Disney’s Presentation of “others” Nicholas Crowe April 1, 2009 Education 5063

Background and food for thought Children develop their own racial identity during preschool and elementary school years (Ramsay, 2003). Conservative estimates suggest children are watching at least 30 hours a week of TV. Advertisers believe that 2.5 million dollars is worth 30 seconds of advertising during the Superbowl. Imagine the impression that hour after hour of images can have on children. Disney cartoons are harmless, right?

What message do children learn from the lyrics of this song from Aladdin? Picture of Jafar Aladdin lyrics and video Arabian Nights Oh I come from a land, from a faraway place Where the caravan camels roam Where it's flat and immense And the heat is intense It's barbaric, but hey, it's home Where they cut off your ear If they don't like your face

The lead crow’s name is Jim Crow (I am not making this up) video

Negative Stereotype Videos

Depictions of Gender in Disney Films

Common Characteristics Fluttering eyelashes, large eyes, tiny waist, big breasts, coy and shy yet coquettish (teases), usually white, petite. Often, the female characters seduce male characters. Submissive to the male characters. (Snow White had to awakened by a man/ The theme of Beauty and The Beast was for the Beauty to put up with the rage of the beast and to change him into a Prince, etc.) Video

And the boys…always alpha males

One body type is glorified above all others Abs, barrel chest, violent, strong chin and jaw, physically gifted, heroes are often white. Those that do not fit this image are the outcasts (LeFou). Movies often end with a battle between men over a female character (it goes without saying that relationships are always heterosexual). Video

“We have no obligation to make history, we have no obligation to make art. We have no obligation to make a statement. To make money is our only objective.” -Michael Eisner, CEO of Disney

Focus Questions 1. What is normal and good? 2. Race was socially constructed to permit the profitable practice of the slavery. Do you think this construction continues and what does it allow us to do with a clear conscience ?

References Jim Crow- http://animated-views.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/dumbo05.jpg Michael Eisener’s comments: http://clipmarks.com/clipmark/288E35D0-91E5-4EC7-B059-3D3D052375DB/ Ramsey, P. (2003) Growing up with the contradictions of race and class. In C. Copple (Ed.), A world of difference: Readings on teaching young children in a diverse society (pp.24-28), Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children. Images: http://www.logoi.com/pastimages/img/hercules_3.jpg http://www.cracked.com/article_15677_9-most-racist-disney-characters.html