Disney and Society

How does it feel to think about DISNEY in through the critical lenses posed by Christensen and my slides? How did these frameworks help you think about Moana?

    

I was familiar with how Disney subtly manipulates viewers with a "secret knowledge" or hidden agenda as my younger daughter is into researching this type of information online and shares her findings with me. I have never overly analyzed a Disney film through a structured critical lens so it was very interesting to pick up on how these messages were communicated as the film progressed. The framework did help me tremendously as, having read the Christensen text, the slides, and the graphic organizer first, I knew what I should be looking for. I filled out the convention chart, pausing the film frequently, as I watched Moana. I did have to "sleep on it" in order to write this post and to really get what this film is communicating in terms of gender roles in our society.

    Even though the film is PG it is scary at some points (the opening montage, the fire monster, granny dying) for very young children. I find it disturbing that most of the products marketed (dolls, dress up items, clothes, and baby products) are geared to this young age group who should not be watching a PG film that is scary. For these younger viewers, beauty, humor, music, and cuteness are values that are communicated and are the big takeaways as I do not know how much of the actual plot that they will truly understand. They will want the products and the toys just based on these values alone. However, older people nowadays enjoy the pleasure of the Disney culture, and knowing this Disney makes many products that are targeted to older viewers, and not just parents, grandparents, or aunties and uncles taking their younger family members to the show. Older children and adults will also buy the Moana products aimed at their age group, found online or at the Disney parks, but they will also leave the film having been taught a hidden agenda. 

    My view is that the film is teaching those who want to develop American female gender roles that all of their goals can be achieved and to not let men step in the way of that. Moana is concerned with her identity, leadership roles, seeking solutions, solving problems, and is focused on her own accomplishments and the message is that other women should do the same. Another message is that women are brave, fight the obstacles men put in front of them, and should be prepared to take the lead as sometimes men will run off and abandon you. Females are not to worry too much about this because men will come back and help you finish whatever you needed to finish up and will then take most of the credit. The film also communicates to women they may need to be manipulative in order to engage with men in partnership roles during their lives as men may have skills, such as strength and mechanical know-how, that could come in handy in a pinch. To have men teach you about how to work things and rely on women to teach you how to deal with relationships is another message. Moana is not looking for love and, unlike some other Disney princesses,  she is not interested and does not enjoy male advances. This sends the message to women that it's ok to be independent and put off a serious relationship until all your goals are met. There is plenty of time to do everything.  Granny tells Moana, "I don't have to tell him anything, he is my son." I believe this communicates that at times men can't handle the truth so it's best not to tell them everything and you really don't need to pass over your power and give men control over you and your life anyway. At times, men and their ideas can and should be dismissed.

    As for what the film is teaching about American male gender roles,  I believe that the film is teaching men that being sarcastic, obnoxious, powerful, forceful, and sometimes a little angry are key factors in how one asserts masculinity, authority, and power over women.  It sends the message that women often have to be "dealt with", and this can be enjoyable, as having adventures with women can be interesting, but that you may have to help them solve their problems so be forewarned. Men also get the message that helping women problem solve can be a pain but as it can enhance your ego it can be rewarding at times.  I feel that the film cautions men to keep women at an arm's length and to not get too emotionally entangled with a woman unless you are really serious about having a relationship because if you take a woman's "heart" away and it can cause them to become angry, wrathful, and in the end, you may become a prisoner in this relationship unless you give them their "heart" back. Additionally, if you put too much emotion into a relationship that is not reciprocated by a woman it might destroy or damage your "hook" and then you are going to have to seek forgiveness, be humble, come to terms with this, or submit to this woman just to get everything back into working order again. The film communicates that men should just give women what they want and let them do their thing so that women then will give you what you want and will then leave you alone and restore harmony. The film sends the message to men that it's OK to settle down with a woman and have a family, as being a father can be a great role where you can assert caring, protectiveness and power, but try to find a pretty and submissive gal as the independent ones may be too tough to handle. It may be better to walk away from those strong, independent and feisty girls, even if intrigued, as they are a lot more work. The gay male crab, Tamatoa, is valued for being fashionable, cool, funny, and hip yet he lives below the surface away from others. Heihei the chicken and Pua the pig are the sidekicks who are male and somewhat limited in intelligence. Overall in the attempt to empower women, Disney does a poor job of communicating strong male and positive male attributes.

    There was a lot going on in this film to unpack. The interesting thing about the film is that there is no debating of the messages, the messages are just pushed out there for you to either absorb and accept or reject. If you are young, impressionable, or unaware, you will take in these messages without question. There are countless messages in the film about gender roles in our society. I will probably have to keep revising this post as the week goes on as I keep thinking of other messages. Disney films like Moana are clever and enjoyable but there needs to be more balanced in terms of representing gender roles in a positive light.

     It is important to help our students become aware of how all films communicate subtle messages about societal norms or what the media want the norms to be. When watching films with young people it is important to bring up to them in conversations these messages and engage in discussions with them that will guide them to think critically and make informed decisions based upon what they value and believe.