Eating the Other and Shrek

After reading the article, Eating the Other, and going over what it means in class I started thinking that this idea is reflected  regularly in the media.  The idea that that the dominant white culture is shown as benefiting from the “other”, meaning any other type of culture that is not white, while the “other” seems to only serve the white culture without gaining anything in return is true and often depicted in this way in the media.  It is often shown more in cartoons or media aimed towards a young audience.  For example, I noticed it in the movie Shrek with the relationship between Shrek and Donkey and then later on in the movies between Shrek, Donkey, and Puss in Boots.  Although it could be argued that these characters do not show race because they are animated animals, it is clear what or rather who they are suppose to portray.  The audience can tell what ethnicity/race each character is based on the way they speak and what they say about themselves and this helps reveal their culture to the viewer.  Both Donkey and Puss, who would be considered the “other”, only serve to help Shrek.  All their wisdom and friendship only helps Shriek to become a better person but Donkey and Puss do not gain anything by helping Shrek.