The new Disney Pixar movie, "Elemental", has taken the world by storm with its heartwarming and visually stunning story. However, beyond the entertainment value, this movie holds a powerful message about embracing differences. In a world where diversity is more prevalent than ever, "Elemental" teaches us valuable lessons on how to navigate these differences with grace and acceptance. Join us as we dive deeper into the themes of this film and how it can inspire us to embrace our own differences and those of others. Understanding Diversity "Elemental" beautifully portrays the concept of diversity and the importance of understanding it. The film showcases various characters from different cultures and backgrounds aka elements Fire, Water, Air, and Land, coexisting in Element City. Each element has its own unique strengths and perspectives. We get a glimpse of this at the beginning of the movie when we are introduced to the Lumen family. Bernie and Cinder Lumen migrate from their homeland “Fireland” to Element City for a better life, where they find a run-down shop that they eventually fix up and turn into their family business “The Fireplace.” Throughout the movie, we witness the Lumen family’s passion for success in a multi-cultural environment burn so bright, literally and figuratively, which is where the movie’s main character, Ember Lumen, daughter of Bernie and Cinder, comes into play.
Understanding diversity is not just about recognizing cultural differences; it is also about valuing them. Much like the Lumen’s coming from Fireland, it is safe to assume that the stories of the other Air, Water, and Land elements who migrated from their own homelands have a similar story as to why Element City became their new home. Through the interactions between different element characters, "Elemental" demonstrates how exposure to different cultures can expand our horizons and help us evolve as individuals. It shows that understanding diversity leads to growth, broadening our understanding of the world and challenging our preconceived notions.
Embracing Differences "Elemental" goes beyond simply showcasing the importance of diversity; it also delves into the life lessons that come with embracing differences. Through its compelling narrative, the movie teaches us about empathy, compassion, and the power of connection between the hotheaded Ember, a fire person, and Wade Ripple, a go-with-the-flow, sensitive water person.
One of the key life lessons depicted in the film is the value of understanding and accepting others for who they are. When Ember and Wade first meet, we quickly realize how completely opposite they are. She is quick to push Wade away, yet throughout the film, we get to witness these two characters overcome their initial judgments and biases as they learn to see past differences and family backgrounds. By doing so, they form a deep bond and friendship that transcends their differences, and even blossoms into a new type of love where Water and Fire come together - although it’s considered “forbidden” in the sense that fire will dry out water, deeming them incompatible through the eyes of The Lumen family’s beliefs.
Moreover, "Elemental" highlights the importance of collaboration and teamwork. The characters come from different backgrounds and possess distinct abilities, yet they learn that by embracing each other's differences, they can achieve greatness together, and even save the future of Element City by conjoining the strengths of each element. This serves as a powerful reminder that diverse teams often produce the most innovative and successful outcomes.
Personal Growth & Acceptance
Personal growth and acceptance go hand in hand. By embracing diversity and opening our minds to new perspectives, we allow ourselves to grow and learn in ways we never thought possible. A great example of this is Bernie Lumen, who is committed to sticking to family traditions due to his own experiences of his father disowning him when The Lumen’s first chose to leave Fireland for a better life. We realize that Bernie is hard on Ember and pushes her to own “The Fireplace” one day because he does not want her to experience the failure he has felt in life, although Ember comes to realize that owning “The Fireplace” is not truly her passion. Bernie realizes that he is pushing his own wants on his daughter, and when he finally decides to accept the connection between Ember and Wade, he realizes the need for her to follow her own idea of happiness, regardless of background or beliefs.
It is through this growth that we become more compassionate, empathetic, and understanding individuals. "Elemental" serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of personal growth and acceptance. It inspires us to embrace our own differences and those of others, fostering a world where love and understanding prevail. What to Takeaway from Elemental As we reach the end of our exploration of "Elemental" and its powerful message of embracing differences, it is essential to reflect on the importance of understanding these differences. The film reminds us that the world is a diverse and ever-evolving place, and we must navigate these differences with grace and acceptance.
When we take the time to understand and appreciate the different perspectives and experiences of others, it creates a sense of unity and harmony. We make a world where everyone feels important, regardless of their background. "Elemental" teaches us that the beauty of diversity lies in its ability to bring us together. It encourages us to celebrate our differences, for it is through our different backgrounds that we can create a more inclusive and harmonious society.
So let us take the lessons of "Elemental" to heart, and strive to navigate differences with grace, empathy, and acceptance. Let us celebrate the beauty of diversity, and in doing so, create a world that is stronger, more compassionate, and more inclusive for all.
A self-described geek, Maria Laquerre-Diego is a CEO and Owner who is committed to increasing access to mental health services and breaking down the stigma surrounding therapy services. As a therapist turned CEO, Maria has developed a unique perspective when it comes to mental health and the barriers surrounding mental health treatment. Influenced by her time at New Mexico State University in the Family and Consumer Science department, and University of New Hampshire’s Marriage and Family Therapy department, Maria has turned her dedication to giving back and supporting future generations of therapists. In addition to supporting mental health providers, Maria takes an active role in addressing the continued stigma of mental health services through the use of pop culture – everything from movies and television shows to superheroes and Disney characters. Maria has spoken about mental health at several local events, has served as an officer on professional boards and has provided training to clinicians all over the country while maintaining her and her family’s roots as Aggies! Outside of the office, Maria can be found spending time with her family and loved ones, exploring the world through travel, and creating cosplays for herself, her husband and their two little ones. Maria is always happy to talk about Star Wars, Marvel and mental health and can be contacted through her practice website www.anewhopetc.org