Making a Man Out of You

       As kids we sang along with the catchy, empowering songs of Mulan and laughed when ever Mushu said something witty.  Looking back on the story of Mulan, she was totally awesome!  The Disney animation we know and love is based of the Chinese legend Hau Mulan.   The legend described Hau Mulan taking her fathers place in the army and ultimately fought for twelve years.  In that time she gained high ranks within the army, but refused any awards and retired to her hometown.  Aside from fighting off the Huns, the more notable act is her transformation from a young Chinese girl to a brave warrior.  In the beginning of the film, Mulan is late to see her "match maker" in which dozens of girls are dressed in traditional garb to hopefully be chosen by the hideous match maker woman.  Ultimately, Chinese society, along with her family expects her to assume the role of a bride-to-be and take on the duties of running a home.
       When Mulan's visit with the match maker goes completely awry, she struggles with her identity, which is portrayed through the song  Reflection.  The lyrics include lines such as, "I may never pass for a perfect bride, or a perfect daughter," "they want a docile lamb, no-one knows who I am.." and "when will my reflection show, who I am, inside?"  This really sets the frame work for her stark transformation to become a man, to become a warrior.  When Mulan's father is asked to fight in the Imperial Army, she speaks out due to his age and his failing health.  Again, shaming her family, Mulan makes the bold decision to take her fathers place.  She takes his sword and cuts her hair short, to resemble a mans.  Dawns her fathers army uniform, and replaces the Army notice with her flowered comb.  She has taken on a new identity, and has left the old one behind.

      But has she really taken on a new identity?  In the essay Fashion, Identity, and Social Actors, by Laura Bovone, she details a section on "Identity and Appearance."  Bovone states that she "can only approach another person and his/her identity through appearance - words, actions, glances, dress..." Thus, Bovone would see the identity of Mulan through her appearance.  She would see her as a potential bride, but would her horrible experience show that maybe she isn't quiet ready to be a bride?  Would the determination of Mulan during training show Bovone that maybe her true identity is to be a warrior?  Mulan's choice to take her fathers place is both liberating and inhibiting, but overall shaping her identity.  She believes she is doing whats best for her family and her actions express her deeply rooted values.  However, this liberation comes at a cost by transforming into a man.  She takes on the name "Ping" and tries to act like man - which if you have seen the movie, she doesn't succeed at first.  When that power ballad of "I'll Make a Man Out of You" comes on you know its time to get down to business!
     

This transformation of a traditional Chinese woman, to a Imperial Army solider shows that our actions do speak louder then our words.  I think her experience of fighting for her country and for her loved ones established more of who she is.  This can be contrasted from the beginning of the film when she wasn't confident in her identity.  I believe some women embody the changes that Mulan exhibits in her change.  She cuts off her hair, in which some women attribute this a time for a fresh start, or to make a "new" them.  Even the changing of the clothes can bring on a new identity to women.  It is evident that Mulan gives you hope and leaves a lasting impression on the people of China.

Ethical Questions:
  - Should women in all parts of the world have the ability to express who they are against societal expectations?
  - Would accepting a new identity be beneficial in establishing your values and beliefs?
  - Since this is a Disney film, does this cross of gender roles provide a good image to young viewers?
  - Do most people have an internal struggle with identity - which is brought on through a life-event?