Mention the word Disney, and one immediately thinks of childhood innocence, of fantasy and magic – good old fashioned family values and wholesome childhood memories. Disney movies are watched by literally millions of children worldwide, and have been for generations. In a world where we are encouraged to be cautious about what children watch, one might think that a Disney movie would be fairly safe, right?
Well, apparently not, according to the documentary, Mickey Mouse Monopoly. Produced by the Media Education Foundation, this documentary indicates that there is a whole lot wrong with Disney, and with the movies it produces. As one of the largest media corporations in the world, Disney has enormous control over the images and messages that we are exposed to. Therein, of course, lies the problem. The extent of this influence is such that concerns have been raised about what stories are being told, and why they are being told. Closer examination of many Disney movies, as explained in this documentary, reveal traditional stories and characters that are flawed, stereotypical, racist, and even dangerous.
So if we accept that children’s ideas about the world, about values and norms, are derived in part from the television programs and films that they watch, and agree that Disney’s influence over types of stories that children are being exposed to is immense, then it seems logical that much of what a child understands about gender roles, about race, sexuality, etc., come from Disney. If one was to then look at specific Disney movies, concerns might be, and have been, raised about what children are leaning from these, particularly about gender roles, what it means to be male or female, and how to treat those of different races and cultures.
However, despite this evidence, one needs to wonder how much of this really affects children in the same way that it affects adults. Is it possible toread too much into a Disney movie, and should we simply be looking at them for what they are … fun, charming movies full of adventure, romance and family values. Children do not look at these movies inthe same way that adults do. No child would watch Beauty and the Beast and come away with the message that deep inside every emotional and physical abuser lies a big softie in need of redemption.
A Tale as Old As Time:
ReplyDeleteThe Influence of Disney
I do agree that the Disney movies have an influential role in our culture, with an almost monopolistic hold on children's entertainment. Henry Giroux, in an article titled "Are Disney Movies Good for Your Kids?", wrote that "these films appear to inspire at least as much cultural authority and legitimacy for teaching specific roles, values, and ideals as more traditional sites of learning such as public schools, religious institutions, and the family".
My children grew up on a diet of Disney films such as Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, Beauty and the Beast and the Lion King and viewed them, I’m sure, and as I did, as harmless stories with some great soundtracks, to sing along to. Having read your blog, and viewed your videos, I would agree that this could actually be harmful given some of the racist and sexist overtones, which could possibly become part of the children's enculturation.
I believe though that the solution does not necessarily lie in a ban on Disney movies, but rather approaching the films with a critical mindset. Children should not simply absorb a film's message without questioning the implications, and hopefully parents can offer guidance on interpreting those beloved stories.
Giroux, Henry, A. (2000). Are Disney Movies good for your Kids? The Politics of Early childhood Education New York: Peter Lang