What’s the Story with ONWARD’s PC Character
By Tess Farrand, Associate Content Editor and Dr. Ted Baehr, Publisher
Disney/Pixar’s ONWARD features what could be a lesbian character in a bit role, although Pixar was careful to make her ambiguous.
In the movie, a female police officer references her girlfriend in a line of dialogue stating, “My girlfriend’s daughter….”
Since most women and men who are not homosexual have friends who are women and who are men, this dialogue is ambiguous. A viewer can read into it what they want.
This isn’t to say that Christian audiences in particular shouldn’t be aware of LGBTQ characters on screen. As mentioned before, this character has one line that may or may not reference her gender identity.
The research or the influence for the mass media of entertainment shows that certain people have an attraction or a propensity to different aspects and elements of entertainment. A few (arguable about 7%) are attracted to and want to copy the violence. About 24% have a propensity for the alcohol and drugs. About 31% want to copy the sex.
The research shows two problems. First, those with a propensity will be influenced to copy the behavior even if it is a very small part of the movie or other entertainment. Second, those who do not have the propensity make the mistake of thinking that the entertainment in question has not influence. This influence based on propensity extends to advertising and elections. For more information, read CULTURE WISE FAMILY.
The role is so small, though, that LGBTQ advocates are complaining because one could “Blink and you miss it.”
Movieguide® highlighted this in the review of the movie.
ONWARD’s lesbian character caused the movie to get banned in four Middle Eastern countries, according to the BBC. In the U.S., however, where ONWARD was made, the cultural norms are different.
“It’s a modern fantasy world and we want to represent the modern world,” said director Dan Scanlon.
LGBTQ characters do represent a small portion of culture; however, they aren’t the sole focus of culture, despite what naysayers might think.
This so-called modernity reveals the need for the Gospel, and for people to be freed from the bondage of their particular propensity. After all, we do not want those with a propensity for violence to commit violence. Jesus Christ can to set us free from our propensities and lusts so that He can give us a more abundant life.
Still, at its core, ONWARD is about family.
Christian actor Chris Pratt, who voices one of the lead characters even stressed family and brotherhood in his press interview, “[ONWARD] celebrates a … brotherhood.”
“Oftentimes this isn’t something you see in movies. [Instead] what you see is the older brother who doesn’t let the younger brother hang out with him, who doesn’t take him to school, who says, ‘Get out of here, nerd. Get out of here, twerp.’”
For the complete review of ONWARD, including Movieguide®’s cautions, click here
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
