Disney movies are often criticized for their stereotypical depiction of women and unrealistic relationships. Yet some, including the Lion King, are true classics with nice kid friendly lessons and addicting songs. These lessons may seem simple on the surface, but when they are evaluated, we can see that they pertain to the issues of stories aimed for the older generation.
Amir viewed Baba as a superior human being. Baba was an extraordinary man who accomplished much in his life, and Amir wanted more than anything to become like him and constantly yearned for his love and affection. Simba also views his father, Mufasa, in the same way that Amir does. Mufasa is the king of the Pride Lands, a position of high respect. And Simba wants nothing more than to follow in his father's footsteps, steps of success. Yet both of these relationships are dysfunctional for reasons that may not be so obvious.
Both Amir and Simba see their fathers as highly regarded people/animals. When one views a family member in this way, they put themselves on a different level, one of a lower class with less value. This causes the person to feel intimidated and almost frightened by their so called superiors. Amir constantly compares himself to Baba and therefore always is disappointed that he is not more like his father. Simba also struggles with the same problem, for Simba yearns to be king like his father one day. But Simba worries that he is not worthy to be king, for he could never be as powerful as his father, never live up to his greatness and legacies. For example, after Mufasa's death, Simba views him as a powerful god like creature in the sky rather than a lion like himself.
This is an important element to evaluate because it helps us to better understand the actions of both Amir and Simba. Simba hesitates to return the the Pride Lands when his homeland is in need because he fears that he won't be able to save his father's land and control it with the grace and success that Mufasa had. Similarly, Amir frames Hassan for stealing his money and watch partly to force Hassan and Ali to leave, and partly to become closer to his father. Having Baba to himself is just what Amir wants. And with that comes more attention, more love, more affection from his powerful father.
In short, both Simba and Amir's feelings towards their fathers are feelings of intimidation, fear, and a yearn for their affection. With a better knowledge of these relationships comes more understanding of the motives for the actions of both characters, which ultimately helps us better understand the message that the author or screenwriter is trying to get across.
Amir viewed Baba as a superior human being. Baba was an extraordinary man who accomplished much in his life, and Amir wanted more than anything to become like him and constantly yearned for his love and affection. Simba also views his father, Mufasa, in the same way that Amir does. Mufasa is the king of the Pride Lands, a position of high respect. And Simba wants nothing more than to follow in his father's footsteps, steps of success. Yet both of these relationships are dysfunctional for reasons that may not be so obvious.
Both Amir and Simba see their fathers as highly regarded people/animals. When one views a family member in this way, they put themselves on a different level, one of a lower class with less value. This causes the person to feel intimidated and almost frightened by their so called superiors. Amir constantly compares himself to Baba and therefore always is disappointed that he is not more like his father. Simba also struggles with the same problem, for Simba yearns to be king like his father one day. But Simba worries that he is not worthy to be king, for he could never be as powerful as his father, never live up to his greatness and legacies. For example, after Mufasa's death, Simba views him as a powerful god like creature in the sky rather than a lion like himself.
This is an important element to evaluate because it helps us to better understand the actions of both Amir and Simba. Simba hesitates to return the the Pride Lands when his homeland is in need because he fears that he won't be able to save his father's land and control it with the grace and success that Mufasa had. Similarly, Amir frames Hassan for stealing his money and watch partly to force Hassan and Ali to leave, and partly to become closer to his father. Having Baba to himself is just what Amir wants. And with that comes more attention, more love, more affection from his powerful father.
In short, both Simba and Amir's feelings towards their fathers are feelings of intimidation, fear, and a yearn for their affection. With a better knowledge of these relationships comes more understanding of the motives for the actions of both characters, which ultimately helps us better understand the message that the author or screenwriter is trying to get across.
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