Although it may seem like just a typical Disney movie for children, Zootopia is actually very adult-oriented, exemplifying the importance of inclusiveness and acceptance in a community. This movie hit the theaters on March 4, 2016, and weeks later, it is still maintaining its popular status for families of all ages.

Judy Hopps is featured as the main character in Zootopia. She is a persistent bunny who fulfilled her dream of becoming the first rabbit police officer for the ZPD, or Zootopia Police Department. She strives to “make the world a better place” by fighting crime and promoting happiness throughout the lives of all animals. However, Judy discovers that being a tiny bunny police officer is not that easy. The “predators” (elephants, hippos, foxes, etc.) viewed Judy as weak and unfit, and therefore she was excluded and left to be a “meter maid” giving parking tickets. This was suggestive of gender and racism issues in today’s society. Just as women and minorities continue to fight for their rights, Judy had to advocate for herself to be treated equally in the ZPD.

Zootopia also alluded to the rhetoric of fear – being fearful of groups without knowing anything about them. This was seen in the movie when Nick Wilde, a “sly fox,” was mistreated and assumed as a predator who was always up to no good. However, Nick defied the generalization and was a huge help and friend to Judy in her investigation of the night howler flowers. Discrimination and inequity were prominent in many parts of Zootopia, but especially when Nick was stereotyped as a sly fox.

Political issues in the current presidential election also seem to be hidden themes in Zootopia. As we listen to some of the 2016 candidates about how they will promote change and safety in the U.S. by limiting diversity and pushing out minority groups, we can also see that Zootopia had animals that wanted to eliminate the predators and have a population consisting only of prey. “There’s no use trying to get out of those boxes that society’s put us into,” said Nick.

This fox feels that it is useless to waste energy trying to defy the norms in Zootopia’s society, but Judy doesn’t feel the same way. Judy and Nick eventually both emerge as determined and strong characters in the movie, and they persuade the community to embrace the diversity.

“Zootopia is probably one of the greatest movies for both kids and adults,” said Mrs. Tatian, an AP Language teacher at Oakton. She feels that Zootopia is a fantastic movie for all adults to see, especially with the ongoing political context of the presidential race. Appreciating one’s differences is a valuable message in Zootopia, and this movie is unquestionably an amazing experience for all ages.