Women in Disney Films: Damsels, Wicked Spinsters and the Reflection of Cultural Stereotypes
1. The Representation of Women in Disney The Reflection of Damsels in Distress and Wicked Spinsters
2. Film as a “Cultural Mirror” In Hollywood, what decides whether or not a film is made is ultimately based if it is believed it will make money Films that make money must appeal to a mass audience. Contain ideas, themes, characters, stores and perceptions to which audiences can relate Roles evolve just as cultural identities evolve(i.e. Ian Eng)
3. Disney’s Reflection “As they continue to find new audiences in each up coming generation, it seems reasonable to assume that these films have more than simply a nostalgic appeal: they must in some way, still hold relevance in modern audience” (Davis 19)
4. Identity Not “Who we Are” or “Where were from” BUT “Who We Might Become” How does Disney influence this?
6. All come from western European fairytalesSpend early years in unfortunate circumstances All have evil older women who holds power over them Overly happy and satisfied to clean and waiting to be saved http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY3aljAO7qU
7. Disney’s Reflection The “Middle” Era 1967 – 1988 The focus on princesses – or even on women as leads- seizes to exist Females are used as supporting characters in movies such as Fox and the Hound and Robin Hood
9. Disney’s Reflection Ariel sells her voice, and trades her family for a man http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1RKONsre88 Jasmine can apparently only gain power through seduction http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6MpuYiIKlU Mulan fails as a women and must become a man to be successful
10. The Mother Issue Helpless Mothers (Auroras) VS The Wicked Step Mother (Cinderella and Snow White) All of the princesses are presented as having a father, none of which a mother rules in her own right
11. Wicked Witches Female Association with Power Equals Evil Cruella DiVil The Evil Queen Maleficent Queen of Hearts Ursula All Step Mothers
12. Disney’s Reflection Weakness? Portrayed by the beautiful Princess, delicate, love-struck and helpless Power? The vengeful older women. Seemingly being single for too long results in craziness Brave? According to Disney only the Prince is brave (or accomplished by becoming a “man” such as Mulan)
