Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us- Extended Comments

Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us- 
By Linda Christensen

Extended Comments 

After reading the article, "Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us" by Linda Christensen, I read a post from one of my fellow classmates, Amanda F, and agree with her argument that "Disney Films are not as innocent as one may think." I agree with both Amanda and Christensen that films such as Disney films in particular are actually giving its audiences a "secret education". Having grown up loving these movies it is so very easy to relate to. I would like to add that it is hard to reverse these stereotypes that we all grew up watching. I do feel that it is getting better today, and that these characters in these movies are more realistic and relate-able. But if you go back and look at all the older classic princess movies it is a harsh reality and explains why so many young women and young men have insecurity issues and senses of a false reality.


I agree with Amanda on the topic of race in these movies. She says "When children watch a movie which negatively depicts a certain race, they will start to believe that this race is in fact inferior." I feel that this is so true. and also works the other way when they show a race as superior , such as only white princes and princesses. When they came out with the movie "The Princess and the Frog," I feel that movie really gave young girls of color someone to look up to and that is possible for  someone of their race to be a princess or be someone important and that dreams really can come true for them.

"When children watch movie after movie in which the beautiful princess is saved by her handsome prince, they are taught that looks are more important than anything else and that women need men to save them." Amanda made this statement in her post and I think this is so incredibly true and absolutely agree. This is something that I feel like has not changed in Princess movies recently unlike other changes that they have started to make in these movies. I really think they need to make a movie where the princesses save themselves or work together and show young girls that they can do anything they put their minds to.


I found an article that is relative to this topic of gender stereotypes in princess movies:
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/disney-princess-principles-gender-stereotypes

Question to think about: Even though it seems like they are trying to break the stereotypes in these movies, such as gender, race, etc..what are other types of negative stereotypes and lessons that young children should not be growing up watching and idolizing?