Mulan and the Myth of Merit

I recently watched the live action version of Mulan with my family. It felt particularly of the moment, given the current conversation and recent Executive Order titled, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.” It raised the question, “is merit enough?”

As a child, Mulan demonstrates an abundance of chi. Despite her father’s pride in her abilities, she is not celebrated. Why? She’s a girl. That’s it. That’s the only reason. Her abilities defy cultural norms and expectations for women in her culture, so her father instructs her to hide her chi.

When the conscription comes, Mulan decides to take her father’s place. She disappears into the night with his armor and sword to join the army as Hua Jun, the “son” of Hua Zhou. Hua Jun thrives, quickly becoming the battalion commander’s protégé. When Hua Jun comes face to face with the witch, the witch warns Mulan that she can’t fully unlock the power of her chi until she stops deceiving herself and her comrades. She rides back into battle as Mulan and saves the day.

Unfortunately, and all too accurately, Mulan is not celebrated. Despite her merit and proven abilities as a warrior, she is expelled from the army. You could argue that it’s because she lied – and she did – but she lied because there was no authentic way to be in the army as a woman. No path existed. She had no access to this career. She was not welcome.

It wasn’t until her comrades spoke up for her, voicing their trust, acknowledging that she was the best and bravest in their ranks, and reminding the commander that he would have listened to “Hua Jun,” that the commander agreed to hear Mulan out. 

Mulan goes on to save the emperor’s life and bring great honor to her family, delivering an outcome that IS in line with her demonstrated qualification and talent. But if her comrades had not advocated on her behalf, she never would have had the opportunity to fully explore what she was capable of doing.

For Mulan, like so many others who don’t “belong,” merit wasn’t the issue, but it also wasn’t enough. She needed allies and sponsors to influence how others perceived her talent, ability, and potential. She needed people to act on her behalf so that she could deliver results that would benefit everyone.

Merit comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Maybe we should worry less about restoring merit and worry more about ensuring that all merit is seen, recognized, and encouraged.