Mulan - the actual legend of Chinese heritage
(A press release)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Eileen (831) 883-1725
Before and Beyond the Big Screen
The Legend Disney Left Behind
(Marina, CA) - Less than a year ago, few had even heard
the name "Mulan." Now, between Disney’s animated feature and
McDonald’s advertising, Mulan has become a household name. But
how many people really understand the importance and depth of the
messages delivered by the true spirit of Mulan?
In ancient China, hundreds of men were called upon to defend
their homeland. Unknown to all, one female stood among the
soldiers. Disguised as her brother, in order to take her ill
father’s place in the army, heroine Mu Lan bravely defended her
country with superior martial arts.
Written and illustrated by a Beijing based father-daughter team,
The Legend of Mu Lan is filled with visually striking water
color illustrations. However, the true beauty of this historically
accurate, bilingual children’s book is the lesson it teaches:
- Allow children to excel at their natural interests
regardless of gender
The historical heroine, Mulan, illustrates that parents should
support a child’s natural interest when Mulan’s father champions
her interest in martial arts. This book emphasizes the importance
of allowing people to follow their hearts and their dreams.
- Patriotism and respect for one’s elders
The true spirit of Mulan, found in this book and in the Song
Dynasty poem Mu Lan Ci, demonstrates filial piety when
martial arts expert Mulan takes her ill father’s place in
battle. "Mu Lan does this for her father and country," states
publisher Eileen Hu, "She does not run away from home."
"At that time, even boys dare not run away from home," states
Chinese Counsul of Education Liu.
- Women are effective in martial arts
The Legend of Mu Lan proves that women can excel in skill
sports because of the important role played by strategy rather
than strength. "In publishing this book it was crucial for me
to break down stereotypes of submissive Chinese females," said
Hu. "Unlike the Disney movie, the historical Mu Lan did not need
the help of a boyfriend."
For a complete press kit or more information on The Legend of
Mu Lan: A Heroine of Ancient China, contact
Bradley Hein at MarketAbility (303) 279-4349
# # #
The Legend of Mu Lan: A Heroine of Ancient China
by Jiang, Wei & Jiang, Cheng An
ISBN 1-878217-00-3 trade $14.95
ISBN 1-878217-14-3 paper $ 7.95
Mu Lan in the Media
Entertainment Weekly, July 10, 1998
". . . the McDonald’s spots are generating charges of
ethnic stereotyping. Among other things, the spots feature a
headband-wearing Ronald McDonalds karate-chopping the company’s
logo, and patronizing, isn’t-that-cute jokes about such Asian
customs as sitting on the floor to eat."
Rocky Mountain News, August 9, 1998
"Disney’s latest animated movie, Mulan, is based on a Chinese
folk tale, but that doesn’t mean the Chinese government is going
to let it be shown in Mulan’s homeland."
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