10 Reasons Why The Hyenas Are The True Heroes Of The Lion King
9. The Lions Advocate A 'Circle Of Life' Because It Benefits Them
So what do the lions do? They rationalize and propagate a ‘Circle of Life’ dogma, which disguises the lions’ true place in the hierarchy. If the masses think that those in power make equal sacrifices as those beneath them, it justifies their oppression.
The ‘Circle of Life’ becomes a catch-all rationalization for the existing social strata. A lion runs the Pride Lands? The Circle of Life. Another lion will take his place after he dies? The Circle of Life. And another lion after that? The C-i-i-i-rcle of L-i-i-i-fe!
It’s the same justification that all monarchs and dictators have used for millennia - that their rule is pre-ordained, and does not have to be earned - merely passed down.
But set that aside for one second, and assume the lions’ naïveté. Give them the benefit of the doubt - that they are unaware of their own privilege, and they buy into the ‘Circle of Life’ lie as much as anyone else. That doesn’t excuse their shoddy and demeaning treatment of the hyenas.