"Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us" by Linda Christensen (hyperlinks)
I thought this article was very
interesting. Christensen explains how many children’s cartoons and Disney
movies have hidden meanings beyond the heartwarming characters in the movies we
have all known to love. Behind these seemingly innocent animated cartoons and
movies are a “secret education” that showcases racism and stereotypes. Young
girls that watch Cinderella or Snow White believe at a young age that they need
to be thin and pretty, marry their prince charming and be happily ever after. Young
boys believe that violence is the answer to anything, and the tougher you are,
the more respected you will be. In these cartoons, men are labeled as superior,
women are maids and housewives and blacks are slaves.
We live in a world that is
bombarded by messages telling is how to look and act. More and more girls today
are developing eating disorders, body dismorphic disorder and low self esteem,
just because they don’t look like Cinderella. Boys are called "gay" and weaklings" if they don't live up to the standards as a strong, masculine, tough guy.
Here's a link I found on how Disney princesses negatively affect girls starting at a young age:
This is what happens when Disney movies influence young girls:
Statistics
81% of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat (Mellin et al., 1991)
42% of 1st-3rd grade girls want to be thinner (Collins, 1991)
There are also many subliminal messages that are in these movies that are inappropriate for young children.
REFLECT: This article was really interesting to me. It's crazy how much of an impact the media has on our society, starting as toddlers. It seems to be getting even worse as technology increases. I wonder if these cartoons will ever be appropriate for kids without hiding stereotypes in cartoons.
I really liked what you had to say about this article and I agree with you. I also really liked the link you posted with all the hidden messages in Disney movies. I never realized how innapropiate those movies really are.
ReplyDeletei like the facts you put in, they are real interesting. and yeah most girls are afraid of being fat because the media displays that only skinny people are "beautiful"
ReplyDeleteThose facts were hard to read, especially since they are coming from young children. They should be enjoying their childhood instead of worrying about their physical appearances. It is sad to watch Disney movies as an adult and see all of the subliminal messages and racism that Disney has incorporated into each and every movie. The media has manipulated our society so much and has taught us that skinny girls as beautiful and larger girls as ugly.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog. I never knew girls were affected this way before. These movies are not great influences.
ReplyDeleteyour post was good, and i agreed with all your points 100%. I used your post as the center of mine and discussed your arguments, check it out if you would like.
ReplyDeleteThe hidden messages we would of never thought of when we was younger, its crazy to witness these things now.
hey shannon awesome post!
ReplyDeletei really liked how you included stats about the influence that disney has on young girls. its crazy how a very large percent in afraid of being fat at such a young age, they should be playing with dolls not worrying about their weight!
nice link too!(: