Homework #2: Disney, etc.

Relationship with Disney and Animated Children's Culture:

Reflecting to my own childhood.  I preferred to watch Popeye the Sailor Man.  I loved Popeye and as opposed to seeing the hidden messages about racism and the demeaning of women, my biggest take away was if you eat healthy food, it makes you strong enough to battle against the biggest and the baddest.  I thought he was true to himself despite how others saw him.  His quote:  "I yam what I yam." resonates with me.  I also thought that is why Olive always chose Popeye over Brutus.  He was just a Brute!  Although I love living in my Bubble with my innocent take aways; I can see the more worldly messages that are depicted as is pointed out by Christensen's, “Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us”.

How my Memories Challenge Christiansen's Claims:

It makes sense that I did not grow up obsessed with Disney Princesses as the Disney Princess dress phenomena began in 2000's. Which brings me to my children. I remember having innocent Disney films in the background as I would feed my young children their bottles. My son was probably too young, but I was excited to bring him to the theater at the age of 2 to watch Mulan on the big screen. At home we watched VHS tapes of the classics: Snow White, Cinderella, Peter Pan, The Fox and the Hound, The Little Mermaid, 101 Dalmations, and Beauty and the Beast. My memories of this challenge Christiansen's Claims more than agree with them, because we watched for enjoyment and the fantasy of it. The characters were not role models of whom we aspired to be like; nor did I ever catch my children role playing as Princesses and the Prince. (I have 1 boy and 2 girls.) Actually, my Middle Child (daughter) tended to voice her favorite characters: Ursula and Cruella DeVille .

How Frozen challenges or meets my expectations of Princess Culture:

This was my first viewing of Frozen. I was thoroughly impressed with the main characters being the sister team of Elsa and Anna. As a mother of 3 children - 2 being girls; I always taught all three that no matter what your family comes first and you are always to be there for each other. My girls, I talked to always and consistently, you are to grow up to be Independent Women meaning you take care of yourselves first and all else will fall into place. I feel that Frozen demonstrates that Elsa was taught to take care of her sister and these girls were taught to be their for each other no matter what. I disagree with the parents teaching Elsa to sacrifice and suppress her powers; but I understand the conflict. On the one hand; it was hazardous to Anna's health, on the other hand, if she were allowed to utilize her powers in her childhood she would have learned how to control them and prevented the catastrophe which occurred in the movie.  Because of the tempo of the movie, when I heard the Elder Troll explain only true love will melt her frozen heart; I knew (hoped) it would be her sister. My take away from Frozen, right or wrong, was that Elsa and Anna were the strength. Christof was a support. He was good looking and able bodied; but hard working and caring. The Villain was masked with beauty in Hans. The sisters were strong enough to find their way without the help of anyone else, but Christof was supportive - just in case. He was raised by the same Troll family Elsa and Anna's parents trusted.