Argument
In the article “Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us” by Linda Christensen, the works of media surrounded children and its influence on them is discussed. Christensen argues that the television, movies, and children surrounding children influence them and become parts of their mindsets. The hidden racism, sexism, and ideals found in these pieces of media are repeated and engrained into the brains of children and influence their own ideals and dreams of the future.
Christenson uses a lot of references from Disney movies to back up this claim. The Disney princesses always being stick thin is a big example. If you look at Cinderella or The Little Mermaid the heroines are always super skinny with a big bust. This definitely influence girls already surrounded by a world that tells them what to look like. Also the racism is constantly present. When looking at older movies it can be argued that the time period is the influence. When Snow White was released the nation was in a depression and women were mostly at home. It was only a few years later that world war two happened and many had to work. Snow White always annoyed me because she seemed uneducated and just sat around waiting for the prince. Even movies from the 1990s to now still contain a lot of racist and sexist ideas. I always liked Mulan when I was younger because she seemed like one of the stronger ones. Even she had to get a guy at the end. It is hard to find a Disney Movie with a single woman or man and see them stay single.
I have noticed recently Disney has been finding success with movies about inanimate objects or animals like Wall-e, and the Toy Story franchise. They can hide the stereotyping easier in these movies. Toy Story 3 has little relationship stuff and focuses on friendship and growing up. Disney also came out with its first African American princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog. Still the Disney Company reinforces stereotypes in shows like Hannah Montana which could be an example of a modern day “Disney Princess”. Being a pop star is a sure sign of success. They did end the series with the lead choosing college over stardom so maybe there is hope.
http://my.hsj.org/Schools/Newspaper/tabid/100/view/frontpage/schoolid/1536/articleid/333687/newspaperid/1522/Breaking_down_Disney.aspx
I agree with your thoughts that the time period is very important to consider when we think of the Disney Films and thier influence. People of color and women were not "equal" therefore Disny was simply depciting reality. We can connect these thought to such novels as "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Although the themes of these novels reflect the injustice in racism. The Disney films do not consider such ideas but leave the viewer with the "they lived happily ever after."
ReplyDeleteI like the point you made about Disney's movement towards inanimate objects. The secret education is still there even if they are not depicting humans because they put the same importance on gender and the objects follow the same gender roles that are seen as normalized for humans.
ReplyDeleteI think it is really interesting that you brought up the point that Hannah Montana is just a modern day Disney princess. I never really thought of it like that before.
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