference between Disney and the Chinese version is that in the latter, there is a higher level of critical understanding and subtlety involved. It is because a woman camouflages as a man so that she can serve as a man.
It is telling of the intervention of two cultures intent on informing the world of a story they know nothing about. A response in the form of cultural hybridization is hence inevitable.
The first process entails sound and cultural iconography famous in ancient China. Examples here include willows and pagodas. The inclusion of classical Chinese music is also evident. The addition of such cultural icons brings about a feeling of otherness.
In the Disney version, which is the second process, the notion of multiculturalism comes into play. It exalts racial, cultural, gender, and ethnic diversity.