Disney and Gender Identity Essay - 1426 Words

Disney’s Influence Society cements certain roles for children based on gender, and these roles, recognized during infancy with the assistance of consumerism, rarely allow for openness of definition. A study conducted by Witt (1997) observed that parents often expect certain behaviors based on gender as soon as twenty-four hours after the birth of a child. The gender socialization of infants appears most noticeably by the age of eighteen months, when children display sex-stereotyped toy preferences (Caldera, Huston, O’Brian 1989). This socialization proves extremely influential on later notions and conceptions of gender. Children understand gender in very simple ways, one way being the notion of gender permanence—if one is born a girl or†¦show more content†¦Evidence of Influence According to a 1995 study by Michael Eisner, â€Å"more than 200 million people a year watch a Disney film...385 million watch a Disney TV show every week†¦more than 50 million people a year from all lands pass through the turnstiles of Disney theme parks† (Bud 2005). Disney’s influence pervades society. The media inundation that children receive thanks to Walt Disney proves problematic. Studies have been done to prove that television and visual media influence children’s views of gender. At a young age, the mind is plastic and the world is composed of observations and experiences. The Kaiser Family Foundation conducted a study of children in 2003 then again in 2005 to observe the amount of television watched per week in a longitudinal study. They concluded that media exposure in children was on the steady rise. Earlier, in 1999, the Kaiser Family Foundation reported that children watched 2.5-3 hours of television each day—20 hours a week. Disney owns companies from Baby Einstein Company to Marvel Entertainment to ABC studios, making their range of influence span across generations (â€Å"Resources†). Therefore, the Disney view seeps into the minds of children, adolescents, and adults alike. In 2010, Kyla Boyse researched TV statistics in children. On average, 2-5 year olds spent thirty-two hours a week watchingShow MoreRelatedUniversal Authority And Traditional Sites Of Learning1331 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction The Walt Disney Corporation and their films have served as icons that have produced numerous animated films, whose characters have become heroines for adolescents for over a decade. The Disney Corporation along with its princess collection is recognized as a powerful influencer on children’s media; thus, teaching societal norms for target adolescent groups. Disney’s collection of princesses have spanned over 78 years, from the first generation Disney princess movies (Snow White andRead MoreMovie Analysis : Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs1697 Words   |  7 PagesThrough Disney animations Walt Disney has cultivated a society driven by stereotypes on gender roles that have restricted the liberties of young girls and boys alike to explore their own individuality. Disney s brilliance transcended beyond his ability to captivate an audience, his true talent resided within his ability to leave a direct impact on his viewers. As the prominent academic Jack Zipes puts it, The power of Disney s fairytale films does not reside in the uniqueness or novelty of theRead MoreEssay on How Do Gender Roles Get Portrayed in Disney Films?702 Words   |  3 PagesIntroduction A. Definition of Gender Roles A gender role consists of characteristics that refer to a set of social and behavioral norms that are widely considered appropriate for either males or females. Gender roles are different throughout society and cultures. One gains gender roles unconsciously, consciously, or genetically due to cultural rules (Princeton). B. How film characters are seen by the audience Many people view women as weak in hopeless and males as strong and heroic in films. MaleRead MoreThe American Psychological Association Defines Gender Identity1301 Words   |  6 Pages Gender James Gadoury January 12, 2015 Professor Cormier English 101 The American Psychological Association defines gender identity as â€Å"one’s sense of oneself as male, female, or transgender† (â€Å"Definition of Terms: Sex, Gender, Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation† 1). Our culture greatly affects our gender identity, and this can be seen through how our media displays men, women, and transgenders. The media is a reflection of the values that are held in American culture and can be used toRead MoreGender Roles Of Female Characters In Disneys Frozen807 Words   |  4 PagesFrom the post-2000s to today, gender roles still remain as one of the big topics. Compared to society’s ideologies of women in 1930s, women are shown to be intelligent, active, and most importantly, independent. The portrayal of female characters with such characteristics is apparent in Disney’s contemporary film, Frozen (2013). The film portrays two female protagonists, Princess Anna and Queen Elsa. The theme of the film is family; the fi lm starts out with childish, sisterly relationships, whichRead MoreGender Stereotypes : Masculinity And Femininity1195 Words   |  5 Pagesyou should act if you fall into a certain gender role. These films reinforce our cultural definition of how we as a society defines masculinity and femininity. It is not necessarily a right thing. But the idea of what a male and female characteristics should have and how they should act is so tightly bound to our western views that it is hard to not have stereotyped gender roles. It is an awful truth, but it needs to be said that the influence of gender roles as a result, influences what happensRead MoreYoung Children And Adults Alike1515 Words   |  7 Pagesstereotypes. A prevalent stereotype found in fairy tales deals with genders and their norms and children in their early developmental years are exposed to these gender stereotypes. These are used as a tool to help children develop their gender identity. As they endure over time, fairy tal es continue to teach gender stereotypes and this perpetuates our society’s current beliefs of gender. Children develop their sense of identity and gain information of the world around them in their early yearsRead MoreA Brave New World : America Land Of The Free And Home1323 Words   |  6 Pagesbest opinion to follow. As a nation we once were in full swing in support of civil liberties but in light of recent events, (such as the reversal of protections for transgender students that allowed them to use bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity) it is clear the nation has taken a step back from the golden credo. Although companies and institutions must follow the law, they can still introduce additional rules in support of civil liberties and promote it through their products and curriculumRead MoreDisney Plays a Role in Shaping Girls Self-Esteem1832 Words   |  7 Pagestoday’s media has awash society with idealistic representations of gender, often leading both men and women craving for unattainable perfection. Likewise, reality is frequently perceived as a poo r substitute for the enchanted world, where good always thwarts evil and with characters living â€Å"Happily Ever After.† When most children or adults think of the great classical fairy tales today, the first thought that usually comes to mind is Disney. Their representations of classic fairy tale texts are so powerfulRead MoreFilm Review : Disney s Frozen855 Words   |  4 Pagesice. Elsa is a very non-traditional Disney Princess as seen through her immense bravery, courage, and independence among all things. Elsa’s younger sister Anna plays the role of the much more typical Disney princess with her beauty, dependence, naà ¯ve behavior, and scattered emotions. This film has made a huge step away from the classic Disney princess films in the universal aspect of gender roles in film. This film constitutes the start of a new era of Disney Princesses where the princess is the