The blog we chose is a visual presentation on Disney’s portrayal of masculinity. It is at: http://youtu.be/8CWMCt35oFY . This video takes something as innocent as a Disney movie and analyzes it, looking at male characters and how they are developed. Sanjay Newton takes us step by step through different Disney videos, describing how males are portrayed. He shows us how the male lead is developed through his relationship with women, his physical appearance, and his dominance. Outside of the video, there are many comments defending Disney movies and some who agree with the video. It seems to have sparked controversy and intrigue over something some people find very important to their childhood.
Conversation Starters:
· Have you ever thought about how Disney, or other childhood movies, portray men and women? Do you with agree with the video's opinion?
· Do you think this is avoidable to portray characters this way in youth movies/shows? If not, do you think this is acceptable to do?
· What affect, if any, does this pattern in characters have on children who watch them?
· Is there a specific movie you liked as a child? Do you think this movie has these same patterns? If so, do you think this had an effect on you?
· Looking back, what else as a child shaped your beliefs of how men and women should act/be?
· Is there a particular comment about the video that you agree or disagree with? Explain.
· The attitude of the comments range from mild to aggressive, why do you think some people have such strong reactions?
I have never really thought of the it like the YouTube video portrayed it. I always watched the movies as a child knowing that the man was always trying to win the women's heart, but i never really caught on the male dominance role that all these movies showed. I don't really think that we can steer the way these movies are made. Why i think that is because if we did, I don't think that it would be a good story to tell. It would be another kids show on Disney channel if they took out the love and male dominance aspect of it. I think it is acceptable to have these stories because the roles of men and women in these movies portrays some things in our every day lives. We cannot just shelter them away from whats really going on in the world. I was never a fan of Disney Movies as a child. Weird Right? I was a huge "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones" fan. My beliefs as a child was that Men were always supposed to be the hero and to take care of the women by working and putting food on the table for the family. I was also taught that women were the gentle carrying people, who takes care of the children and loves immensely. There really weren't that many comments that i necessarily disagreed with. I thought they had some good points and brought out subject that i never really put into prospective. The reasons why the comments raged immensely was because people probably didn't come in with a open mind prospective. They came in loving these movies and no matter what the documentary said, their opinions wouldn't change.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the video, I’m very much more aware of the stereotypical way that all male characters are portrayed in Disney movies. The statement in the video claiming that men are always depicted as the heroes and women as the heroines couldn’t be truer. Many people have deeply analyzed the way that women are displayed as the damsel in distress in Disney movies, but this is the first time that I’ve been forced to stepped back to look at the man’s role in these classic tales. Although, I don’t think that a child’s mind is capable of comprehending these aspects of Disney movies while they are watching them. Kids are being subconsciously exposed to these ideal versions of men and women. Children are just being constantly reminded of the “happy ending” in which a boy fights for his girl and wins her heart. I have always known that this has a major impact on the minds of little girls, waiting for their prince charming to rescue them, but I’m now realizing that the impact on little boys’ brains is just as strong. Boys are left believing that there’s no choice other than to be buff, bold, and brave under all circumstances.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching this video, I am now aware of how much of a part male dominance plays in Disney movies. When I was much younger I watched most of the famous Disney movies, and I expected the man to be the dominant figure and end up being the hero I also do believe that male dominance has to be portrayed in most movies because people want to watch a movie with male dominance, they have been used to it for years, and don't want to change. Men don't want to watch a movie where the women saves the man, they want to watch a movie where the man saves the girl so they can pretend that they were the man that saves and falls in love with the women.
ReplyDeleteThis video comes from a perspective that is rarely viewed. I am personally very unfamiliar with the content of Disney movies but i am not immune from it's popularity. Disney is portrayed always portrayed as wonderful, as dreams coming true, as everyone is happy. I don't think of Disney as a major player in enforcing gender roles upon children. I don't think Disney is aiming to force gender roles either. I feel like i share feeling with the opposing commentors of the video, Disney means no harm and are children really getting their views of reality from the Disney movies they watched as a child? The other question that was impossed to us that i thought was interesting was how else could disney portray these characters? I'm sure they could make their movies reflect an accepting culture where conformity is unecesary and you're accepted as who you are. But are they really that afr off that now? I also feel Disney movies are signicantly more centered towards girls, and yeah most little girls now want to be princesses so maybe Disney is rubbing off a little on them but i don't think it does much for boys.
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When I was younger, I never really considered how men and women were portrayed in the Disney movies that I watched. After seeing that though, it's clear that all the heroic men were masculine and strong and had something to fight for. The women always seen helpless and in need of rescue except for Mulan who wants to be a little more masculine. I don't think kids will analyzethe movies the way that we now do, but it will affect how they interact with each other. My favorite Disney movie when I was little was Little Mermaid and this was even an example in that clip, so the theme was definitely there. Ariel needed Eric to save her in order to get her voice back. I'm sure these movies had an impact on how I thought men and women were supposed to act and be when I was little.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up watching successful Disney film, one after the other, I did not think about how masculinity and dominance were a factor. After watching the video I see what they are trying to say about presenting a good role model for boys, instead of these big, chiseled, dominating men. What I truly believe is that kids that see these movies, do not really understand the topics that the video portrays. After watching the Youtube video, I recognize what they are trying to convey, but I still do not see it as a problem. The videos opinion makes a valid argument, but I disagree. I think Disney should continue to portray men looking like this. Throughout all time, men have always strived to be a chiseled as they can be. That's what we as men want with our bodies, is to big be in anyway possible. Disney understands this, and shouldn't change their approach because this is what sells. Disney would lose money if they tried to appeal to everybody with a new look at what men should actually be. As men we strive for that perfect body, perfect woman, and perfect life. Until today, these views did not impact me in anyway. Although I am not the most physically fit person in the world, I am glad about the way I turned out. I have a good mind, a sharp personality, and I fit into society pretty well. Although it would be nice to have washboard abs, I do not suffer in anyway by not having them. Disney should continue to do the things they have been doing, because in the end, the vast majority of people watching the movie are not going to try and idolize the men that are portrayed in them.
ReplyDeleteBefore seeing this Youtube video, I had never thought about this pattern that most Disney movies tend to follow. I found it very interesting that so many Disney movies portray men as strong, fit, and overall muscular. It seemed as though all the heroes were built in this masculine way whereas the sidekicks or villains were the opposite. This portrayal of men gives young boys watching these movies the impression that they have to look this way in order to be considered a man. I don't agree with the way these Disney movies portray men because the audience is usually young kids. I think that these movies are giving kids the wrong ideas about masculinity and at such a young age. I never noticed these patterns as a kid so I don’t think kids necessarily realize the underlying message the movies are giving them. Even if the audience doesn't knowingly recognize this pattern, they still will try to relate to certain characters.
ReplyDeleteI am well aware as to how Disney has portray female roles and male roles in their movies, since I had a similar topic in one of my class and this was also used. What I would like to point out is the economic side from this is, will more people follow the trend where the female is the person saving the male from an evil character. Taken into consideration this is being aimed at the average American consumer (by average I mean all nationality/religion/etc. How likely would the marketing aspect sell if the female is the dominate one and the male is playing the opposite role. It will not get sold that much in both merchandise and so on. Being that most factors that influence this is old style thinking of how men are the dominate one and are suppose to provide and protect and it is not ready for such a change.
ReplyDeleteSimilarly on the line of it provide gender role for kids to follow in footstep to. Or rather a structure to identify with. Since we all need structure to develop. So the question I am posing to who ever read my post if they even do is; is it right for society to preset thinking and gender roles? Also in comparison who can say this is the same case as should circumcision be ban but less extreme.
I noticed that most of movies showed in the video are carton movies. So they might exaggerate something in part. Which means masculinity might be over portrayed and we all know that. So from my perspective, I can’t agree with Disney movies are dominated by Sexism, Strength and Dominance totally. But I believe the carton movies do provide an image to young children that men should be strong and dominated. And I did like the fairy tale in carton movies when I was a little girl. The prince will always come to save the girl he loved. Good story always with a good ending. Why not? It’s the world supposed to be. Men have more developed muscles and bones than women physically. That’s the nature which we can not change.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in the age of technology, i always adored the disney movies for there work and stories. As a kid i remember watching Mulan at least once a month; little did i know the meanings hidden in the stories. Even today, being in a university, i still reminisce about all the aesthetic scenes that made me go "wow, cool" as a kid. After watching this video however, i have a change of heart. i already began to understand that they focus on masculinity, but the video summed everything up for me and made my thoughts stronger towards believing that sexism was shown. This, i believe, has really affected me, even though i fail to agree to it. The younger generation all still follow the disney movie series and thus still have the same affect. Children are taught growing up that if you don't become more dominant and ripped, you are going to be the laughing stock. I personally know people who are not in shape because they have hormonal problems, does that make them less of a human? or does it really take away their right to be socially extrovert? My thoughts and opinions have completely changed; not entirely due to this video, but because it made my beliefs about masculinity stronger.
ReplyDeleteOf course this idea of male dominance and appearance is seen throughout disney movies because it is the "ultimate" idea of a man. As a child boys are taught to be tough and and manly, and to attempt to grow up into this strong man. Thats why these movie are made this way, to attract the attention of young boys, who are the primary audience. Regarding the way women are portrayed, and how men act toward them, it too is simply the stereotype that is placed on women and relationships in life. Boys are also taught to stick up for women and protect, and save them. They are taught to fight for them. To a point this is productive because men are supposed to protect women. However, at some times in these films and in society, women become an object of mens pleasure and are only there to do what men need them to do. Some of what these movies portray is good and productive, however some is counterproductive and teaches boys the wrong message, but it is what draws everyone in to want to watch.
ReplyDeleteDisney aims at more than kid market, but it’s true that kis are its largest customer base. I spent lots of time watching cartoons such as disney and pixar and they were one of the main ways for entertainment at that time. And I guess majority of us in this classroom had the same experience. When I was watching I would never never think why women and men were portrayed in this pattern that is describing in the video, however now I’d like to say it’s reasonable to follow this pattern.
ReplyDeleteCartoons we watch influence the way we think. Boys will have heroic dream and cartoons they watch are great contributors. In cartoons, different characters will have different appearance. It’s a pattern that audiences can distinguish how they are at the first glance. Cartoons are straightforward that basically good guys are good looking and fit , and they are always doing good things; while bad guys often look weird and they are trying their best to be jerks. Thus kids can easily be led to follow good guys. Doing good things and being nice, kids are implies that what and they should do.
Thus it is reasonable for disney to have certain patterns when producing a cartoon, for their products are made to have educational meanings besides amusement. In fact, disney products have to firstly satisfy parents instead of kids because parents always control what their kids watch. Parents, though love their children and expect they can live their own lives, prefer their children to be good and fit. So producers creat characters like that to be loved by kids.
The video presented is correct is pointing out how men are portrayed as the dominant, physical character whose main role is to act as the hero. What the video disregards though, as many comments on the video show, is the background of each of the Disney movies and how the male dominance plays an important role into the society and history the movie is set in. A perfect example of this is the movie Mulan, an old Chinese folktake about a young woman attempting to take her ailing father's place in the army as the invading Huns grow closer. Mulan is portrayed as the innocent, weak and quiet girl who is attempting to become a part of a vicious, physically trained army which is evident by the men shown in the army. They are all large, dominant figures who objectify the perfect warrior. Naturally, the men of the army are going to be somewhat reluctant to let her join them in battle, but this important detail is what makes this movie's main idea work: the non-heroic, quite, non-dominating figure is the true hero in the story. When looking at just bits and pieces of the movie, one could draw the conclusion of men being portrayed as dominant, but when attempting to understand the full story, it is evident the director wanted this to show how much of a hero Mulan was.
ReplyDeleteI myself have never realized this about Disney movies but after watching the video and looking back at the memories I have from when I was a little boy watching these movies, the reality has become very clear. The reality is that society puts pressure on how to be successful boys and girls from a very young age, subconsciously trying to define what it means to be a man and what it means to be a woman is for us, rather than allowing ourselves to find it out. I agree completely with this video and I found in eye opening. I have always enjoyed Disney movies however it is very sad that from a very young age we have been force fed ideas on what it means to be successful in society based on what gender you are. For men you must be strong, tough, have light skin and a deep Anglo voice, a hero that in all sense of the word perfect. As a girl you are told you need to be skinny, education is as important as looks, that you must find a man to be happy and if you don’t like the computer animated characters then you are an outcast. I think that this is inevitable due to the fact that this is has always been the case since man has walked the earth, however with the advances with modern technology I believe that the message is being spread much faster and our standards of what perfect is exponentially increasing.
ReplyDeleteThis video does indeed have a valid point. The main characters in all Disney movies are always at least mildly attractive, with women being slim and pretty and men being strong and handsome. Men are usually shown rescuing a damsel in distress while women are shown trying to find their prince charming. However, these movies are not entirely supporting gender roles. There are many movies where both a strong and able man and a weak and unattractive man both fight for the same women, and the women ends up choosing the weak one because of his character. In other words, the moral of this type of movie are looks aren't everything. This is shown in the movie Beauty and the beast where Gaston is strong, handsome, and yet rude and arrogant. The beast is ugly, however, wins Bella over with his character. So while gender roles are definatly portrayed Disney movies, I have to disagree that as a whole that they are actually promoting and encouraging them.
ReplyDeleteIn Disney's cartoon, men's physical appearance and dominance were portrayed a lot, and that is an attractive character of cartoon. Because having a strong physical appearance, the capacity to dominant, and becoming welcome are always the goal that boys are trying to reach and are rarely showing around them, and the cartoon builds a perfect guy appears so easily. When the movies showing that one man with these characters has had a happy consequence in the end of the movie, the hero becomes an idol in the young audiences mind and it leads the young boys to think about becoming a men like that in the movies. At the same time, the idols from these movies are always standing for the courage and justice, this gives a standard of behavior to the children in their sub consciousness, shaping their good behavior and principle in their future. But at the same time when it is not a cartoon, the Disney movies will also shows the special cases, such as The Princess Diaries. In The Princess Diaries, Anne Hathaway acts a princess who finally overcomes her fear and worry, realizes her responsibility and becomes confident enough to be qualified to take the power, showing the dominance of a woman, and this portrays a girl with normal looking also carrying with the courage and dominance, which will be portrayed not so powerful like this in cartoons. So the dramatically portrayed masculinity in cartoons is not bad because it could be only reached in cartoon.
ReplyDeleteWatching this movie made me remember why Mulan was one of my favorite Disney movies. The main female character, although acting as a man, show’s that women can be just as masculine as men can. She can run, fight, and climb with the best of them. Unfortunately, the movie is right about Disney’s hyper-masculine portrayal of men. It’s telling boys that in order to get the girl, you have to be strong, and you have to fight for her. And it tells girls that they need to sit back and watch boys fight over you. WHAT? I don’t think, however, that Disney is about to let its images of men and women go without a fight. We still buy their movies for our kids and it sells, why change it? I think some people have such a strong attachment to Disney movies because we grew up with them. I mean, I don’t want to see them go, even if they’re brainwashing us.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a child, my parents were not very supportive of my love for Disney movies. They tried as hard as they could to stop me from watching them 24/7 and I never really understood why. This video was not the first time I have thought about how the heros are portrayed. Disney movies give a little girl the dream of finding her prince charming and living happily ever after, but they are setting us up for failure and disappointment. The heros are fictional and also a cartoon, so we not matter how hard we try to find him, he is not real. Similar to how ever girl who has ever seen The Notebook is just waiting for their Noah (the main character). He is the epitome of devotion and passion, but he is also fictional and the actor who played him in the movie, Ryan Gosling, is supposed to be the opposite of his character in The Notebook. This video made me think about how Disney movies affected guys though, which I had never thought about. Even though there are exceptions to the pattern, such as Alladin, every hero is always strong, handsome, and fearless. I never thought about how they were setting up boys to fail just as much as us, if not more! How are they supposed to compete with a perfect man? As for the comments on YouTube, I think that because Disney movies were such a big part of a lot of children's lives, those people do not like to see them analyzed negatively and shown through a lens that could taint their image of Disney.
ReplyDeleteSo I understand that Disney wants to give children hope. I’ve always been more tomboyish so my favorite Disney movies as a child were Mulan, Pocahontas, and Beauty and the Beast. In these movies the female character was more masculine, independent, and stronger physically and mentally, unlike The Little Mermaid, Snow White, and Cinderella, who are all very feminine. But as for the men, I guess I never really bothered to notice it much. Somehow I knew as a child that guys are not really like that, maybe cause of my older brother. He was a jerk, so I looked at boys as jerks, not my heroes. In elementary school boys would just hang out with other boys and pick on the cute girls, aka jerks. But I can’t blame them. Apparently everyone wants to blame Disney movies. I didn’t think many boys watched Disney movies like girls did. Looking back I really feel that I didn’t watch Disney as much as everyone else did, and I spent more time trying to be one of the guys, not trying to woo them.
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