Dreamworks and Diversity - the oxymoron?

English literature and film analysis had it's place in my High schooling years. It was discussed, at the time, how often movies and television programs can act as a reflection of our society and that this can be particularly so for Children's movies which often reflect the values that the writers hold as important.

You know, I thought as a society we were moving forward from an era of discrimination against anyone who is different. I thought the veil of ignorance was lifting and that we were starting to move forward.

Homeschool Mum had not had any issues of discrimination or name calling until her boys got their hands on 'Flushed Away'. Until then, the labels on characters were the 'good guys' and 'bad guys' and the 'good guys' played smart not dirty to get their way. Not entirely so in this Dreamworks creation.

You see there is a point in the movie where Rita, captain of the Jammy Dodger, was boarded by the rats (the 'bad guys') seeking to capture Rita and find her ruby. She was attempting to escape capture...

She deftly dodged the first one as he leapt at her, and a quick grab and a swing dealt with the next pair. But just when she felt she was in with a chance of winning, two big white paws grabbed her from behind.

"What?" she gasped, looking over her shoulder. It was Whitey. "Let me go, you pink eyed freak!" She yelled angrily, twisting to deliver a harsh kick to his snout, knocking off his glasses.

Source: FanFiction

Yep, she played dirty. She found something that made Whitey an individual and used it as a way to isolate him through discrimination. Bad move, Dreamworks, this is the first movie you have made that HS Mum now regrets allowing her children to see and that I will recommend others not to watch.