Examples Of Obsession With Disney Movies

Many of us have seen a Disney movie when we were younger. Disney movies captured our attention with their mortals and successful conclusion. The animations and music transform us into a land of magic where anything is possible if we just believe. Disney movies wrapped us in the idea that good always triumphs evil, that happy ever after exists. We have become the generation of Beauty and the Beast, The 101 Dalmatians, Dumbo and Snow White as children now have not heard of these or have watched them. Some of these movies have been recreated and released in high definition and on DVDs in the past few years, but the structure and themes of the movies stays the same. However, we never stop and

Disney is known for its animated movies and adorable characters. For decades, Disney has succeeded in producing thousands of movies that attract millions of viewers. Walt Disney Studios produced many popular animated movies such as The Lion King, Bambi, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Pocahontas, Peter Pan, Aladdin, Robin Hood, Hercules. Disney movies are loved by people of all ages, from children to adults. Disney movies have always managed to attract the viewers and that's what makes it special. In this modern era, almost every home has access to cable TV. Parents will choose TV channel that provides programs for children for example such as Disney Channel. Usually, the children have known Disney since childhood and used

Disney is a multi-billion dollar industry. Originally founded by the Disney brothers, Walt and Roy E., the company has now become a world-wide phenomenon, diversifying its company into live-action film production, television, and theme parks. It surrounds us every day, in almost every way possible. More importantly however, the Disney industry is known to people world-wide as being one of the top leaders in children’s popular films and subsequently, storybooks. The countless movies and short films made over the years have not only provided joy and happiness to families and young children, but have ultimately influenced the way that these young children see the world as they grow older. Many of the traditional fairytales known throughout the ages have been “Disneyfied” and have become more modern through their adaptations, in order to increase revenue and audience appraisal. In addition, a vast majority of the films released are based on different cultures, countries, or a certain historical group or figure to create a more “wholesome” atmosphere where children can “learn” and become cultured.

The Mickey Mouse Monopoly documentary reveals the obscure social messages behind the animated films created by the Disney Company. Although we are conditioned to believe that these movies are pure forms of entertainment, further examination has proved that there are hidden messages concerning gender, race and class that Disney is instilling in the minds of children. The speakers in the documentary argue that Disney is extremely political and hides its ideas behind innocence, magic and fun. When masked by features that are appealing to a younger audience, it is difficult to realize these ideas without taking a closer look.

Walt Disney Films are known to be as an incredible and outstanding fantasy stories producer. It created more than a hundred of films. Majority of what has been produced rely on fictional stories. The films that were released used animation to capture children’s interest and musically performed as well. Walt Disney produced fantasy stories like The Little Mermaid 1989; Sleeping Beauty 1959; Beauty and the Beast 1991; Cinderella 1950 and more. The tales most often than not were always about the life of a princess in search of her prince charming.

Many young children grow up watching Disney films. Many parents do not think that these movies could have a negative impact on their children. Henry Giroux, who wrote the book, “The Mouse that Roared: Disney and the End of Innocence” is a firm believer that Disney films have a negative impact on the children that watch them. For several generations Disney films have been a huge part of children’s lives, but many parents do not realize how these films can negatively impact their children. Disney films can teach young children stereotypes, how to deal with life events such as death and they can learn negative ideas and values from these films.

My thoughts surrounding Disney films have definitely changed since week one. While I was aware of race and gender issues in the films, I never really thought about the impact of these issues on our society. I had no idea how hurt some people of color were that their representation in Disney films consisted of mostly animals like Chihuahuas, monkeys and hyenas. I still remember watching Mickey Mouse Monopoly and hearing the people speak about the hurt they felt by the portrayal of people like them in these films. I learned so many new things about the films each week, but what stands out to me the most is that in Mickey Mouse Monopoly, one person talked about Disney films as a fantasy and an escape from reality. I agree that the films are definitely part of the fantasy genre. However, if they are supposed to be an escape or fantasy for everyone, then why is there not a better representation of what our society really is in terms of racial and cultural diversity? Why can’t they portray all races in a positive light so that we all can have that chance to “escape” while watching the film? If Disney filmmakers cannot portray racial acceptance and diversity in a “fantasy” world, then what happens back in reality? I think that Disney sends a strong message through films, whether intentional or not, and many young children are swayed by these messages. Their impressionable young minds then see the world through a different lens, and one that may not be particularly accurate. I still love a lot of Disney films, but I have learned to not take them so seriously and learn to accept that they are just part of someone’s

The Disney Corporation has had both positive and negative effects on American society. Disney has majorly affected both the youth and adults in America by way they interact with each other, what they expect from each other, and how parents bring up their youth in harsh and unrealistic expectations according to Disney. Disney has fostered a strong sense of imagination in the past, present and future youth of America. This sense of imagination is necessary to the development of children when it comes to success in life and self-confidence. The Disney Corporation knows how to work it’s audience for a profit and mastering that skill has allowed Disney to accumulated billions by advertising and selling fantasies to young children and their parents. It’s also these very ideas that influence what Americans believe our government and policies should be founded on. In “The Mouse That Roared” the author states “Education is never innocent, because it always presupposes a particular view of citizenship, culture, and society. And yet it is this very appeal to innocence, bleached of any semblance of politics, that has become a defining feature in Disney culture and pedagogy” (Giroux 31) This quote defines Disney at large. Disney has created the idea of ‘imagination’ in American society and perpetuates it in everything America does and influences everything America stands. In everyday American life, politics and business, The Disney Corporation has a hand in it.

According to a 1995 study by Michael Eisner, “more than 200 million people a year watch a Disney film...385 million watch a Disney TV show every week…more than 50 million people a year from all lands pass through the turnstiles of Disney theme parks” (Bud 2005). Disney’s influence pervades society. The media inundation that children receive thanks to Walt Disney proves problematic. Studies have been done to prove that television and visual media influence children’s views of gender. At a young age, the mind is plastic and the world is composed of observations and experiences. The Kaiser Family Foundation conducted a study of children in 2003 then again in 2005 to observe the amount of television watched per week in a longitudinal study. They concluded that media exposure in children was on the steady rise. Earlier, in 1999, the Kaiser Family Foundation reported that children watched 2.5-3 hours of television each day—20 hours a week. Disney owns companies from Baby Einstein Company to Marvel Entertainment to ABC studios, making their range of influence span across generations (“Resources”). Therefore, the Disney view seeps into the minds of children, adolescents, and adults alike. In 2010, Kyla Boyse researched TV statistics in children. On average, 2-5 year olds spent thirty-two hours a week watching

Disney is one of the most successful and largest companies in the world. They have their hand in nearly every form of entertainment as well as media, and broadcasting. Disney is best known for their animated films, unique cartoon characters, catchy musicals, and fairy tales that most of us were first introduced to as children. They are one of the few entertainment companies in the World whose primary demographic is children and teens. Nearly everybody is familiar with the Disney name and its brand, and its realistic to suggest that nearly everybody has experienced a Disney film and animated character at some point in their lives; which may have helped to influence them or their behaviors or even their

Disney is a lie. Why? This corrupt company brainwashes consumers into handing over their hard-earned money in order to purchase overpriced merchandise, all while under a facade of innocence and happiness. Fairy-tale endings and a cheerful mouse might represent Disney’s projected values, but underneath the exterior lay indicators of Disney’s corrupt ideals. Common people are deceived into handing over their hard-earned money to corrupt companies in order to purchase overpriced products. The power that these companies gain allows these businesses to control, to a certain extent, politics and influence political decisions. These companies will not hesitate to fire American workers in order to save a handful of dollars and stifle any trace of dissent. Therefore, large corporate companies should stop exploiting and manipulating consumers for profit.

After a while these images begin to shape what young boys know and what they understand about the world around them. This is not an immediate effect, but instead a slow accumulative effect that is much more subtle than we are aware of. One of the biggest problems with this process is that the Disney conglomerate has spanned over nearly five generations, so no one thinks to challenge the idea that an animated Disney movie is a great way to entertain children while simultaneously sharing with them a piece of traditional culture.

Growing up and being the youngest of three girls means a great deal of dress up, makeovers, tea parties, dolls, princesses, and of course, Disney. The reason I am truly fortunate to grow up in the household I did, is that my loving parents have taught and raised me right. From how to use manners, to modesty and responsibility, they have enforced it all. However, when I wasn’t running around with my family having a blast, I would have one of my parents throw in a Disney movie so all of us could sit around and watch it together. Surprisingly, through all the Disney movies we ever watched, no matter the problem, everything was always better in the end. With this, I believe that most life lessons can be taught through Disney movies.

Though Christ does not directly speak to this issue, He clearly reveals that Christians should not be spending time on worldly entertainment like Disney. In His Word, God says that His followers should fill their minds with “whatsoever things are true” (Philippians 4:8). Just a glimpse of Disney’s entertainment shows that almost all

Tie to the Audience: We all have our favorite Disney movies and characters. Many of you were probably bribed with the promise of endless reruns of your favorite