𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘉𝘰𝘥𝘺: 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘴

» discusses how Disney vilifies certain types of men, while celebrating others
» approaches the not so subtle racism in regards to nipple presentation

Before getting into this analysis, I need to note that, yes, I am 100% serious. I am discussing the male nipple as approached by Disney.

I cannot go over every time that the male nipple appears, but I can discuss a few key periods that seem to be staples of the discussion.

Disney has has a rather long history when it comes to the presentation or appearance of the male nipple on their characters, and for just as long they have been making very specific, cutting decisions regarding who receives nipples and who does not. The factors are easy enough:

1. The character must be a CIS-Male. No female nipples allowed.

2. The character must be “masculine”: this is loosely defined as a hyper-machismo male individual.

3. The character may not be a child.

4. The character may not be “old,” or presented as an elderly figure.

The first time this distinction was showcased — and, in fact, one of the first prominent moments that any shirtless male characters with humanoid forms was shown by Disney — comes from their operatic piece Fantasia. The centaurs and Chernabog are our first examples.

Notice how the centaurs are depicted as flat human forms despite being male in appearance. An argument could have been made that they were not defined due to being a magical creature, but this argument does not hold up with the PROMINENT appearance of nipples on Chernabog.

We can see the stark difference between the two character archetypes as well: the centaurs, despite being male, are presented in a soft, effeminate way. They live a peaceful life among flowers, animals, and streams. These are not “manly men” at all, by Disney standard.

Chernabog, on the other hand, is terrifying. This is a huge demon that is meant to be feared. He is “machismo defined,” as we receive the stereotypical male features to him: strong, powerful, frightening. He, in return, receives a very defined form — including his nipples.

This isn’t the first time that Disney takes characters from the same basic Universe and showcases a stark difference in who is worthy to receive nipples and who is not. Aladdin is one such critical case for this study, and the differences in the same “species”: The Genies.

Jafar Genie receives — though muted in colour — nipples, as well as a very “manly” figure. And what personality quirks can we take from him? Strong, confident, powerful, leader, intimidating, etc. All character traits associated with the stereotypical “ideal man.”

On the other hand, something of the exact same species, receives flat definition again. In this case, Genie has — again — the “undesired” traits. He is gentle, kind, loving, funny, and so forth. He is deemed more “effeminate” and loses his body definition for it.

“But Faust,” I already hear. “Genie loses his definition because he is supposed to be soft-bodied.”

How I wish that were the case. Let’s take the gods of Mount Olympus in Hercules as our example for this one.

As we can see in the group shot, all of our men with their chests shown (Poseidon in the teal, Dionysus in the wine) have nipples presented. We are also all very aware that Hercules and his father Zeus have their nipples shown throughout the film.

However, one god who is designed as “male” in the film is denied this right is Hermes, who was blatantly modelled after Elton John.

Hermes talks “a little more effeminate,” is smaller, lithe, and not really much of a fighter. He is gay-coded and receives no nipples for it.

“But what about Disney’s Pocahontas? None of them have nipples!”

Well, about that. This is actually one of the more uncomfortable pieces to approach, because EVERY native Male is emasculated in it. Not a single one has any definition to them in this sense.

And yet, this does not present something good for them. Kocoum is celebrated as a warrior and receives these marks on his chest. He is “manly” for having accomplished this, and Disney places these marks curiously where his nipples would be. Almost like granting him masculinity.

[ This is where I take pause to note that markings were a very real thing of culture, but given that he is the only one to receive any designation this becomes very Sus. We also know how terrible the whole thing is historically, but I am not Native and do not speak for them ]

While Disney has a history of being racist, this one is particularly upsetting because it isn’t a universal racism (not that such a thing would be much better, but it would be CLEARER what they were doing).

In Mulan, for example, shirtless men are presented with nipples.

And why would all of these men receive nipples — per the analysis we have established? Because they are WARRIORS. They are trained men of the army, who have been recognised as “manly” men.

Shang — in fact — spends most of his time shirtless, I swear. And we always see nipples.

But not everyone is deserving of nipples. Chien Po has nipples here, but notably Ling does not. And what coding does along have? Weak and effeminate. He isn’t a strong man like the others. He isn’t thick and bulky. He’s just “funny” and kind hearted (in the end). No nipples.

This leads to the complete erasure of nipples from the men in Pocahontas to appear very native-targeted and looks REALLU bad for Disney in this case.

While these are only some examples of Disney’s emasculation in action, you can see and continue to apply it across each film: if a character is coded as highly “manly” and is shirtless at any time, he will have nipples. But any effeminate coding and he loses them.

The only character that seems to escape this is Gaston, whom when we see his chest briefly has no indication of them, but I can’t say much on this decision since it’s during his “and every last inch of me is covered with hair” line and how I believe this was to emphasise that.

The point is: “manly” men receive nipples, “effeminate” ones are emasculated, and Disney has an exceptionally rough relationship with American Natives in an all-too telling way.

Thank you for your time, and happy nipple spotting!