The Real Message of Disney

When watching any of good old Walt’s animated films, most get that warm and fuzzy feeling deep down that can only be attained through either putting on jeans right after they came out of the dryer or Disney. When one takes a certain Peace and Conflict Studies class with a certain professor who doesn’t feel the same sentiments towards Disney, one realizes the bright colors and goofy characters are all a façade for some pretty dark messages. So, let’s talk about a few. I will start with Snow White and the evil queen from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” because that was the example analyzed in class. Snow White: the epitome of all that is good and pure (even from her name, we get this sense of virginity), the extreme opposite of aggressive and strong, the most fragile (in my opinion) of all the Disney princesses (just for the record, Disney did not write/create the story of Snow White, its a Brothers Grimm fairytale). Just look at her in her delicate form, listen to her weak little voice, and understand why said professor doesn’t allow her children to watch this film. She teaches us to ap
ologize for “being a burden,” sing when things are bad and it will make everything better (right, I wish crooning Journey really made all my cares go away), and cook and clean for men. Hm… She physically takes up very little space with her petite body (she can’t be more than a size -2 in waist and maybe like a child’s size 4 in glass slippers). When she is on the screen, light flutes (very nonthreatening instrument) play as she effortlessly glides across the forest floor. Now don’t get me wrong; I don’t think Snow White is entirely full of bad messages. She is nurturing by being a friend to all animals. And look at the animals she befriends—the deer, bunnies, birds, squirrels—cute, cuddly and fuzzy ones. She is quite motherly to the dwarfs. And in the end, she gets a pretty fine prince (is it weird to think Disney characters are attractive? Oh well. If we're goin' there, I'm more of an Aladdin fan to be honest.) But for the purpose of playing devil’s advocate, Snow White is a bad example for little girls—don’t let your kids watch her or you are a bad parent. Pretty soon little 6 yr. olds are going to be apologizing when a boy knocks their books out of their hands (and watch, in 15 years, that same boy will be the girl’s prince charming because that is just how this world works), and 25 yr olds will be apologetic for national debt! You know what, I even caught myself saying sorry to someone as we both grabbed for the door at the same time. Why?! I blame her. So, thank you Snow White for creating a contrite universe for women.

Now what about the opposite of our sweet little protagonist? Does the evil queen represent anything good about femininity? On the contrary, she actually embodies many masculine traits. Her head garment, restricts us from seeing her hair (or maybe she is just going through chemotherapy and is embarrassed that she is bald). Most
princesses and queens have very delicate tiaras, but this queen wears a rather masculine crown with pride. The use of color in the queen captures her dark persona. Her low voice and bass music when she is on screen adds to her sinister description. She also takes up a lot of physical space. With her draping cape and tall stature, she shows power. Power. It’s all about power. Her regal status along with her control even instills fear in the big brawny hunter. Why is he afraid of her? He is the one with the knife and bow and arrow. After her huntsman fails to carry out the task of killing Snow White, the queen mentions how she can't trust a man to do anything right, and if she wants something done right, she will have to do it herself. She exudes confidence and she is powerful. I wouldn't want to get on her bad side.

Let's take a look at some of the other Disney princesses. What do Belle, Aurora, Cinderella, and Ariel all have in common? All of these ariyan princesses (there's one: they are all white) have porclian skin and delicate features. These cartoon characters are so sexualized. They all have these tiny little waists and flawless complexion. And for rated G animation, they are pretty busty too. They are also never in pants. Princess Jasmine is the only
exception who doesn't have pale skin or wear dresses, but she is probably the most provocative one in the bunch. Remember that scene where she disracts Jafar by coming on to him or the scene on the balcony with Aladdin? Sexual Power. Also, look at their theme songs: "Somday my prince will come," "Once upon a dream," "Part of your world," What are all of these songs eluding to? That's right, Mr. Right. Their lives are incomplete in some manner because there is no man in it. When you take a moment to look at the male Disney theme songs, they are usually about power and control or their future: "Just can't wait to be king," "Go the distance." They aren't sitting around locked in a tower or scrubbing floors waiting for their princess charming. Who ever heard of a male DID: Dude in distress? It just doesn't happen.

That is why my favorite Disney princesses are Pocahontas and Mulan. They are depicted as strong-willed, independant, capable (more capable than their male counterparts), yet at the same time attractive, young women. Bot
h of them stand up for what they believe in against their fathers and authority. That takes courage--something that Disney robs the other princesses of for the most part. Their songs are about the harmony of nature and self image. Wholesome things child viewers should appreciate. We have talked about how men just "have" respect while women have to earn it. It is not an easy process and much hostility is shown toward these women who are speaking out. Both of these princesses try to instill the message to their little girl viewers that it is ok to be who you really are and stand up for what you believe in. There is more than one way to "bring honor to your family."

Now, I am not having children nor do I have this undying desire to get married (maybe I will adopt, but thats another post for another day perhaps), but if I did, I would let them watch Disney. I don't think a 5 year old would go up to her mother and question the objectification of Princess Jasmine, so I think its safe. Also, Disney is doing a better job at portraying their female characters as more independent, less DID types. I haven't seen it yet, but there is a lot of talk about how this new princess in Tangled is more like the latter of the already existing ones. So, if Disney impresses me with their more neutral approach in the representation in gender roles in their films, maybe I will just change my mind altogether and have kids just so they can watch good, wholesome motion pictures. ...though that's highly doubtful.