(University of Oregon, 2021) Sebring, Hannah; Smith, Hollie; Alaimo, Stacy; Mossberg, Barbara
We are at a moment in time where environmental crises continue to worsen and impact every aspect of life around the globe. The way people learn about, understand, and respond to the environment is of critical importance. My thesis aims to underscore the importance of media narratives in shaping environmental attitudes. Specifically, my thesis examines Disney films as eco-literature, exploring the ways in which art and multimedia can tell the story of the environment and instill environmental stewardship in audiences. Through the lens of Moana, Frozen, and Frozen 2, this thesis examines environmental issues in films and how they are represented. Further research involves a qualitative survey which asks audiences their takeaways from Moana, synthesizing the experience of an audience member during and after watching a film.
