From musical numbers performed by talking crabs, to a green one-eyed monster trying to perform stand up comedy, Disney creates the happiest of childhood memories. With the evolution of thoughts and ideas, Disney is continuing to push the limits and turn something great into something even better.
“Disney broke stereotypes for girls in the media,” Laura Rolfes, senior, said. “Tangled, Brave, and Frozen all feature girls who don’t need a man to save them. It’s nice to know that there’s a place for little girls to have examples of females who are strong. They get awesome role models.”
The movies are completely changing girls’ views about the world they are growing up in.
“The movies are showing girls that just because there is a guy, you don’t have to date or marry them without really knowing them,” Rolfes said. “My favorite is Mulan. She’s strong and proved that girls can save the guy too.”
Disney should be praised for throwing out the damsel in distress stereotype and teaching little girls not to spend their lives looking for their Prince Charmings, but instead to have their own adventures.
“I think that it’s great that Elsa saved Anna in Frozen and it wasn’t a boy,” Rosemary Caparelli, Child Development teacher, said. “I think it’s certainly going to develop stronger characters for females.”
Disney does have shortcomings. For example, Caparelli says that some Disney movies may be too scary for little kids and says, “It’s important for parents to watch [the movies] with their children to explain it.”
Yes, the movies can be frightening, but Disney balances the serious and scary situations with the playful and enjoyable fun. The musical aspect of Disney movies also opens kids up to unknown worlds.
“Disney definitely introduced me to music,” Rolfes said. “My parents weren’t really into playing music around the housee only really had Disney movies. I probably wouldn’t have joined 4th grade choir if it wasn’t for the fact that we sang colors of the wind from Pocahontas. Now I’m a spirit leader in women’s choral.”
No matter what age, Disney songs can make anyone feel good and upbeat.
“‘Oh I Just Can’t Wait To Be King’ from the Lion King is my favorite Disney song,” Rolfes said. “It always make me feel happy. It reminds me that I’m not always going to have to live at home or be treated like a little kid.”