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Masai Pace

Professor Johnson

WRI 1301

01 May 2023

Final Exam Video Essay Responses

Zootopia's Deep Meaning: How We Talk to Kids

The video essay "Zootopia's Deep Meaning: How We Talk to Kids", by The Take, argues that the

animated movie Zootopia effectively uses allegory to discuss sensitive topics like racism,

sexism, and drugs in a way that is understandable and entertaining for children. The author

illustrates how the movie seamlessly weaves these elements into the story and worldbuilding,

making it an instructive and enjoyable film for both children and adults.

The author effectively demonstrates their claim by pointing out the parallels between real-life

prejudice and the fictional predator/prey, species-based prejudice in the movie. For example, the

author notes that the mistreatment of Judy, a smaller, physically weaker, prey animal, by other

police officers mirrors how skilled women are often diminished and mistreated in real-life

workplaces. This shows how the movie can teach children valuable lessons about bigotry and

unconscious bias without being confusing or moralistic.

Overall, the author was successful in achieving their purpose. The author presents a compelling

case for how Zootopia tackles sensitive topics, which would be difficult for parents to discuss
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with their children. The video essay encourages viewers to appreciate the art of storytelling and

its ability to address serious topics with grace and humor.

Before watching the video, I had not given much thought to the movie's portrayal of racism in

the modern world. However, after viewing the video, I was able to gain a better appreciation for

how Zootopia addresses issues of prejudice. However, I now acknowledge how effective the

movie is in reaching a young audience about such important issues.

In conclusion, Zootopia is an instructive and entertaining film that uses allegory to teach children

valuable lessons about important issues like racism and sexism. The video essay "Zootopia's

Deep Meaning: How We Talk to Kids" is effective in illustrating how the movie achieves its

purpose and encourages viewers to appreciate the power of storytelling in addressing sensitive

topics with humor and grace.

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The Visual Bad-Assery of Beyoncé's Lemonade

In the video essay titled "The Visual Bad-Assery of Beyoncé's Lemonade", by Tayo Amos, is an

analysis of the Beyonce visual album/short film, Lemonade. Amos asserts that the film's

direction, writing, and, (most pertinently) striking visuals come together to create a beautiful

work of art that showcases Beyoncé's artistic peak. Throughout the essay, Amos provides

convincing arguments to support this claim. Amos highlights how the use of color is used to

create a certain tone or to indicate narrative shifts, and how that serves the overall narrative of
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the film. For example, she notes how black in white is used in the film to convey solemnity or

reflection as well as serivng as a visual marker for temporal shifts in the plot.

In terms of effectiveness, Amos is relatively successful in achieving her purpose. She presents a

detailed analysis of the visual elements of the film and provides specific examples to support her

arguments. For instance, she notes that despite the involvement of many creative minds, the film

is tightly focused and cohesive due to Beyoncé's direction. Overall, her analysis highlights the

careful attention to detail that was put into creating the visual language of the film.

Before watching this video, I had no opinion on this film, and after watching I still don’t. I do not

appreciate Beyoncé's music or artistic stylings, and as a result, the film simply does not grab me.

Nonetheless, the video essay offers a deeper understanding of the film's creative process and the

ways in which it has contributed to Beyoncé's reputation as an artistic tour de force.

The major takeaway from the video essay is the artistic merit of Lemonade. The film's striking

visuals, skillful use of color, and precisely executed direction are factors that have helped to

establish its reputation as an emotionally charged masterpiece that showcases Beyoncé's talent

and potential. The video essay provides a deeper appreciation for the film's visual language and

the creative process behind it, highlighting the careful attention to detail that was put into

creating a cohesive and impactful work of art.

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Black Panther: Symbolism Explained

The video essay entitled "Black Panther: Symbolism Explained”, by The Take, discusses how the

film Black Panther utilizes the conventions of the superhero genre as a means of exploring

nuanced themes related to black identity. The main argument presented is that the movie's

symbolism and characters represent the ongoing struggles and aspirations of the global black

community. The essay effectively supports this claim with convincing arguments, such as how

the film's villain, Erik Killmonger, represents the disconnect from ethnic heritage and cultural

identity that many victims of the African diaspora face. Additionally, the essay explores the

parallels between the nonviolent T'challa and Martin Luther King jr. and the more militant

Killmonger and Malcolm X, sparking conversations about the injustices faced by the black

community.

Overall, the author was successful in achieving their purpose, as they presented a thoughtful and

well-researched argument. The essay's use of specific examples from the film, as well as

historical and cultural references, helped to strengthen their points. Additionally, the video essay

format allowed for visual aids to enhance the argument, such as clips from the film and historical

footage.

After viewing the video, the author did not change the perspective/view of the topic as they

already agreed with the presented arguments. However, the video essay provided further insights

and details that reinforced the already-held opinion. Such as when it was pointed out how the

embittered Killmonger became incapable of creating a sustainable future due to his rage.
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In conclusion, the major takeaways from the video essay are that Black Panther is a

well-executed film with thought-provoking ideas and that the superhero genre can produce films

that offer meaningful insight. The essay highlights the importance of using popular media to

address complex social issues and how even a seemingly lighthearted genre can be used to spark

important conversations.