Exploring Cultural Representation and Appropriation in Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) Animated Film

Abstract

This study explores the cultural representation and appropriation in the animated film Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), which Walt Disney Animation Studios produced. The film has received praise for its visual richness and criticism for its potential cultural generalisation and appropriation when it draws inspiration from various Southeast Asian cultures. Ultimately, it falls short of delivering an authentic depiction, resulting in criticisms of cultural appropriation and a lack of thoroughness. This research aims to examine how Southeast Asian cultural elements are constructed and whether their portrayal reflects cultural appreciation or appropriation. Therefore, using a qualitative method supported by visual semiotic methods and guided by Stuart Hall's Representation Theory (1997), the study focuses on three key aspects, which are cultural identity, visual representation (including setting, character design, and costume), and symbolic signs. The findings reveal a pattern of standardisation and hybridisation, where multiple Southeast Asian traditions are merged into a fictionalised world, raising concerns about cultural specificity, accuracy, and authenticity. This research contributes to the broader discourse on cultural sensitivity in global media and highlights the importance of respectful, inclusive, and accurate representation to avoid cultural appropriation in animated film. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities, the study underscored the role of media in promoting diversity and intercultural understanding on an international scale.