Important Lessons from Disney

Growing up in the nineties, each Disney movie release was a treasured moment as a new princess and her story of true love was told to the world. The audience anticipates that final moment with a “true loves kiss” and until Frozen came out that was the guaranteed ending. There is always the one kiss at the end, which indicates that that is what people do when they love each other. It is simple and quick but shows young viewers what they will eventually will be doing. However, for the most part, the audience is so young that the kiss scene goes over their heads and is really when the older audience cheers.

There is a lot of controversy over this formula because of the thought that it idealizes love for young children. What I’ve noticed is that when debating the positive or negative effects of Disney movies, people usually fail to think about parents playing an active role in their children’s Disney viewing diet. This could include something as simple as co-viewing the material. There could be benefit to viewing these movies and having a parent present to tell the child stories about his or her own experiences.

On the flip side, why should we not want kids to have an idealized view of the world and aspire for that romantic love story. For young children, is it right to take away their innocence to explain that not every love story ends with a happy ending? This is not to say that parents should not watch these movies with their children. It’s important that parents bond with their children and share in their viewing experiences but not necessarily to undo any damage done by a Disney movie.

Additionally, Disney movies teach young girls that they should wait for their prince charming. Is it really right to critique a message that girls should have high standards? Why should girls be taught that there is no prince charming out there for them when they can be taught that there is a prince out there for everyone. It is clear from the movies that each girl has her own and distinct prince. There is no prince right for everyone.

Disney movies should be watched with a grain of salt but also understood to be a fun and happy viewing experience.

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