Disney is something I did grow up around. My family would buy me dolls from different movies. As a child, I was not really into playing with dolls and dressing up as a princess but more into the fairy tale dream and adventure. My family "needed" to collect all the movies on VHS (think we still have some in the basement) but it was the thing to do.
When I was a child I did not see the hind messages that the movies showed children. It was not until I was in an undergrad class that I REALLY started seeing the images that Disney had in their movies. I do agree with Christiansen that these are hidden images that are put into the movie and shape the characters of "good", "bad", power, servants, etc.
Before I had children I told myself my children would not watch the movies because I want them to be open-minded about images of people. Well, Disney is everywhere and it is not just Disney that is putting images out for children to see. I found it was better to have conversations about it because there was no way I could keep them from it. It was in stories, school, commercials, everywhere!! As an adult I measured how long it would take before I ran to something Disney, it was 24 hours. I brought my children to the park and children were playing in the sandbox with Disney toys.
I am not saying Disney is bad or good but the importance to know what is being put in front of you. It is ok to ask questions. Disney has a lot of power and maybe they could use that power to help show images of all humans in life.
 |
| Let's see what this one brings! |
I agree that it is impossible to shelter our kids completley from Disney. As Christiansen said, "turning off the cartoons doesn't stop sexism and racism" (2016, p 183). With open and effective dialogue, education, and leading by example, we can support the growth of feminism and social justice.
ReplyDeleteI agree. While the portrayal of white, male-dominant archetypes is easy to find in Disney, they exist everywhere. Perhaps that is why it is the predominant lens through which Disney has told its stories.
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley, My family found the need to collect all the VHS's too! I understand wanting to boycott Disney all together but it is so saturated in today's society it's an impossible task. Just need to make sure that we teach our kids to be critical consumers. Looking forward to what Elemental brings too, let's hope Disney uses its power for good!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!