Childhood Destruction Part 1

Image from Glaad.org

“Do not be fooled by its commonplace appearance. Like so many things, it is not what outside, but what is inside that counts.” 

I hate those moments when you like or are passionate about something, but then you find the ugly truth about it and go, “Oh no. This can’t be true... Really?!?!” I swear I have this experience since the start of my time. I come from an Indian family and I have come to understand my parents do not understand the secret messages and the intended message about films. This is why Disney and I have a hate, love relationship.

I feel as if when it comes to media especially, parental guidance and explanation is needed. Children are interpreting and getting influenced by many different things. This post will talk about three movies, which will include racial discrimination from countries around the world.

 

Image is a painting by Richard Vanderwende from One1more2time3 weblog.

The first film I will discuss is Aladdin and there are two items which are discussed in the article, "Disney's Most Racist Films and Characters" by Juniper Russo. One of the issues being the song “Arabian Nights” which explains the Middle East in a negative way. . Who would have noticed the song being a controversy because of the Arab discrimination? However the lyrics says it all, “Where they cut off your ear if they don't like your face. It's barbaric, but hey, it's home.”

I personally never noticed lyrics were talking about the Middle East. Thinking about it now, it changes the whole perspective and meaning of the song. The song is catchy, one has to listen to the lyrics carefully to notice the discrimination. 

Image from http://www.animatedheroes.com/aladdin.html.

Second issues addressed is how Princess Jasmine and Aladdin become more “Caucasian” throughout the movies. Russo states the message kids would be getting is how good guys started having light skin and the bad guys started having dark skin.

I would have disagree with Russo’s statement about kids noticing the skin color difference. Kids would be focused on the Princess Jasmine, Aladdin, and the story line more than the color of their skin. To say, the skin color changes through the movies is tricky because technology wasn't so great back then to make high definition movies.

Image from Fanpop.

One of the issues from The Lady and the Tramp I will discuss in this post is the Siamese cats which are portrayed as stereotypical Asians: buck toothed, slanted eyes, and exaggerated accents. The cats are portrayed as evil, manipulated, and cunning.

I never knew it was a racial issue till I started to take it seriously. When you are a kid, you think those cats are mean and you hate them for what they do to the main character. Now when you watch the film again as a grown up, you realize there is a more depth to the cats than them being mean.

Image from DVD Active. 

Another article called, "Are these Disney Movies Racist?” by Jessica Misener also brings up the Siamese cat in The Aristocrats film. The Siamese cat plays piano with chopsticks and also sings in the song “Everyone Wants to Be a Cat,” but talks about fortune cookies and making fun of the ways Asians speak.

When I was a kid, I thought it was silly and funny how the cat was acting. I knew Asians used chopsticks, but I never thought it was a racism issue. However, now as a grown up, I see the racism and stereotype build up.

This is only part one of the destruction Disney has done. It only gets worse in my second post about the films. Stay tune for part two for more.

What do you think so far? How do you feel about it?

Down the Memory Lane with Disney

"And at last I see the light, and it's like the fog has lifted."

Walt Disney has impacted a great amount of lives. There are different opinions about Disney; therefore, you can love or hate him because it will not change how Disney matters to me. My blog is here to provide some informational history about Disney as well as acknowledge the racial discrimination and sexualizations of both genders in Disney films. 

The picture comes from Disney and the source is Telegraph. Mickey Mouse was Walt Disney's first release.

"Oh, I just can't wait to be king!"

The Lion King came out in 1994, which was the year I was born in. So since it came out, I watched it constantly. Therefore, my Grandmother, who was visiting from India, ended up memorizing the movie and singing the songs because of how many times I watched it. Disney has been a part of me since the day I saw The Lion King. 

"Everybody wants to be a cat because a cat's the only cat who knows where it's at."

One of my personal experiences as a kid was to watch the Disney movies and sing-along. I found myself being spontaneous because of such color in the films, the catchy songs, and the story line. Of course, growing up I heard and noticed a lot of issues with Disney films and why many people opposed Disney. 

The picture comes from Disney and the source is Telegraph. Mickey Mouse become extremely famous.

"We are Siamese if you please."

Controversy about the movies have stirred many. A lot of movies included racial discrimination and sexualizing genders, which will be discussed throughout the blogs. 

"Under the Sea, darling it's better, down where it's wetter."

Disney also has a lot of hidden messages in his films and illustrations. My mind continues seeing these films from a child's point of view so my feelings are conflicted. I do understand the films were made for adults, but I feel as some children get influences in a wrong direction by Disney.

The picture comes from Disney and the source is Telegraph. 

"I won't say I am in love."

Some people hate and some love Disney; however, no one can be perfect and loved by everyone. There is always someone who hates or opposes. I personally know Disney has inspired me and helped me see the light in the darkest times. 

"Look for the bare necessities, the simple bare necessities." 

I value Walt Disney because he has given us inspiration and dreams. Watching the movies, I always felt as if I was the main characters, battling through struggles of life. Disney has always been there for me when I needed it the most because Disney has always uplifted me and made me smile.

The picture comes from Disney and the source is Telegraph. This is a picture of Mickey throughout the years.

"Someday my prince will come."

I feel as if Disney spoiled people because most people felt special and precious through his films. Children watching certain films, dreamed of being princesses and princes, even in Disney theme parks. There is a joyful and thrilling feeling Disney gives off because of the breathtaking beauty and joy of the movies and theme parks. 

"Never had a friend like me."

Going to Disneyland, I felt so electrified! My brain could not handle the excitement. I was going around meeting different Disney characters, enjoying the lovely scenery, and rides. There was no better place than Disneyland for me. 

"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream."
To add, Disney has given hope to many children and has brought things to life. Movies, music, art, theme parks, and toys of Disney have a certain charm which anyone could enjoy and get excited.

Posted by Casey Wilson on the website http://ufkidlit.wordpress.com/. This is the Disney logo which is featured in all Disney films. 

"Cruella De Vil."
When I was little, my Dad took me to McDonalds and he used to get me the Happy Meal. I would always look forward to them because I would get Disney toys; nevertheless, Disney was everywhere when I was growing up. 

"Poor Unfortunate Souls." 
I just wonder why Walt Disney made the movies for adults, obviously the children enjoy them, but did he ever think he would trigger children or was this all a beautiful accident? I honestly feel everyone should enjoy Disney because it uplifts your spirit. You can be a kid or an adult, but it doesn't hurt to enjoy a terrific Disney movie. Hakuna Matata!


What is your opinion on Disney? Any Dislikes or Likes?