Disney's Racist and Sexist Side

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Matt S. I do not know any youngster who is not completely infatuated with the magical world of Disney. From the movies to the TV network to the cartoons to the world famous Disneyland, the Disney Corporation, is a mega media conglomerate that yields tremendous influence on our youth population. Not all of it is as pretty a picture as they would like you to believe. In fact, many of their animated movies and cartoons carry racist and sexist undertones that even a child could understand. In the movie Dumbo, the crows represent what at that time, would be considered a stereotypical black person. They are portrayed as loud and obnoxious, talking in black lingo by calling each other “brother” and singing in black jive. In the movie, the crows appear to be lazy with nothing to do but sit and make fun of an elephant. Although a child may not see that negative characterization, they may associate black people to the crows when they hear them talk. In Disney movies many of the women are portrayed as having the perfect figure and always winning the male hero in the end. If you look at all the Disney princesses: Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Ariel and Jasmine, they all have the same characteristics other then hair color. The role model that is portrayed has an hourglass figure, tiny waste, ample bust, big eyes and beautiful flowing hair. They bat their eyes and act demure in order to seduce their prince. They use their sexual wiles to lure their manly man under their spell. This sexist stereotype of Disney women delivers the wrong message to young girls. This attitude goes on beyond just the princesses. For example, the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit, there is a scene with Jessica Rabbit dancing for men. She is very seductive in this scene and uses her sexuality as a way to appeal to the men. Men in Disney movies are portrayed as the strong guy with chiseled abs, a

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