Internalization, Playacting and Disney

This week we learned about sexuality and gender in the media. We learned that despite improvements in the depictions of women and different classes, lingering stereotypes exist even in our most popular entertainment, such as in Disney films. By inclining to value women for beauty over brains, and representing a limited number of possible vocations, Disney may be said to be reinforcing tradition notions of gender that are quite dissimilar from our contemporary society's expectations.

In "Images of Gender, Race, Age, and Sexual Orientation in Disney Feature-Length Animated Films”, Towbin is concerned with the possible internalization of gender roles as depicted in Disney films. Reading about the role of psychologists in encouraging critical dialogue with the material , I couldn't help but think of the reinforcement that Disney itself provides through a slough of other popular culture, including toys, costumes, and Disney Land.

My worry is that the risk of internalization might increase significantly by providing opportunities for, and encouraging, playacting and a recreation of the Disney narratives. And while massive amounts of mass-produced and massively popular action figures and toys facilitate recreation and active engagement with storylines, it is the harm done to females and specifically the limitations on females roles presented to young girls in the princess phenomena that interests me.

The Disney princess, as was mentioned in class, is a massive commodity, and a major popular-cultural phenomena. It is an incredibly popular franchise for Disney, with their 9 princesses, it is a very profitable marketing scheme, involving everything from films, dresses,and accessories to Disney Land. However, what are the values being imparted by these Disney princesses? According to Towbin, Disney is responsible for imparting notions of fragility and servility. However, that said, there seems to be a lot of resistance to negative interpretations of Disney on the internet, such as this website which is dedicated to the merits of Disney princesses as role models, or the comments on any You tube video negatively portraying Disney. I cautiously take this as an example of the power of brand loyalty.