Disney’s Zootopia arguably handles the complex dynamics of sexism, racism, and institutionalized/systemic oppression with more deftness than, say, Netflix’s Bright starring Will Smith.

1. Analysis: As a scholar, why would that be? What about the social allegories and allusions to specific micro- and macro-aggressions in Zootopia worked? What about the social allegories and allusions to specific micro- and macro-aggressions in Bright didn’t?

   1. Or, push back: How did Bright work just as well, better, or just as well but in a different way, than Zootopia? Were they trying to impart the same message, and if so, how well did they do in comparison?

2. Composition: Come up with your own fable or allegory for explaining the complex reality of oppression in our society. You don’t need to write a whole novel or film, but give us some starting details: What would the setting be? Would you use animals or fairytale creatures (like in Shrek)? What would the focus of your story be (issue, action, specific stereotype, ect.), and how do you think you could follow the infamous dictum of “show don’t tell” to elaborate on that issue?