The Body as Performance: What Mulan Can Teach Us About Our Own Bodies

2026 Summer: The Body

The Body as Performance: What Mulan Can Teach Us About Our Own Bodies

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In this episode, we take a closer look at Disney’s Mulan through the lens of gender, identity, and the body. Inspired by Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity and Christina Lee’s analysis of Mulan, we explore how the film challenges traditional ideas of femininity and masculinity. Together, we discuss how Mulan’s journey shows that gender roles are learned and performed rather than fixed, and why her story continues to inspire people who have ever felt like they didn’t fit society’s expectations.