Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us

1) Linda Christenson, "Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us"
    Extended Comments
I will be using Tess' blog to center my own on the cartoon and Disney movie depictions.  I also had taken a Women's studies course last semester where we looked at the images and their underlying meanings.  I grew up watching Disney movies with my brother and sisters and watched them with an innocent and clear lens.  You can say what I was watching did shape some or all of my thoughts and behaviors.  It was basically cartoon reality to me at this age.  As Tess had stated the women are always the "damsel in distress."  There is always some poor living condition and/or poor catastrophe. She always seems to find help in some shape or form of a spirit, godmother or animal to help her.  Where soon after some party, gala or ball she is swept up by some magnificent prince and lives happily after.  This portrayal is far from the truth and shows children that everything ends in a happy ending.  Well I hate to burst your bubble, but there is so much sexism, racism, etc.. that it affects society more negatively than positive.  I think Tess made a great reference to Christenson's statement about how minorities are always classified as lower class in not only cartoons, and Disney movies but also T.V in general.  They are always shown as servants or idiots.  They never seem to have roles where like Cinderella, they become an overnight success.  They are usually catering to the pompous characters, always the males who are always big and have some egotistical problem.  They tend to denature the poor and feel no pity for the less fortunate.  These minorities do cater to the princes of the kingdoms and don't have any real substance in roles in these parts either.  All in all they are viewed as lower class with no "privileges" as the whites.  Except for movies like Mulan, Aladdin and Pocahontas were the only movies where the main character consisted of a minority.  Tess also brings up the reference to when Popeye places a dog collar on Olive Oil and drags her back home.  That was absolutely ridiculous to hear because I liked Popeye and it upsets me also, why would the producers show a scene like that.  It is sending the wrong message to the entire audience of vulnerable children.  Like I have said before and I bet Tess would agree, that children's minds are like sponges and when they see this they think this is alright.  Then that leads to behavior, not only this but other sorts of behaviors degrading the female.  Cartoons and Disney movies are very relatable but yet dangerous to children, yet we as adults know right from wrong.  It's like these shows and movies are a template for these children to perceive how the world actually works.  You degrade women and you put down minorities.  The place values on whites are significantly different from those of minorities.  I know a lot of people use Disney movies as a "babysitter".  Is this right no for the reason which Disney and cartoons relay the wrong message to these children who spend COUNTLESS hours in front of the TV.  Use some of the hours for educational times with your children.  Disney movies allows for creativity and imagination but too much of it can be very detrimental to your child's well-being.  Gender and Disney..  Advice from a Princess. Barbie.

Questions/Comments/Points To Share:
I would like to know where everybody stands on Disney movies?  Do you believe too much of a good thing is bad?  I bet alot of us will look at Disney differently because of the messages they show.  But you have to give credit to Disney because mass media is the best outlet to portray subliminal and hidden messages.  I believe they are doing more harm than good.  Also if you have time, there is some really good stuff on the Dark Disney.  How much Disney did you watch when you were younger? What do you make of Disney and will you show it to your kids as much as your parents showed it to you?