Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 14. Number 2 June 2023 Pp.221-235
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol14no2.16
The Construction of Racism in Cartoon Films: A Critical Discourse Analysis
Noor Audah Kadhim
Department of English, College of Education for Women
University of Baghdad, Iraq
Corresponding Author Noor.faraj2103m@coeduw.uobaghdad.edu.iq
Nawal Fadhil Abbas
Department of English, College of Education for Women
University of Baghdad, Iraq
Received:03/12/2023 Accepted:05/24/2023 Published:06/24/2023
Abstract:
Animation is an industry that is expanding more quickly than ever. Every child’s favorite activity is watching cartoons. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious of the kinds of cartoon films children and teenagers tend. Because children and teenagers are the target audience for these films. This study aims at exposing a hidden enactment, namely racism, in a well-known cartoon film, Lion King, which has been selected accurately by the researchers because it shapes a set of ideas about black people and constructs prejudiced beliefs in their minds. This study is to answer the inquiry ‘Is the ideology of racism imposed in Lion King? And how?’ The significance of the present paper lies in highlighting the educational function of cartoon films so parents and caregivers become more aware. In addition, this study is crucial for researchers in the critical discourse analysis approach in the sense of how van Dijk’s (2000) model can be applied to children’s literature. The ideology of racism is investigated in the language of the film’s characters. The researchers have concluded that the ideology of racism is promoted in Lion King using various linguistic tools and strategies.
Keywords: Critical discourse analysis, cognition, construction, ideology, Lion King, micro and macro levels, racism
Cite as: Kadhim, N. A., & Abbas, N.F. (2023). The Construction of Racism in Cartoon Films: A Critical Discourse Analysis. Arab World English Journal, 14 (2) 221-235.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol14no2.16
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