tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893219718076521675.post2710253555762943348..comments2024-03-28T07:58:41.643-04:00Comments on pancocojams: Comments From Polynesians About Disney's Depiction Of Their Demigod Maui In The 2016 Movie "Moana"Azizi Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14963772326145910073noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893219718076521675.post-60103659871460571122016-06-30T15:07:49.288-04:002016-06-30T15:07:49.288-04:00By far most of the online comments that I've r...By far most of the online comments that I've read from people who didn't identify themselves as Polynesian or as Pacific Islanders were very critical of those who expressed their disapproval of Disney's depiction of Maui in that Disney movie.<br /><br />However, I think that the point that many of those commenters overlooked or dismissed was that in that movie, Maui wasn't just any man who could have been illustrated with the body build of a heavy set, very muscular male such as football linebacker. Maui is a beloved Polynesian demigod. Therefore, the way that Polynesians have pictured Maui has been established in their traditions, even if we (and perhaps many Pacific Islanders) consider him to be fictional. <br /><br />Here's a comment from someone who didn't identify himself or herself as Polynesian/Pacific Islander that speaks to that point and offers comparisons that Americans might be able to identify with:<br /><br />SD2, June 30, 2016 <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/style/critics-are-calling-out-disney-1460766368210998.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.yahoo.com/style/critics-are-calling-out-disney-1460766368210998.html</a><br />"I don't think there is anything wrong with this depiction of Maui<br /><br /><br />However I do understand why some people would be upset.<br /><br />Maui a demigod from legend. There have been many depictions of him. He is almost always shown as a very strong, athletic, ripped individual. I can understand why some people might be saying, "Hey. Wait a minute. That's not Maui. Why are you drawing him like that? Is it because you think Polynesians are fat?"<br /><br />Yes, he does look like a big strong power lifter/offensive lineman type of guy. But would we depict Hercules this way? Achilles? Hector? Ajax? How about Thor? The incredible Hulk?<br /><br />So why then did they suddenly make Maui - who when depicted in legend is ALWAYS ripped and muscley - a big, round, strong guy?<br /><br />Would you draw Superman or Wolverine that way? No. Because we know what they are "supposed to" look like. So why draw Maui this way, when he is "supposed to" look much different?<br /><br />Artistic license?<br /><br />Would it be okay to take the same artistic license and have a fat Bat Man? So why is it okay with Maui?"<br />Azizi Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14963772326145910073noreply@blogger.com