Women’s roles in society have been changing since the revolution of ideas and the outbreak of feminism in the sixties and seventies. Women were encouraged by these movements to achieve and not be bound by gender roles which were nothing more than socially constructed norms. However, today many classic children’s films, such as Disney movies, often portray views of women that reinforce stereotypical traditional gender myths and roles.
For example, Disney’s ‘Cinderella’ endures with patience the abominable treatment of her step-mother and stepsisters, who treat her as a virtual slave as she waits for Prince Charming to rescue her from her plight. Similar stories are found in many Disney movies, as the classic ‘princess in distress’ stereotype is reviewed over and over. This stereotype can be found in films as old as Disney’s first animated full length features, such as ‘Snow White’ and ‘Sleeping Beauty’, but has also found its way into more recent Disney productions such as ‘The Lion King’ and even ‘Tarzan’.
Only a few exceptions can be found that break the mould of reinforcing gender norms, such as Mulan, which portrays the female protagonist not as a helpless woman in distress, but as a vibrant character who drives the plot and the action. Such films are sadly, the exception and not the rule when it comes to films specifically made for children.
Perhaps some will say that Disney’s film making has only given new voice to old stereotypes contained in fairy tales that are as old as our culture itself, but surely there ought to be more examples of children’s movies that promote gender equality in this day and age.
First question: What are these films teaching young children about gender roles in modern society, and is it necessarily a bad thing that they reflect traditional gender roles?
Second question: Do you believe there ought to be more children’s films made that portray powerful, or at least “equal”, characterizations of women as active participants in the story rather than passive damsels in distress? Or is this view overblown?
19 comments:
I think that Disney films containing fairytale plots portray women in a feminine way. Though it may not be the ideal outlook on women, it is better than other modern films that portray them as objects defined by their physical appearance. Children’s movies that portray women as taking an active, powerful role show that they are more than just the prize to be won. But many of these Disney movies are simply following the typical fairytale archetype which calls for a masculine hero and damsel in distress and I do not think that those portrayals are harmful to children as they learn about society’s gender codes.
I definitely think Disney is an advocate for gender roles. They persuade every little girl to want to be a princess (which I don't think is a bad thing...) I don't think Disney should change their portrayal of women. If they made them tough girls they would come across as bossy and rude. I do not believe gender roles are always a bad thing.
I also feel that the gender roles of man-provider, women-caretaker is not a negative because that is the way that it is set up in the Church. These classic gender roles are very defined in the proclamation to the family and therefore cannot be all that bad. I believe that if these gender roles are accompanied with respect than they are fine by me.
I'm not going to lie, I loved Disney movies when I was growing up, especially Sleeping Beauty. I'm not sure that the depictions of women in Disney movies really influenced my perception of my role as a woman in society, however. I think in more recent years Disney has really played up the whole "Princess" idea, with specific "princess" movies but at a certain age, girls realize that tales of princesses are not realistic of every day life and that they don't have to conform to the images of women they saw in their childhood.
While the ultimate goal of each of Disney princess is to find her prince and live happily ever after, I think that there are other, less traditional messages sent in the films as well. While each princess does ultimately find her prince, each of them possess a certain individuality that allows them to function before their prince comes along. Each of the princesses are relatively happy before and after their prince turns up, telling young girls that they can have a fulfilling life with or without a man (but that they should want a man).
I think that over the years the way Disney portrays its female leads has changed substantially. I think it changes to better reflect our own perception of women. For example:
There's Snow White, the as-traditional-as-you-can-get woman. She sings. She cooks. She cleans. And she plays "mother" to the seven dwarves.
Then you have Aurora, Sleeping Beauty, and she is basically the same minus one thing. She doesn't want to be told who she has to marry. She doesn't want to marry a prince. She wants to marry the boy she is in love with (if you can call it love after five minutes).
But then a few years down the road, you have Jasmine. And though she is a princess, she basically does what she wants. She turns down suitor after suitor and sneaks out. Later on in the plot, she makes it quite clear to Aladdin that she is not "a prize to be won". She doesn't want to be associated with that whole idea of a trophy wife.
Later we run into Mulan. She's not graceful. She's not into make-up and tea parties. And though she lives in China (where this would totally not fly), she runs off and joins the army to save her father's life. She isn't a passive bystander. She's intelligent--more so than her male counterparts. And though she has to fight to be heard, we identify with her. Her life's not easy, but in the end she makes it work.
Last year, Disney introduced its latest princess, Tiana (Princess and the Frog). And she's not a princess at all. She's a waitress. She works two jobs and all so she can make her dreams come true. She's not asking for a fairy godmother. She's wants to do it all on her own, and she'll work herself to death to do it.
All in all, I think the Disney vault could probably tell us a lot about gender roles in our society.
I don't think it's a bad thing that the films portray traditional gender roles. The gender roles are traditional for a reason; it has been that way for thousands of years and only in the past 50 or so years have people tried to change that. I don't think it's necessary for films to change and show women in powerful positions, because frankly, the world is just not that way for the most part.
When I watch disney movies, I don't really pay attention to gender roles, but I'm sure it plays a big part in teaching children what women do vs. what men do. Having more films that show men and women as equals would benefit everyone as we try to change traditional views.
When I watch disney movies, I don't really pay attention to gender roles, but I'm sure it plays a big part in teaching children what women do vs. what men do. Having more films that show men and women as equals would benefit everyone as we try to change traditional views.
Im not sure I agree that the newest batch of Disney films follow this exact theme. In most of the disney movies I remember, the female princess is far from helpless. Mulan again along with lion king, beauty and the beast, and that new one, all seem to portray women that do not follow the norm. Irregardless, I think its better for little girls to want to be nice and proper, rather than any alternative.
Maybe its because I have no problem with most of these movies, or what ideas they are teaching children, but I think honestly, even though they may be enforcing gender roles, would you rather have your children watching the movie Elektra at age 7?
Also, I do believe that many movies are still stereotyped in this way, but if women are really ticked about it, they just need to change it by becoming the solution. Also, in my opinion, at least most of the guys I've seen, would feel out of place if they didn't try to protect their wives and children. If they want to do it, and as a women you aren't playing the sympathy and manipulation card, I'd say, it always isn't a bad thing to feel safe and protected.
The tough thing about Disney movies is that these movies are so much a part of our, or at least my cultural mythology, that it is hard for many to think that these movies are portraying women in a negative, or not correct manner. We have been socialized to expect the gender roles we see in Disney Classics. Even in Mulan, although she is a strong willed individual who brings "honor" back to her family, the movie insinuates that she goes back to her traditional role as a woman in society. (the war hero captain comes back to woo her)
We are blessed to have revelation from prophets of God who have helped us as members of the church understand the purpose of life and what we are responsible to do as well. Gender roles are outlined, and although not concrete, help us be as effective as we can in the roles we have. Many classic Disney movies have a sense of this traditional gender role expectation. There are many good lessons in Disney movies, but they don't have to be our ultimate source of truth or socialization.
i like how the disney movies portray their princesses. that is the format of a traditional fairytale and love story. if you think about when a lot of these movies were made it was back in a day when that is how women were portrayed and supposed to act like. but the more recent films such as Mulan and the Princess and the Frog, portray women as strong, capable, independent women, just the way the women of today want to be shown as. I think the way the women are shown in these movies is perfectly fine and it generally reflects the standards and norms of the time in which they were created. And especially in the world today when there is so much confusion about gender roles i think it is good that they are sticking to the normal way.
Personally, I think one of the things that Disney is trying to promote, which is good, is the idea of chivalry. Disney is teaching young men that they ought to treat women with respect (as a princess) and that they have a responsibility to respect women and be chivalrous. However, I do agree that we could use some more Disney movies that allow women to be the heroes. And while I believe that, I think that in most of the Disney movies lately that aren't cartoon do allow women and girls to be the heroes.
I don't think it's a bad thing that disney movies portray traditional gender roles. In fact I really don't think gender roles have anything to do with movies like "Cinderella" or "Snow White." Disney was simply trying to make a movie based on the classic fairy tales. If they were to change the Cinderella or Snow White characters to rescue themselves the story would seem ridiculous. I feel like the more recent animated films do promote equal characterizations of women. For example, the latest animated disney movie The Frog Prince tells the story of an independent girl who is trying to open her own restaurant, and doesn't need the help of a man to do it, but who falls in love a long the way.
I think it is important to remember that the majority of those films were made a long time ago. I don't think it necessarily promotes negative gender roles, partially because kids know those movies are not reality. It takes place "in a kingdom far far away". I don't think we need to be concerned about making more films with powerful women or whatever. Plus I think those women were strong in there own way. Consider Belle, that agreed to be a prisoner to the Beast in order to save her father. That takes guts and that is a heroic thing to do.
Although Disney originally portrayed stereotypical womens roles, I think in their recent productions, they are leaning away from that, take Mulan for example. I think it's better that women play the "damsel in distress" role as opposed to the recent outlook on women: objects defined sexually by their physical appearance. Although, I think you are right, Disney could definitely "step up" gender-role equality, but I think it's the Cinderella, the Snow White's that sell to their target audience: young girls.
I dont think there is anything wrong with the way Disney portrays its female characters to young girls. Its what appeals to them. When I was a little girl, this is what I loved about watching Disney, pretty feminine princesses waiting for their prince charming. Its what little girls want on a subliminal level. A prince charming, true love's kiss, and a happy ending. Too idealistic? Perhaps, but they'll discover what the real world is like soon enough. I say, let them dream while they can
Gender roles are great. They give people definition and make sense of society. I don't like some of the things that Disney does, but at least they help give little boys and girls identity.
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