Manifest And Latent Content In The Toy Story Movies

The Lego Movie is a film that focuses on the impression of life in a Lego world but misses key concepts incorporated with Lego. At a first impression, the Lego Movie is viewed as a movie directed towards children to stir their imagination but this would be ironic to what is being portrayed in the film. By analyzing the ideas behind the movie in a sociological process, distinct themes can be connected and reflected within reality. The Lego Movie can be viewed in a functionalist perspective that is influenced by the conflict theory within the divided Lego society. To connect the sociological views to their society, one must understand how they interact and why they interact the way they do.

Toy Story 2 deals with both sides of the conflict surrounding ‘identity versus confusion’, typically occurring during adolescence between the ages of 12 and 18 (Cherry, 2016). Towards the beginning of the film, an incident occurs in which Woody’s arm is torn by Andy. From here, Woody is placed on a shelf, segregated from Andy and the rest of the group. Visible and dramatic facial expression to exaggerate his emotions to the younger viewers. Audible confusion and sadness as Woody exclaims ‘Andy!’ and the body language implies his confusion regarding his personal identity, as well as not being sure about himself or his place in society (McLeod, 2013) In relation to the humans in this film, when Woody’s arm is torn, his self-worth has decreased

In his article “Violent Media Is Good For Kids,” comic book author Gerald Jones, claims that violent media such as comic books and cartoons can have a positive effect on our children because children use violent stories to meet their emotional and developmental needs. Jones argues against other people’s views that violent media will have a negative influence on children. Gerald Jones had many strengths in his article which helped support his argument and could possible make his argument effective. His strengths were mainly the use of emotional appeal like story telling and personal experiences to help convince his audience. While Jones’s essay started off strong, he only gave a few weaknesses like the lack of examples and how he only used one reference, his life, to justify his point of view which in the end did not help persuade the audience.

This paper will summarize the ERR articles from the bulleted topics and issues. This paper will also include summaries on toys that may encourage violence and aggression, toys that may promote pro-social behavior, gender stereotyping in toy selection, and cultural stereotyping or, lack of cultural awareness in toys.

The types of toys children play with can affect how they develop. Toys can help or hinder a child’s development in intelligence, social skills and personality. Certain characteristics may be genetically entwined in a human being, but some characteristics and behaviors can be learned, from parents, surroundings, and the toys with which a youngster plays. Elise Moore, author of “How Do Toys Aid Development”, stated “if play is the work of the child, toys are the child’s tools” (Moore, 2).

In the article, “Violent Media Is Good for Kids”, the author, Gerard Jones, begins by providing background information about himself. As a child, Jones was taught that violence was wrong, and as he grew up, he learned that violent comics and stories aided him to become an action movies and comic book writer. In his article, the author addresses why violent media are good for children. He points out that it helps them transform better socially, explore and conquer their feelings, and improves self-knowledge. Jones purpose is to inform readers about the positive use of violent media on children. The author uses rhetorical appeals of pathos and ethos, and stylistic techniques such as allusions and repetitions to create his argument.

Toys are artifacts created by humans that come in all shapes, sizes, and form used for entertainment, therapy, or simply to past time. One of the earliest toys was a doll made of stone that was estimated to be four thousand years old. What is really interesting is the fact that archaeologists have found that the majority of human civilization produced toys. Nowadays, toys are mass produced and have become an essential item in the human lifestyle. So much so that these toys have the ability to shape children or adults to act or be a certain way. Companies take advantage of their products and advertising to have customers continually buy their products so that these paying customers can achieve their desires. However, some products actually

“Disney constructs childhood so as to make it entirely compatible with consumerism” (Smoodin cited in Giroux, 2002; 105). Discuss this statement in relation to TWO animated films from the Disney canon.

Scott, Laura. “The Importance of Representation in Kids’ Cartoons” [“The Importance of Representation in Kids’ Cartoons”]. Affinity magazine, 28 Jan. 17. Affinity magazine, Affinity, http://affinitymagazine.us/2017/01/28/the-importance-of-representation-in-kids-cartoons/. Accessed 9 Feb. 2018.

At the beginning, the author addresses the issue that children do not play with the toy to imply the cavity and innocence in their childhood. However, with the development of the story as well as the time, children grow up and become adults. They do not care about the fantasies, mysteries and stories about toys because Gaiman indicate that they are trapped in the dullness of life and losing the innocence. This structure brings out a contrast of people. Death and age have already taken over their lives and the memories of childhood. Life is used to be colourful, joyful and imaginative, but it becomes a boring, depressed and vacuous one. This reflects how the time shaped their mind and force them to forget the happiness they used to have,

Through my experience in the toy department of Wal-Mart I have learned that no toy is manufactured unintentionally but that each has a purpose and a targeted audience. This conclusion was made through my critical analysis of marketing, colour choices, layout, and cost in regards to the toys. As I strolled through the three aisles, sections of toys began to blend together as it was organized in an orderly manner; separated by colour choices and characteristics. As a result, it was made evidently clear which toys were being targeted to which specific sex. Moreover, from the flyer to the bright, over-the-top graphics, the marketing methods were very persuasive and convincing to children and parents alike. In addition, Wal-Mart used sale methods to draw customers to their products. These sales worked to promote the product to parents as well as reach families of different socio-economic backgrounds. However, despite their effort, the products within Wal-Mart do not achieve the reduction of the economic gap due to the separation of one product set, which increases overall cost of that whole product. In conclusion, Wal-Mart’s Toy Department worked to convince children and parents alike to need and want their product in addition to instilling societal gender stereotypes and sustaining economic inequalities.

What does a flamenco dancing astronaut, an awe-inspiring claw machine, and a wise-cracking potato have in common? “Toy Story”, of course! All three examples combined quite unique and disparate traits into what became colorful, humorous, and impactful scenes in the movie series. You might liken any of these to our Jr. Beta Club: we are unique and colorful, humorous (perhaps even in times when we shouldn’t be), but committed to making an impact in our school and community.

A young girl with black hair and brown eyes sees a beautiful princess named Cinderella who has blond hair, blue eyes, and flawless skin. She believes she will never be as radiant and beautiful as the princess because they don’t look alike. Like this girl, there are many cases of Disney films having lasting negative effects on children. Disney influences children more than any other age group since most merchandise and movies are geared toward younger audiences around thirteen or younger. Walt Disney Productions have a negative effect on children through stereotypes, violent actions, and sexism presented through its characters’ physical characteristics and actions. Disney has been

“Some toys have a powerful influence on children’s thinking, interaction with peers, and creative expression.” (Prof. Trawick-Smith) The environment around a child has an incredible impact on their development. From a home setting, to a park setting to a school setting a child is constantly learning. Many studies have been done to determine how individual toys can affect a child because it is important for parents and educators to be informed. Even though many adults have their own idea of what is a good instrument for their child's growth, research and test can help point the way.

With the constant streaming of new movies and television shows available, moviegoers tend to watch them for fun. They see an entertaining movie about conflict that sparks the sense of adventure in them. But do they really grasp what the movie can teach the viewers? With today’s society, the themes are lost in the entertainment purposes. However, books have developed to do what a movie does and so much more. In this way books give life to all people that read them.