Coffee Thoughts - Trolls and Post-Colonialism

One of the most underestimated educational opportunities, in my opinion, for children and adults alike is kid’s movies. I’m uncertain if it is the fact that movies are now evolving to hold concepts of acceptance (along with other themes), or if it’s just the fact that I am now watching children's movies as an educated adult; either way, I feel that modern films are amazing ways to explain complicated topics. Though there are layers for children, they may also offer a solid pivot to help clarify political topics that adults need to understand and discuss more. For example, Trolls World Tour (or as I call it - Trolls 2) is an apt representation of post-colonialism.

Before we begin explaining *how* Trolls 2 discusses post-colonialism, let’s review what the heck post-colonialism means. In a nutshell, post-colonialism is the remnants of a society/country after they have been colonized by a Western country. Here’s an illustrated example:

Step one:

A boat arrives on a new found land and dives a flag into its earth. But wait! There are inhabitants. They do not live by Europe’s standards, they must be taught how Europe understands!

Step two:

War, violence, and biased education.

Step three:

European/Western beliefs are treated as the norm (the standard) and all other beliefs and cultures, upon the same land they were bred, are now abnormal.

Step four (post-colonialism):

Though there is no longer an obvious war, inequities and preference of Western beliefs and ethics continue to control both locally and on a global scale. The inhabitants still struggle to find a sense of belonging within a world built upon Western foundations.

***This has been a very diluted form of explaining post-colonialism. Please note that I have chosen to use the dash within the term “post-colonialism”, this is to align with the studies of John MacLeod (the Beginnings of Post-Colonialism [2000]).

Odds are, no matter where you live, you are living in a post-colonial world. That’s why movies like Trolls 2 are so important!

When I first sat to watch "Trolls World Tour" with my daughter I was expecting a bland and forced sequel, but I was pleasantly surprised! The first Trolls was strong because it spoke about the inability to fix sadness with objects/money; one must take the time to actually work on themselves and create happiness from within. As I see it, the first Trolls was the “psychology” edition and the second was the “sociology” edition. One looks at issues within the self, the second looks at issues on a layered power differential.

***Spoilers Ahead***

Let’s consider the generational aspect first. Poppy’s father had taken control of the music - putting pop music at the front. Though he had not been successful in this assimilation*, he was successful in the separation and divide of the communities' shared agreements. Obviously, Poppy had not done this herself, but she was able to live with privileges because of what her father had done. She was able to live in happiness and believe that her way of living was the best and correct way. This sheltered view provided her with “colour blindness” (I don’t see colour- everyone is the same).

When the nation was under attack, Poppy was determined to help - to save everyone! But, she ignored what everyone was saying they needed. This is a classic example of the “white savior” trope. The dominant, colonial, character “helps” by enforcing what they believe should be done - even if it means erasing important cultural aspects. When her attempts to help were taken as oppressive, instead of questioning her own actions, she said, “the other trolls are different in ways I was not prepared for. Some trolls, they don’t just want to have fun.” This is a common flaw we see held by those who are privileged. “If you don’t want me to help in my way, then I guess there’s just a flaw with you.” Her journey is a process to her facing her own internalized issues.

It is important to remember, Poppy is not the villain. Though she may err, this movie is still built on understanding. She had good intentions, which was important. What kept her from turning into a villain was her growth. She was able to move past her cognitive dissonance (in this case, cognitive dissonance means the pain of confronting the fact that what she had believed was wrong - ie telling ourselves we are wrong is painful). She moved forward as an ally, and supported cultural differences. This is so integral for children and adults alike to understand. Everyone, even our heroes, have flaws. As a society we have a lot to overcome. And it’s okay to be wrong sometimes, as long as we are willing to recognize our errors and evolve.

The “villain” of the story is also not typical. However, it is important that we discuss how what Barb was trying to do was wrong and was an attempt at colonization.

When Queen Barb sends out hit men for Poppy she says that whoever gets Poppy’s string may keep their own culture on a small piece of land away from the rest of the country. Offered as a prize, it is a small isolated spec away from general civilization. Additionally, through the understanding of the strings at that point, Barb would still be taking away the foundational essence of their culture. They would live as exiles with the allowance to live differently, but without the ability to properly connect to their heritage. This is a very brief moment that highlights the creation of reserves. Cultural symbols and icons were ripped from Indigenous peoples, and then they were forced into small grids with lack of access to - well, to anything.

Earlier in this article, I stated that the father had not been successful at assimilation. He was, however, successful in dividing the ties and agreements of all the different communities. When Poppy was having to reflect on what her father had done, we were provided an example of how the foundations of systematic violence and oppression is realized. In other words, how structural racism is taught and learned to be normal. Our educational systems are based upon the mindset of those who committed violence:

“History is cut out, glued, and glittered by the winners.” Ah, so poetic Queen Barb.

When we discuss racism in Canadian schools, we discuss the Underground railway, how Canada aided in saving slaves while completely disregarding any history involved in the slave trade itself. We don’t speak about the Japanese internment camps in Canada in the second World War, we don’t have to - Canada was on the winning side. The atrocities and pains are disregarded by how and what is taught to our children. They may learn about the holocaust, but not what Canada did wrong. There are countless examples of this, but for today, we will state that education is a key contributor in prolonging colonial beliefs.

However, instead of falling into a hole of "everything is rigged" let's consider the positive ways to move forward as a society. One of the examples is through allyship. The following conversation is between Branch and Poppy after another loss in their mission:

Branch: Wanna be a good Queen? Good Queens actually listen. You know what I heard back on there? Differences do matter. Like, you and me. We’re too different to get along. Just like all the other trolls.

Poppy: We are really different.

Branch: so different

Poppy: completely out of harmony

Branch: completely

Poppy: I don’t even know why we’re friends

Branch: neither do I -pause- So, why do I care about you more than anyone else in the world? Weird, right?

If you replace Queen with “ally” you immediately have a description regarding the errors of those who try to identify as saviors while muting the voices of the oppressed. Proper allyship includes acknowledging the differences, but to also acknowledge than admiration and love can be even stronger when we embrace our differences.

Finally, at the center of the movie, music is an important part of almost every culture. Using music as a symbol and indicating that popular music has “white-washed” several forms of music was perfect *chefs kiss*. Talking to children about the fact that popular culture has erased the voices of the oppressed is a difficult conversation to have; from looking at the reviews and comments on this film, it’s also difficult for adults to face or understand this. This film contains additional societal messages (such as feminism, breaking the patriarchal ruling, empowerment, trauma, etc.) but I believe that the post-colonial reflection is the strongest theme. This movie is an amazing piece of art that helps arm individuals with the awareness that people are different and to be “the same '' or “equal” is for everyone to be able to embrace themselves and their “music”.

Real harmony takes lots of voices. Different voices.

Thank you for taking the time to read the fourth article in my Coffee Thoughts series - a series with daily posts discussing various themes and topics to help educate or incite rumination (or any other random topic my mind veers to). All written while I finish my morning coffee. Stay tuned or subscribe for the next 'episode' of Coffee Thoughts!