Empathy is a trait that is inculcated in us since our childhood. It helps us understand the emotions and perspectives of others, leading to better communication and relationships. Disney movies have always been a treasure trove, showing us multiple variations of empathy. From Simba to Elsa, the characters of Disney teach us the importance of empathy in our lives.
Simba, the protagonist of The Lion King, is a prime example of how one can learn empathy from a traumatic experience. Simba had to accept the loss of his father and flee from his homeland, where his uncle took over in his father’s absence. But it was not until he met Timon and Pumbaa that he started to learn the importance of empathy towards others. There is a scene where Simba comes across a dying Scar and instead of taking revenge, he empathizes with Scar, acknowledging that Scar was just a victim of his own insecurities. Simba’s ability to empathize showed himself and others that revenge could never heal but forgiveness could.
Miguel, the protagonist of Coco, discovered empathy by accident. He wanted to pursue his passion for music, but it led him to a whole new perspective. When Miguel crossed the barrier, he entered the land of the dead, where he realized the importance of remembering those that came before us. This realization dawned on him when he met Hector, who was trying to reunite with his family. Miguel’s empathy towards Hector helped both in achieving their goals. In the end, Miguel did not only help Hector but also his own family by mending strained relationships.
Rapunzel, from Tangled, is another Disney character who showed empathy towards her supposed captor, Mother Gothel. Even though Mother Gothel pretended to care for Rapunzel, she only did that for her own gain. Despite all that, Rapunzel still tried to understand Mother Gothel’s insecurities and the reasons behind her actions. There is an instance when Rapunzel has a conversation with Mother Gothel, where she tells Gothel that her absence shows how much she cares for her. Rapunzel’s empathy towards Gothel also helped transform the latter’s negative outlook on life by connecting with her.
Elsa, from Frozen, learned empathy from her sister Anna. Elsa was always scared of her powers and did not want to hurt anyone. This fear and isolation caused her to think that she could never have any friends or family. But it was not until she saw Anna’s undying love to help her that she learned to control her powers. She realized that she was not alone and that other people also had their own fears and insecurities. Elsa’s empathy towards Anna helped in building their relationship, and it gave her the confidence to let her powers heal instead of causing destruction.
These characters and their stories show how empathy is learned and developed over time. Empathy isn’t just acknowledging someone’s emotions; it’s also about understanding them and connecting with them. The best way to learn empathy is to put oneself in other people’s shoes and try to understand things from their perspectives.
In conclusion, Disney has always been a perfect representation of life for children and adults alike. The characters teach us valuable lessons, and empathy is one of the most significant lessons we can learn. It’s essential to realize that it’s a continual process, and everyone’s journey of empathy is different. The four characters mentioned above, Simba, Miguel, Rapunzel, and Elsa, all had very different journeys that led them to empathize with others and understand themselves better. It’s through these experiences that we become more self-aware and can connect with others on a deeper level. So watch a Disney movie and remind yourself of the importance of empathy and how it can impact your life and the lives of others.
Disney movies teach the importance of empathy through characters like Simba, Miguel, Rapunzel, and Elsa, who show that empathy can help build relationships and transform negative outlooks on life. Empathy is a continuous process of self-awareness and understanding others.
“Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself.” – Mohsin Hamid
