Generational Trauma and Red Pandas

 

The world revolves around cycles. We have the growth cycle, the cycle of life and death, the scientific method is a cycle in itself, and we even have a water cycle! Many cycles are the processes that we learn in order to get to certain conclusions.  However some cycles involve more than just weather, here we discuss the cycle that most people go through and unfortunately suffer with family members. This cycle is called generational trauma. Generational trauma is when the effects of a traumatic event, like abuse or violence, are passed down from parents or grandparents to their children. Even though the younger generations didn’t experience the trauma directly, they can still feel its emotional and mental impact.

 Disney's "Turning Red" (Trailer link), is the perfect example that I'll be discussing while keeping theme with our topic today. In the film, generational trauma is explored through the relationship between Mei and her mother Ming by using themes like family expectations and emotional repression. Throughout the movie, Mei struggles with the immense pressure to live up to her mother’s high standards, reflecting how Ming herself faced similar pressure from her own mother. This illustrates how emotional burdens and expectations are passed down through generations, contributing to generational trauma. The transformation into a red panda symbolizes Mei’s repressed emotions, which she struggles to control, much like the women in her family before her. This represents the family’s pattern of emotional suppression, a common way trauma is inherited. By the end of the film, Mei begins to break the cycle by embracing her identity and balancing family loyalty with self-expression, highlighting the process of healing from generational trauma through confrontation rather than suppression. Through these story elements, "Turning Red" offers a meaningful message about breaking free from the trauma passed down through generations and embracing individuality.