In Christensen's article, "Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us", a teacher raises awareness to help her students analyze and critique cartoon stereotypes in relation to society. I was able to relate to the alarming misconceptions of most cartoon shows because in my Junior year of High School, I took a course called AP English Language and our teacher discussed these same issues within our class. How do fairy tales such as Cinderella or cartoons like Popeye form our own perceptions? As a kid, I loved reading fairy tale books and watching the six Disney princesses on TV, but it never occurred to me how alarming each hidden message was within each princess story. The most obvious message, which has never crossed my mind before is; why are the majority of the Disney princesses white? We are potentially teaching our children that outer beauty will get you married and marrying will make you "live happily ever after". These cartoons show that outer beauty can be attained though material means such as makeup and pretty clothes. Young girls are encouraged to " play dress up" and dream of their wedding day. These cartoons are significantly molding a child's mind into living within the gender stereotypes.
What cartoon shows are safe to allow our children to watch? Are there any cartoons or movies that don't embody the common stereotypes that most fairy tales do? How is Disney evolving now with the new movie Frozen?
This is a short blog speaking about gender roles within Disney princesses.
http://blogs.longwood.edu/genderrolesbroughttoyoubydisney/conventional-feminine-beliefs/
I ask the kids at work who their favorite disney princesses are and I hear more "Brave" and "Elsa" and other reworked disney princesses so hopefully things keep moving positively
ReplyDeleteHaving three girls I have to deal with this directly. My oldest was very excited when Tiana from the princess and the frog came out
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