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Thoughts on Disney

Helen's thoughts

So for my homework for Philosophy this weekend, our teacher has assigned that we watch a few youtube video clips that shows sexism in Disney films. Here are the ones I watched and what I thought of them.
And BONUS! I saw a post on Coriander's blog about Soviet Pooh, and said I'd write my thoughts on it too. It's at the end of this post :]


I've always thought it kinda odd that almost all the women in Disney films have such "attractive" features such as full lips, slender/feminine bodies, and really pretty eyes. I think that goes for all heroines in Disney films, so this video really just points it out so I can solidify what I've always known about Disney women.


Now I think this video is more interesting. I've never really looked at masculinity in Disney films, but after watching this video, it totally points out how men are expected to behave certain way, or look a certain way, just like the heroines in Disney films. Plus it finally made me understand why Atlantis wasn't a very popular movie...sadly. Lol. But then again, the Emperor in The Emperor's New Groove wasn't a "manly man" by any means in the movie, but somehow it has enjoyed popularity that Atlantis never quite got. I think it's because even though the Emperor didn't look like a "manly man", he acted like a jerk, lol. That's just my speculation.


This one is perhaps my favorite video to watch. She explained everything so well. Just give it a shot and see what you think of it.

Conclusion: After watching those videos, I can't help but wonder if the films are sexist because they're a reflection of our society, or just our gender ideals? And at what level are we equal, and how can we portray that in these films? I don't know if I want to call Disney films sexist. I'd much rather call them "traditional". I personally have never really put much thought into sexism and gender equality before, so I have no idea where we draw the line between "that's just a difference between men and women" and "that's sexist"? I know sexism is defined as "something that is used to negatively stereotype a sex", so does that mean when someone says to a woman "You have no balls", that's sexist? I mean I guess the answer would be yes, but it's both a factual statement (women don't have testes hurrrr) and a figure of speech (ie you're cowardly).
I'm much better at pointing out blatant sexism than I am with things like Disney sexism, I guess D: Btw all the things I'm writing here is pretty much just based on my lack of knowledge, so please don't be offended by it. I'm just not sure how to phrase what I want to say at the moment, hahaha. I hope after my philosophy class on Monday I'll be able to voice my idea on gender equality.

I did write this piece on my LJ before though. I thought it was fairly good. Check it out! :P

Now then: SOVIET!POOH!

I dunno about you guys, but I thought this was awesome, lol. It's soooo cute. Soviet Pooh is more like a racoon than a bear, imo, but cute none the less. The animation is very different from the original, as is the music. S!P is so amusing though, because it just seems so alien, lol. I actually like S!P's voice actor better too. Winnie Pooh's voice has always reminded me of that of a pedophile...Otherwise, Coriander points out many good differences between S!P and Winnie Pooh already, so go read it! :P

10 comments:

{ Ada } at: October 24, 2010 at 5:49 PM said...

"You have no balls" is sexist because it assumes that men (people with balls) are automatically braver than people without. Things like "you're a pussy" are sexist for similar reasons - they use terms or slang most connected to women to denigrate people.

Traditional things can also be sexist xD

{ AskAMassivePro } at: October 24, 2010 at 7:04 PM said...

Funny how Hitler was like in love with Disney.

{ HSP } at: October 24, 2010 at 8:30 PM said...

It's kind of funny some how people look to Disney Princesses as inspiration for their ideals.

I think these films show off a lot of traditional ideas. I agree with Ada on how these ideas can be sexist. Sometimes unintentionally. After all, they probably just pandering to an audience who just loves romantic and happy endings!

{ One } at: October 25, 2010 at 12:19 AM said...

I hate the gender stereotypes Disney was and still is guilty of perpetuating. I can't think of any female main character who gets what she wants by a means other than her sexuality and/or being saved by the man. The happy ending always seems to be true, heterosexual love between a stunningly beautiful princess and her studly protector-man. That's true of so many movies, though.

{ Coriander } at: October 25, 2010 at 2:57 AM said...

Gahh-- I had to do a project like this too-- And I got pretty much the same thing out of it. I never really payed attention to it. . . because it seemed. . . really. . . obvious to me. Like "Oh-- All girls look like this in the movies. Alright. Whatever."
Hell, even the women who were villains-- were. . . really-- portrayed as fat or something. . . you didn't really want to touch. . . fffff-- I don't know what I'm saying--
My teacher made us watch The Princess and the Frog to break that down-- and I guess. . . It's even in there too. Though most of us thought it was more racist than anything.
Ahh~ Movies and Philosophy.
I-- I always thought the Emperors New Groove and Atlantis were awesome-- ; A; I'm sad that they didn't get as much media attention.

{ Christie Klein } at: October 25, 2010 at 7:06 AM said...

Is it bad that I always liked Gaston better than The Beast? I guess I just like assholes >_>

I bet Gaston is a Leo.

{ Elie } at: October 25, 2010 at 5:45 PM said...

totes unrelated, but you two have the cutest layout ever!

{ April } at: October 25, 2010 at 6:04 PM said...

This stuff pisses me off more than anything. As a child i hated Disney for all these reasons, though I didn't grasp the full of it until recent years.
There is a blog I read somewhere about false strong females, which would include characters like Belle, who are smart and sexy, and usually the intent of the creators is to make it seem like they are strong and equal to the male characters. But in fact in the end they are useless and have to saved.
/rant

{ Sinne Doll } at: October 25, 2010 at 6:07 PM said...

I'm actually a Disney movie junkie, but I've also ALWAYS noticed how Disney villains are very often portrayed with darker skin. Just something to think about! I enjoyed this post. <3

{ E. A. } at: October 27, 2010 at 8:29 AM said...

I dunno man, I always thought Malifacent was sexy as all get out. Guess I'm a weirdo.

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