Growing up, I had parents who were extremely selective in what we watched and read. I remember having a stack of VCR tapes under the TV set that had programs that were directed to little children. They were ones that shed light on a group of humble villagers who lived peacefully together and each had a constructive role (the baker, keeper, construction worker, teacher... etc.) All messages embedded were about kindness, compassion, working together, honesty, friendship and altruism. Other tapes were all bout animals; which, I confess, still like to watch.
Back at home, we weren't even exposed to so much as Barney; but as soon as we discovered Spacetoon there was no going back! And the worse was yet to come; watching Disney movies with our older -and seemingly more sophisticated back then- cousins.
Although Disney movies were regarded as classic, high quality and appropriate for children; many hidden messages that children themselves and their guardians were unaware of, but have surfaced this last decade despite Disney's denial.
One main issue to deal with when criticizing Disney movies is the issue of princesses. Disney princesses have contributed to the modern perception of women and young teenagers. Many of the themes conveyed in these movies are generally rejected in the international community. Disney's most influential princesses are: Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Ariel, Jasmine and Sleeping Beauty.
Each if these princesses encourage or plant unrealistic or just simply unacceptable ideas in the minds of young girls. The problem is that parents in this century have more than enough issues at their plates. Parents nowadays don't only have to think about what school they will send their children to, when to buy them cellphones or what activity they'll do this weekend. Instead, they are faced with much bigger concerns. It is never too early to learn morals, but when this delicate form of education is interfered with by images and themes of cartoons that are officially rated for children but are technically destructive.
Let's take Cinderella for example. The only reason the prince noticed her was her dazzling looks and his only sign of confirmation was her shoe size. Seriously?!
This movie plants the idea that the girl worthy of the prince is beautiful, slim and with a 5 1/2 shoe size; regardless of the her personal traits. Snow White on the other hand, a shallow girl who survives the woods but can only be saved through the prince's kiss. A similar message is communicated in Sleeping Beauty; where the princess is woken up by the prince's kiss. (Of course we would compete at catching each other sneaking looks at the grand finale which would always be summarized in 'the kiss'!!!)
Moreover, as if it is not enough having teenage girls obsessing over their weights and figures due to the pandemic effect of models and celebrities; along comes Princess Ariel. She changes her body dramatically and defies and abandons her father for the sake of the human prince. Not to mention the provocative body language and dressing styles of princesses such as Ariel or Jasmine or even Pocahontas.
Finally, subliminal messages in Disney movies are a major threat to our children's moral and ethical code. We must be extra careful and selective in choosing what is acceptable to watch and what is not; because children can be highly influenced by what they watch.
Yes of course we should be selective about what our children watch, in addition to you we should pay attention to not teach our children to discriminate people who had different colors such as black people by being racist and also do not teach them that the girl always need a help from the super hero boy.
ReplyDeleteYes CarineSleiman I absolutely agree with you the lack of independence such movies generate from the necessity of having a prince to rely on, makes our girls too fragile and without self confidence.
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ReplyDeleteAll what matters for a girl is her shape, no one searches for morals and ethics for that our society is going back and our children are making lots of mistskes without any deterrent.
ReplyDeleteSelection is the key :) The other day, I was at my neighbor's place and over heard a conversation between two brothers who are in grades 4 and 6. They were laughing while watching the famous "Lion King", because the nose and the mouth of the lion in the movie resembled a naked girl's body when combined. At first, I was shocked that they noticed that, but then when I paid close attention, I realized that they were right. What a shame. So, all parents should supervise and select what their children watch.
ReplyDeleteThose days the parents are not responsible as the past where there is a limited program. However now a day not just that carton is danger, however, the Turkish programs that the parents give the free for their kids to watch it. The parents should notice the effects of those programs to their children and be able to select the good ones that are appropriate for their students
ReplyDeleteParents need to monitor what their children watch, don't just put a DVD and leave them watch it alone. be selective and choose what's best for your child. There are some Disney movies that teach children things that parents wouldn't even imagine exist in such so called innocent movies! So, be careful to what your child watches on T.V.
ReplyDeletethat's the role of media. to implant the ideas they want and let our children do what they see suitable.. we have to pay more attention to such details.
ReplyDeleteThat's why parents should take a more active role in monitoring what programs children are watching, regardless of their TV ratings, popularity or what channel they are aired on, or even what stories their kids are reading to be able to decide for themselves if it is proper material for their children or not.
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