When I went to see the newest Disney movie about a city of animals, a bunny cop, and her fox accomplice, social revolution rested low on the list of things I expected to think of at the end of the night. Disney always has its surprises.

The movie in question, Zootopia, centers around a motivated bunny named Judy Hopps and her unlikely partner in crime, a sly fox named Nick Wilde. Judy travels to the city of Zootopia in order to achieve her dream of being a cop. Unfortunately for Judy, trying to be taken seriously as a bunny cop proves more difficult than she thought, and no one seems to believe she can be anything more than a “dumb bunny.”

Despite sounding like any cheesy and inspirational Disney movie, Zootopia applies complex, “adult” morals to a storyline geared towards children. A child can vaguely relate to Judy’s sense of determination, but an adult can realize that the fictional world can reflect reality, a strong slap in the face for any viewer.

Zootopia is Disney’s version of Animal Farm: a huge allegory decorated with the faux innocence of animals. The creators infiltrated the movie with the theme of prejudice in a paradoxically subtle and obvious way. Let’s take it from the beginning, shall we?

First comes first: Zootopia seems strikingly similar to New York City, a city marked by grand promises to its citizens. The characters describe Zootopia as a place, similar to New York City, where anyone can be anything and achieve whatever dreams they have. Both cities are also remarkably diverse.  A plethora of different species, supposedly living in harmony, populates Zootopia, just as citizens of different ethnicities populate New York. Going further into each city and seeing it from the interior, the outsider, Judy, sees for the first time that Zootopia does not live up to expectations. Animals are divided and experience prejudice and discrimination, despite the diversity of the city. Similarly, New York appeals to outsiders and then disappoints. A city seen as a place where anything is possible has more obstacles than either Judy or any outsider to New York prepares for.

Next, the movie introduces Judy as a young bunny with dreams of being a cop, but who is constantly told to pursue other interests because she is a bunny and it isn’t a bunny’s place. Viewers watch as Judy overcomes multiple obstacles to finally receive the status of police officer. When she finally does prove herself to be hard-working and motivated, she still faces comments undermining her work. More so, other animals comment on how she is “too cute” to be an officer. Multiple characters in the movie judge Judy based on her appearance as a bunny, as if it would interfere with her ability to perform as a legitimate cop.

If you hadn’t already caught on to the idea, Judy exemplifies women in the workforce today and the reaction to working women. The way society judged Judy solely based on her physical appearance directly reflects how many women are treated today. The “dumb bunny” comment is closely reminiscent of the common “dumb blonde” insult. These aspects of society have always been negative, but the use of animals makes it easier for us to see that that negativity more clearly.

While I had first thought this would be the main theme of the movie and was quite pleased, I had no idea of the movie’s political message. As Judy uncovers a case that divides predator and prey, the true prejudice surfaces. Because a few predators had reverted back to their natural selves, all prey turned against all predators—even innocent predators. A huge divide forms, resulting in hate and discrimination between the two types of animals. 90% of residents are prey and 10% are predators, making the predators a minority and more vulnerable to the prejudice. Media both covers and fuels this divide and hatred. Activist groups led by a gazelle (voiced by Shakira) pop up, trying to promote peace between the two types of animals.

The conflict affects Judy, who has formed an unlikely friendship with a fox (a natural predator), and causes unease in their friendship. People begin to blame all predators for the deeds of a tiny percentage. As the conflict builds, more cases come up on the news about predators going wild as hate and separation spreads like an inexhaustible flame. Through the situation of the animals, the movie ends up teaching that division and prejudice are very wrong. The movie demonstrates that the only way to solve a problem requires two groups to work together, like Judy and Nick end up doing as prey and predator.

This theme of prejudice occurs far too often in our own political world, especially today as some political candidates divide people with violent accusations. Zootopia clearly advocates against this. In a time of political and racial turmoil, Zootopia is a great movie to watch to clear one’s head and view the world we’re living in with a simplified, innocent lens. I strongly recommend watching this movie for a refreshing breath of reality.