Disney in Black and White: An Analysis of Race Representation Within Disney Animated Films From 1937 to 2021.

This study analyzes race representation in major human characters (N = 319) across 59 Disney animated films released from 1937 to 2021, focusing on portrayals of White and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) characters. Findings indicate that White characters dominate major roles (68.3%), including protagonists and antagonists, while BIPOC characters (31.7%) are more often cast in supporting roles, with limited racial integration within individual films. Over time, especially since the 1990s, there has been an increase in BIPOC representation and more films featuring diverse casts, yet disparities remain compared to U.S. Census demographics, particularly for Black and Hispanic characters. The study also highlights differences in physical, social, and occupational portrayals by race, noting that White characters are more frequently depicted in positions of authority and romantic involvement. These patterns suggest ongoing challenges in achieving equitable and nuanced racial representation in Disney animated films, despite recent corporate efforts to acknowledge and address past racial stereotypes.