Picture of my daughter
I don’t know what it was, but, perhaps, it was when I sat down in front of one of my daughter’s Disney movies and saw a preview for a “DVD release only” movie about Tinker Bell’s adventures that I thought – “I’m OK with my daughter liking Disney.” Fundamentalists, I know Disney isn’t the most moral of producers. Liberals, I know Disney’s princesses at times have reinforced the traditional gender roles. But you know what? – I’m OK with my daughter watching Disney movies and television shows for a number of reasons, but, most importantly, the importance of imagination is emphasized in Disney products.
My daughter is a fan of a few things Disney. Her favorite TV shows are Handy Manny, My Friends Tigger & Pooh, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Little Einsteins. This Halloween she will be dressing up as Snow White. Finally, she is starting to become more interested in the Disney princesses.
We all grow up and are told that there are no such things as fairies, princesses, dragons, mice that talk, carpets that fly, or tigers that can bounce on their tails. No, I don’t believe in fairies (and, according to Peter Pan, that could kill one), but I would rather have a child who believes in fairies, princes, dragons, and toys that talk than the opposite. I’d rather have a daughter who dresses up like Snow White and pretends to be her, wishes for a prince to come, and imagines spending time with dwarfs than the opposite.
Children teach us so much about imagination. They teach us to believe in the impossible, to ask questions, and to run after the intangible. They love the little things in life, enjoy feeding ducks, or snuggling with their mothers. They love to jump into your lap and read a story. All of this because they have imaginations.
Where have our imaginations gone?
Do we not believe in fairies who bring joy behind the scenes? Do we not believe that God can do the impossible? Do I not believe that God can reach into my life and deliver me from evil? Do I not believe that there are dragons in this world who seek to destroy good and justice? Do we not believe in a prince who will rise from his rags and bring us into peace?
I’d rather my daughter believe in those things that Disney creates, and I’d rather her participate with Mickey Mouse and sit and read the adventures of Donald Duck; because when it comes down to believing and imagining in the intangible or dismissing all mystery, I’d rather my daughter watch Disney movies.
Mickey Mouse and friends
“Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”
For me, the more important issue is the commercial environment of the theme parks – in particular, the utopian vision of the global market in EPCOT where the wallet-wielding consumer is free to roam the “cultures” of the “world” and experience those cultures to the limits of his/her purchasing power. Then there’s the tour of progress or whatever it’s called where progress is intimately tied to global communications (specifically AT&T) and technological speed and ease.
As far as the gender roles are concerned… I just wonder if there are enough films that encourage imagination and fun mythology without encouraging girls (especially) to expect a flawless, gorgeous prince, or to think of themselves as princesses (which too often leads to an extreme sense of entitlement).
There’s nothing perfect… I like Shrek, where the heroes are ugly monsters, and they are in love despite their ogre-ship. But I’m not a parent, and I expect my opinions to shift and morph when I am
Excellent post.
Disney, Pixar, Marvel, etc. are a part of our western mythology and it’s important in a contextual sense. Stories like Beauty and the Beast and the Lion King give our children (and us adults) excellent themes. Among them include beauty vs. vanity, love vs. control, sacrifice vs the illusion of perfection. I could go on and on and affirm the importance of imagination and all but then I might as well write my own post.
Lastly, Nathan is dressing up as a monkey for Halloween (and yes, Halloween is among my favorite holidays. When you get to dress up like your favorite super-hero and get free candy, it must be from God
Anyway, perhaps some might say dressing our son up like a monkey may carry the risk of him rejecting creationism one day but that only demonstrates that their logic has not fully evolved yet. Nathan likes making the monkey sounds when he sees one in his bedtime reading, we thought what better costume to get free candy in?