This scene from “Shrek 2” has a hidden message for Latinos, did you notice?

The movie “Shrek 2”, released in 2004, is known for its witty parodies and references to popular culture. One of the moments most remembered by fans is the scene in which the main characters are hunted down and captured under the orders of the fairy godmother.

This moment is a clear parody of the reality show “Cops”, a 1989 American television program showing real arrests and police patrols, which made it extremely popular. Although the scene is humorous at first glance, some viewers have pointed out that it could send deeper messages related to police brutality and racial stereotyping. We explain to you.

Humor or social criticism? ‘Shrek 2’ cop spoof sparks debate over racism

In the series, Shrek, Donkey and Puss in Boots are detained while trying to get to the castle in Far Far Away and talk to Fiona. Here are several pieces of evidence that, when critically analyzed by the ‘Cultura Total’ Facebook page, suggest that there is differential treatment that police forces can apply depending on people’s identities.

First, it is noted that Shrek, who is depicted as white, is subdued relatively lightly by the kingdom’s police. Upon arrest, the officers throw freshly ground pepper into his eyes, a gesture that, while uncomfortable and painful, is not as violent as the treatment the other characters receive. This scene could be a reference to complaints about how white people are often treated more leniently when confronted by the police.

On the other hand, Donkey, who in the original version of the film is played by the actor Eddie Murphy, an African-American, suffers much more violence. At the scene, the officers throw him to the ground and restrain him while he screams that he is a victim of police brutality. The moment was interpreted by some as a critique of police brutality that has disproportionately affected people of color in real life.

Finally, Puss in Boots, a character with a distinctly Spanish accent, is pinned against the wall and given what appears to be an illegal substance by the police. In this case, what they seized is “catnip,” a clear reference to the stereotype that Hispanics or Latinos are associated with drug trafficking.

Although the scene is presented in a comedic tone, some netizens argued that the film makes a satirical comment on serious issues that are still relevant today, showing that even animated films can hide deep messages beneath their humorous surface .

Others just think that this idea is just an over-analysis of the scene, since surely the creators of ‘Shrek 2’ only wanted to parody the program and show the three characters subjugated in different ways before the police, but that in reality there is nothing special. sense.

What do you think about it? Tell us in the comments.