Disney Heroes

photo from: http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/3348843/Disney-Hero-Collection/Product.html

When i look at this picture it seems like its more of the stereotype Disney heroes, when in reality woman can be heroes too.

photo from www.lambdapsiphi.com/daft/daft/art/lodsh.gif

When i look at this picture it doesn't seem like a Disney hero because there are girls in the picture and small creatures as well. I think this is really who most heroes are.

by Allie Lahn
Disney. What comes to mind? Colourful characters, magical adventures, and a world of dreams and entertainment? Or perhaps, "the happiest place on earth"? In reality, Disney is the world's second-largest media conglomerate, accused of being a sinister organization committed to the exploitation of our children for monetary gain. Yes, it's true. The corporate superpower, endorsed by parents and their children worldwide, is finally being challenged on the basis of disturbing claims that its films promote racial and gender stereotyping. Though these allegations may seem ludicrous, one has only to look beyond the gaudy animation and presumably innocent childhood themes to discover the truth.

I can recall numerous childhood memories, many of which involve some aspect of "The Wonderful World of Disney": family vacations at the Magic Kingdom; crunching popcorn during Aladdin; and the overwhelming amount of Disney memorabilia scattered throughout my house, everything from lamps and picture books to stuffed animals and placemats. (In addition to movies, children are bombarded with every imaginable Disney medium, thereby increasing the mega-company's destructive influence.) As a six year-old Mickey Mouse enthusiast, I did not recognize the depraved subliminal messages to which I was being exposed. Take Beauty and the Beast. A charming love story in which the viewer learns that "true beauty begins on the inside"? Think again. This universally beloved classic actually imparts two very frightening messages. First, it trivializes the role of women by glorifying the ideals of patriarchal societies; Belle, like many female Disney heroes, is only fulfilled upon being swept away by her perpetually handsome Prince Charming. Second, Belle's inane tolerance of the Beast's violent behaviour gives the impression that abusive relationships can be resolved if the victim "sticks with it". It gets worse. The following are examples of other offending Disney films: the insulting and ignorant portrayal of Natives in Pocahontas and Peter Pan; the gender clichs in Snow White and Cinderella; and the stereotypical representation of minority groups, who are painted as unintelligent and poor contributors to society, as in The Lion King and The Lady and the Tramp. Are these the values that we want our children to acquire? If this isn't horrifying enough, Disney recognizes these harmful messages, whether they are deliberately or unintentionally inserted. However, the company has done nothing to fix the problem! This is not surprising, considering owner Michael Eisner's declaration that "to make money is our only objective". This attitude is sickening, when one conceives the millions of children who worship their favourite Disney characters. Thus it is up to this generation of parents to put an end to the corruption of our youth by the corporate monster that is Disney. In a world where greed and commercialism outweigh the moral development of children, there is no other choice but to strike down the Mouse.

After reading this article it made me think about how in most Disney stories have a woman that needs to be saved by a man. I really think that it should not be like that in every story because woman today play an important role in society and this is not what little girls today should be looking up to. However i don't think that in beauty and the beast it is saying abusive relationships can be fixed i think its more saying problems can be fixed.

When i saw this video it made me think that its mostly men saving woman.

Disney's Hercules

Zero To Hero

Bless my soul Herc was on a roll Person of the week in ev'ry Greek opinion poll What a pro Herc could stop a show Point him at a monster and you're talkin' S.R.O. He was a no-one A zero, zero Now he's a honcho He's a hero Here was a kid with his act down pat From zero to hero - in no time flat Zero to hero - just like that When he smiled The girls went wild with oohs and aahs And they slapped his face On ev'ry vase (on ev'ry "vahse") From appearance fees and royalties Our Herc had cash to burn Now nouveau riche an' famous He could tell you What's a Grecian urn? Say amen There he goes again Sweet and undefeated And an awesome 10 for 10 Folks lined up Just to watch him flex And this perfect package packed a pair of pretty pecs Hercie, he comes He sees, he conquers Honey, the crowds were Going bonkers He showed the moxie brains, and spunk From zero to hero - a major hunk Zero to hero - and who'da thunk Who put the glad in gladiator? Hercules! Whose daring deeds are greater the a-ter? Hercules! Is he bold? No-one braver! Is he sweet? Our fav'rite flavour Hercules, Hercules... Bless my soul Herc was on a roll Undefeated Riding high And the nicest guy Not conceited He was a nothin' A zero, zero Now he's a honcho He's a hero He hit the heights at breakneck speed From zero to hero Herc is a hero Now he's a hero Yes indeed

When listen to this song it makes me think that you have to be strong and good looking to be a hero when really heroes come in all different shapes and sizes.

I think this movie more because it shows more of the hard times getting saved and not necessarily a princess needing to be saved by a prince.

Conclusion

In conclusion I think that Disney Heroes have a stereotype that you have to be a strong good looking man in order to be a hero. I don't like this out look because heroes can be man or woman and don't have to be strong or good looking. I think heroes only have to be mentally strong. Some things i do like about the things that i found is now all the heroes are strong men for only most. I think Disney could change that and make a few movies where the girl saves the boy. In conclusion i think that Disney heroes have the stereotype of being strong good looking men when really heroes can be anyone.