IHO: Happy Momma's question re:Disney

[michellesamom]

I really don't give a hoot what anyone else thinks. It's no one else's business if my daughter goes to bed at 7:30, if I choose not to give her garbage, if I decide that Disney is off limits, if I don't want her inundated with gendered toys... that's my business. Yes, my family has made comments on all of the above, but that doesn't mean I have to take them to heart. I know I'm doing what's right for us. I have a happy, healthy, well-adjusted, intelligent two year old. That is enough of an affirmation for me 

Kind of off topic here- but I have a question.  And I'm just curious, not trying to start anything- I'm just wondering- what's wrong with Disney?  I can understand the other choices, but I don't think I've ever known anyone who made Disney off limits.  So, I'm just wondering- why?

Sorry for the lag in reply time!
If you get the chance, check out "The Mickey Mouse Monopoly", it's on Youtube.
Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgxVvbai_nI
Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4F39idhHzs
Part 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp0OGWXF0Bc
Part 4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD9ntaPFyYA
Part 5:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmApbh58ca8

I have very fond memories of Disney films (Mary Poppins is still one of my favourites), but I don't think my 2 year old is old enough to be critical of the media she consumes. Disney perpetuates stereotypes about women, ethnic groups, and violence that I feel need a critical eye. The documentary does an excellent job of explaining in greater detail.
Watch it and see what you think.
So many children are exposed to Disney... it's a great idea to see what that could actually mean.
The documentary features academics, experts in various child care and protection fields and most interestingly, children themselves. When you see the interviewer ask the children questions about Disney you will likely ask yourself (or at least I did) is Disney really about innocence and imagination? Or does it only direct the imagination in one direction and stifle creative thought and play?
If my daughter, on her own, decides she wants to dress up as a princess, I have no problems with that. If she does it because that's the dominant view of women in Disney movies and because it's marketed to her, I have serious problems with that. I really hate the idea of stereotyping children and making them fit into a perscribed mould.
One day I'm sure my daughter will be exposed to Disney. She may even love some of the movies as I do (despite all of the above), but I think she needs to be a bit older and to have a bit more media literacy before that happens.

Sorry it took me so long to respond! I have been . I've been checking in from time to time, but I didn't have time to go through all the posts.
Hope this helps, and if you decide to watch the doc, let me know your thoughts!

[Happy Momma]

Thank you so much for responding to my question!  I am going to watch those YouTube videos later and I'll let you know what I think.

After I asked my question and I was thinking some more about it, I started to realize what your answer would probably be.  I guess I have never really thought about it that way before, but I can certainly see your point of view.

[michellesamom]

That would be great!
When I was doing my MA, I was a teaching assistant (to earn extra money) and we taught that video. As a mom, I see it from a completely different perspective.
I haven't discussed it with anyone in the better part of a decade, so I'd love to hear your thoughts (and anyone else's who feels like watching the video and commenting).

[emsplace]

I was looking for this.
I hope you don't mind if I chime in. I love Disney. But a few years ago the  "Christian right" bashed them for supporting Gays, for a branch of Disney being involved with porn and a few other things... and called on ALL Christians to turn their backs on Disney. lol

If you just type Christian Right blasts disney... in Google you will come up with some idiotic articles (sorry if you back their views, I don't and I find it all silly)...

ANyway... that may be why some folks do not like Disney in General but may have nothing to do with this conversation... so sorry if I butted in wrongly.
em

[michellesamom]

I was looking for this.
I hope you don't mind if I chime in. I love Disney. But a few years ago the  "Christian right" bashed them for supporting Gays, for a branch of Disney being involved with porn and a few other things... and called on ALL Christians to turn their backs on Disney. lol

If you just type Christian Right blasts disney... in Google you will come up with some idiotic articles (sorry if you back their views, I don't and I find it all silly)...

ANyway... that may be why some folks do not like Disney in General but may have nothing to do with this conversation... so sorry if I butted in wrongly.
em

LOL! Well, this analysis (I don't know if you watched the links or not) is very different from one that the "Christian right" would do (if they even bother to watch and deconstruct, which they usually don't). No, I most certainly do NOT back their views (what with being an atheist and all...).
The analysis done by the academics, educators and even the children themselves in the above video is far more complex than partisan issues. I think that whether you are on the "right" or the "left" you can still appreciate the analysis that this video offers.

[emsplace]

Interesting.

[Happy Momma]

I had some time to watch...  I think it's pretty interesting, although I can't say I agree.  I think sometimes people read way too much into stuff and (in my opinion) this is one of those times.

I can definitely see it from your point of view.  But I still love Disney!