It is supposedly a known fact that Disney has hidden sexism nature throughout their movies. Each princess represents biased views on different lifestyles. Since these films are mainly targeting a younger audience, do these subliminal messages effect these children? The author of this article gives examples from a few of the Disney movies. (more can be found here)
One of the examples of Disney’s sexism is Princess Jasmine in Aladdin. Jasmine is the sultan’s daughter who has to be married when she turns 16, and of course it is an arranged marriage. The arranged marriage shows how in some cultures, women are considered second-class citizens. This film also shows how women are always believing and giving into men. Aladdin lies to Jasmine throughout the entire movie claiming he loves her, but all he really wants to do is marry her so he can become the future sultan.
Belle from Beauty and the Beast is also another sexism example. The movie portrays Belle as being stuck in an abusive relationship. Instead of leaving the beast, Belle gives up being with her family to live in isolation being yelled, only hoping for the beast to change into a nicer and better person. Even when Belle leaves the castle to help her father, she ends up returning not that much later, like most victims of abuse. The beast eventually changes into the person Belle wants, Disney makes it seem like if you stick with a bad situation, you will eventually be happy in the end.
One of the other examples given in the article is Ariel from the Little Mermaid. Ariel is willing to change her physical appearance for a man to love her. This shows girls that it is okay to change who you are for other people to like you.
I also found a video on youtube that explains the “morals” that the Disney Princesses are teaching younger girls in the movies
The author made some very good points in their article that I have never thought of before. I have grown up watching these movies, but now that I am older and after reading these articles, I am starting to see where these different views are coming from. I agree with the author that the older Disney movies portrayed women as being frail, fragile, and very dependent on males. Even though the movies are based on different story lines, each princess still had extremely similar characteristics.
There are points though, where I have to disagree with the author. Not all Disney movies portray women in this kind of way. The movies started evolving where now the princess are the characters of the movies saving the day and don’t need a man to help them. After reading this article I am going steer my research in the direction of the evolution of Disney movies. With this, I am hoping to find which movies started the evolution of the standard “Disney Princess” and how movies today portray women.
Great post, Taylor!
I think it was a good rhetorical move to point out that, yes, the older depictions of Disney princesses were sexist – that allows you to counter your opposition in your final paragraph by claiming that the newer movies aren’t as sexist.
I’m wondering if this is an evolution or a sudden shift? I haven’t seen many recent Disney movies, but do you feel like there was a turnng point in Disney history where the princesses became less and less sexist, or have they been becoming less sexist with every subsequent movie after the first princess film? “Evolution” would apply to the latter scenario; maybe a “shift” in something (the culture? audience expectations? a change in the artists or head honchos at Disney?) would better describe the former change in Disney princesses.
If you were to turn your blog topic into a researched solution to a problem, what would your proposal be? Should we stop showing kids old Disney films and only let them watch the new ones? Or is there another way?
~Christina K
Hey Taylor!
I think this is a really interesting point about Disney movies, everyone has always said that they create this fantasy love story for little girls, creating these high expectations. Seeing this blog reminded me of all the times I have heard people say that, and doesn’t surprise me that people believe Disney movies teaches kids other things as well.
This blog sparked a lot of interest to me, mainly because its bringing into question all the disney movies I have watched! I think this article proves some valid points about movies, but also can be a bit exaggerated. I think the points made in the article are definitely views from a specific perception, and this perception can vary based on how you interpret that specific movie.
Even though some movies can portray these negative connotations on woman, I think a lot of movies teach children valuable lessons, even the parents! I think Disney movies have come a long way in many different ways and have a lot of positive aspects to them.
Good job, this blog was very interesting!
-Nina Spinelli
Hi Taylor!
I thought this was a really interesting blog post. I have heard of the idea before, but never really thought of the full effect.
I have always thought it was a little overblown that the hidden messages could actually affect someone because such young children are watching the movies, but by providing the great detailed examples that you did, I could really see the validity in the view. Also it is very helpful that you have a link to the article and also incorporating other types of media with the video.
You made a really interesting point at the end about studying the evolution of Disney movies. I think that would be a good direction, you could think about at what point they made the first movie that showed women in a different light and how that trend has continued. Also maybe you want to consider the culture of society when the movies were made. Such as in the fifties women being portrayed solely in a weaker light compared to the man was much more acceptable than it is now, but maybe that explains more about why the movies were made that way.
Good luck exploring! Morgan Klinedinst
Hi Taylor!
Nice blog post! I gotta say, I never thought about this and how sexism is hidden in these movies. I’ve heard other theories of hidden themes, mainly sexual themes in the movies, but not this one.
Thought I’m inclined to agree with this opinion after reading the article and your blog, it’s still an opinion. There’s always two sides to an argument and the other side cannot be ignored. Just something to think about.
I totally think these sexist themes were there because of the time period of these movies. Sure, they’re timeless classics but they were made almost twenty years ago.
Either way, awesome post!
Taylor-
You make a good point, but the newer movies are decidedly less sexist. It also felt like a bit of this was exaggerated.
All in all, very interesting article.