Being a Man: Representation of Liberating Masculinity in Animation Film (Van Dijk's Critical Discourse Analysis of How to Train Your Dragon)

Films that routinely focus on revealing toxic masculinity concept will make it difficult for boys to integrate the basic aspects of their own humanity. ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ film tries to describe the forms of achievement, struggle, acceptance, and inclusiveness that are internalized in Hiccup and Toothless characters. The roles inherent in Hiccup's figure illustrates the application of the elements that are focused on the concept of liberating masculinity, including compassion and connection. This research aims to conduct a critical study on depiction of the concept of liberating masculinity shown in this film using the Critical Discourse Analysis by Van Dijk. Empirical data are collected through literature study and documentation that focused on analyzing three dimensions, text, social cognition and social context. The results show that How to Train Your Dragon simply depicts a liberating of masculinity which is internalized through Hiccup and Toothless characters who are full of compassion and inclusive connection. Their characters are the perfect antithesis to be a hero and role model for boys in this society which is subordinated by patriarchal views.