What is it about?
This essay analyzes hidden and not so hidden messages given by semi-contemporary Disney films, images that make fun of minority, including gay males and American Indians through stereotyping and false history. While children absorb the messages unconsciously, adult viewers are prone to laugh at the portrayals which are often at the expense of Asians, gay males, etc.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
The significance of this paper is in helping social workers who work with families be aware of these media messages to which their families are exposed so they can recommend alternative films for family viewing with images that empower rather than ridicule.
Perspectives
I grew up seeing Cinderella, Snow White, the Song of the South, and Lady and the Tramp and of course internalized female roles accordingly. "Someday my prince will come" was very real to me. I actually love the Disney films and have a collection of the seven dwarfs on my bookcase. Still, I'm disturbed by how Disney films promote demeaning messages.
katherine van Wormer
university of northern iowa
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Cultural representations in Walt Disney films: Implications for social work education, Journal of Social Work, July 2016, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/1468017315583173.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
