Disney Then and Now: An introduction

By: T.Y.

Television and film are wonderful forms of entertainment. (I have no problem making this claim.) What could be a more fun escape from reality than to be immersed in a movie? Whole worlds can be explored, riveting stories told, and a different sense of reality can be experienced- all within 93 minutes and in the comfort of your own home. Films are a huge aspect of our culture. There are many language and ethnic studies classes that use films as examples of cultures. For example, Portland community College offers classes such as “Studying Japanese Culture through Film”. Films reflect the ideals and mindset of the individuals who create them, and serve as “cultural storytellers”.

            In the same way that we learn about foreign cultures and societies through film, children are learning the same way about the culture and society they live in. There is a whole market of media dedicated to the genre of “child appropriate films”.  Disney dominated this market, starting in the 1940’s, with animated musicals and continue to dominate the children’s media market (Corrigan 308). As authors of the book The Mouse that Roared, explain, Disney’s films have become “teaching machines” (91). Children are more heavily influenced by Disney’s portrayal of roles, values, and ideals, than in schools and religious institutions. In other words, Disney is defining roles, values, and ideals for children.

The film “Mickey Mouse Monopoly”, which can be found on Youtube.com, explores this topic in great depth. They discuss everything from Disney’s influence on the definition of gender roles and families, portrayal of minorities, and the vast power of the Disney Empire (films, theme parks, merchandising, etc.). The film covered many Disney films including “Snow White”, “Bambi”, “Pocahontas”, and “Beauty and The Beast”. But “Mickey Mouse Monopoly” was produced ten years ago. Looking at Disney in 2011, where are they now? How have Disney’s messages about gender, family structure, and minorities changed? Through this Blog, Public Journalists are free to explore this topic; how Disney’s messages about gender, family structure, and minorities have/have not changed in animated films, and the current trends and direction of the Disney Empire.

Sources:

Corrigan T., White P. The Film Experience. Bedford/St.Martin’s. Boston. 2004.

Giroux H., Polloc, G. The Mouse That Roared. Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. New York. 2010.

Mickey Mouse Monopoly. Dir. Miguel Picker. 2001. USA. Film.