The documentary Mickey Mouse Monopoly examines how sociological concepts portrayed in Disney films impact the cultural upbringing of children. It explores the practice of using oversimplified stereotypes of gender and age to shape the perception of children towards those of different genders and races, as well as their own behavior and self-perception. Moreover, the documentary addresses the unavoidable nature of these controlling images perpetuated by Disney. Furthermore, it delves into Disney’s implementation of gender roles in the minds of young children through stereotypical representations in their films.
The theme of women as seductive “sirens” is a recurring motif in Disney movies, like “The Jungle Book.” Mowgli, the protagonist, openly expresses his preference to live with animals in the jungle instead of humans. However, towards the end of the film, Mowgli is enticed away from the jungle by a girl around his age. Her enchanting hips and captivating song hypnotize him, leading him to prioritize sexual desire over his genuine longing to stay in the jungle.
The concept of women being seductive can be observed even in films that depict women as animals, like in “Fantasia.” These stereotypes carry such weight that young girls, when performing the “mirror test,” imitate the actions of the girls from these movies by dancing and caressing their bodies. Another gender stereotype is evident in Snow White. The princess is depicted as a stunning and pure young lady, completely unlike the average American woman. She lives in isolation in the forest and enjoys cooking and cleaning for the dwarves.
The concept of women being confined to domestic duties, without the freedom to pursue interests outside of the home, parallels the notion of women needing to be rescued by male figures. Regardless of their determination and passion, women are expected to rely on men for salvation. Additionally, the film highlights Disney’s neglect in acknowledging racial diversity and the stereotypes they perpetuate. For instance, in the latest Tarzan movie, there is a complete absence of racially diverse human characters.
When portraying a movie set in Africa, it is inappropriate for a white person to play the role of Tarzan. In addition, it is not acceptable for gorillas and apes to be depicted as speaking and behaving like black individuals, mimicking their soul or jazz movements and manner of speech. These gorillas and apes are often used to symbolize African Americans, with their desire to be recognized as human beings instead of being seen as mere animals. This portrayal echoes the injustices of slavery and the struggles for civil rights, where African Americans fought for equal treatment. By presenting Tarzan as a white character in Africa, Disney is highlighting the dominance of white individuals over black individuals in their own homeland.
Disney’s depiction of race frequently includes offensive stereotypes, although these are often overlooked due to the perceived charm of animated movies. A prime example of this can be seen in the portrayal of Siamese cats in “Lady and the Tramp”, which embodies a stereotypical image of Asian people – with slanted eyes, buck teeth, and a heavy accent. These types of images are presented to young children, shaping their understanding and potentially influencing their perception of different races. This is evident in instances such as the portrayal of Hyaenas in “Lion King” and a little boy referring to a group of black children as Hyaenas. The film eventually suggests this problematic connection, as advocated by Dr.
According to Henry Giroux, he argues that these dominant images cannot be avoided. He suggests that Disney, as a media conglomerate, is able to market their products extensively through various channels such as news outlets, toys, and other forms of media. This leads consumers to question why Disney’s presence is so widespread, even if their products are perceived negatively. Giroux questions how we can view Disney as corrupt considering their immense financial power and ability to shape sociological perceptions through their diverse industries.
