A Critical Lens of Disney
"How does popular culture shape our understandings?"
Reflecting back to growing up, it is easy to say that Disney was a huge part of my childhood. From the many family trips, movies, and memorabilia collected Disney was everywhere.To be honest, I never really thought about or dug deep into Disney until reading, "Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us" by Linda Christensen. In her article, Christensen urges her students to look at popular culture (movies, cartons, media, etc.) with a critical sense and not to be afraid to question and critique. As she writes, "the secret education as Chilean writer Ariel Dorfman dubs it, delivered by children's books and movies, instructs young people to accept the world as it is portrayed in the social blueprints." (Christensen, p.175). For many people, Disney provides an escape, a fairytale 
always accompanied by a happily ever after. However, with a critical lens, you are able to see what lies beneath the surface. How is popular culture shaping our understanding of gender, class, etc. What are the stereotypes? Is what is being portrayed an accurate representation? What message is truly being delivered to our younger society?
always accompanied by a happily ever after. However, with a critical lens, you are able to see what lies beneath the surface. How is popular culture shaping our understanding of gender, class, etc. What are the stereotypes? Is what is being portrayed an accurate representation? What message is truly being delivered to our younger society?
As I was watching the Disney Slide deck, one part that particularly stood out to me was the relationship between pleasure and critique. I think this is a very important concept as it reinforces that notion that they are not mutually exclusive. We can take Disney, a franchise that gives us pleasure, but also critique it and see the faults. Does this mean Disney is terrible? No, it doesn't, but it means that there are improvements that do need to be made. One example is character stereotyping. In many films we see the 
beautiful princess that needs to be saved, or the fearless prince who comes to the rescue. We ask ourselves, who are the servants? Are they people of color in the film? How are the portrayed? What I learned is that it is essential to look at these films through a textual analysis that allows you to ask questions such as what is taught about ourselves and each other? What kind of world is this movie presenting to its audience?
beautiful princess that needs to be saved, or the fearless prince who comes to the rescue. We ask ourselves, who are the servants? Are they people of color in the film? How are the portrayed? What I learned is that it is essential to look at these films through a textual analysis that allows you to ask questions such as what is taught about ourselves and each other? What kind of world is this movie presenting to its audience?
Recently I had the opportunity to sit and watch Encanto (a movie I've seen numerous times with my daughter), but this time it was different. I was watching the movie with a purpose, which was 
with a critical lens. One part of the film that stuck out to me was the role of female characters. To me, it seems like the females took a more front seat while the men are the side kicks as they aren't featured as much (besides Bruno). Looking closely at the females (especially Mirabel, Isabela, and Luisa) they are all dealing with inner struggles (mental health.) Mirabel feels like an outsider (only one who doesn't have a gift) and desperately wants a miracle to feel "special." Isabela, who was gifted with beauty, doesn't want to marry the handsome guy and start a life together (which is what is being pushed on her). Luisa feels the weight of the world on her shoulders. When she is singing her song, she is practically crying out for help, the daily stress that she feels is so evident. As we got to the end of the film, I also started to realize that Abuela has been dealing with trauma of her own. From her previous experiences, she is so fearful of her life and family falling apart. She is so desperately trying to hold onto "the magic" that it is actually destroying and breaking her family. I believe that the "Casita"
breaking down at the end was a great metaphor for the family needing to hit rock bottom before they could come back together in a healthier and happier space.
with a critical lens. One part of the film that stuck out to me was the role of female characters. To me, it seems like the females took a more front seat while the men are the side kicks as they aren't featured as much (besides Bruno). Looking closely at the females (especially Mirabel, Isabela, and Luisa) they are all dealing with inner struggles (mental health.) Mirabel feels like an outsider (only one who doesn't have a gift) and desperately wants a miracle to feel "special." Isabela, who was gifted with beauty, doesn't want to marry the handsome guy and start a life together (which is what is being pushed on her). Luisa feels the weight of the world on her shoulders. When she is singing her song, she is practically crying out for help, the daily stress that she feels is so evident. As we got to the end of the film, I also started to realize that Abuela has been dealing with trauma of her own. From her previous experiences, she is so fearful of her life and family falling apart. She is so desperately trying to hold onto "the magic" that it is actually destroying and breaking her family. I believe that the "Casita"
breaking down at the end was a great metaphor for the family needing to hit rock bottom before they could come back together in a healthier and happier space.
As I was watching the end of the movie, I loved it when the townspeople showed up to help rebuild the "Casita." To me it sent the message about the 
importance of community and as they were rebuilding their home, trust and relationships were also being repaired. I know it's a Disney movie, but I was a little disappointed to see the "magic" come back at the end. I thought a more powerful happily ever after would be to show that it is not magic that makes you special, but being yourself and being present with the people you love is the best gift of all.
importance of community and as they were rebuilding their home, trust and relationships were also being repaired. I know it's a Disney movie, but I was a little disappointed to see the "magic" come back at the end. I thought a more powerful happily ever after would be to show that it is not magic that makes you special, but being yourself and being present with the people you love is the best gift of all.
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| Family isn't perfect, but if you have love you have everything!! |
Lisa, I’m glad Encanto brings forth the struggles of Abuela and Abuelo’s struggle to migrate to a new home or Abuela’s struggle to raise 3 babies on her own, or even the family dynamic of falling apart and then coming together. My students loved this movie and I can only assume (other than the great music) that they loved it for the simple reason of identity! They see their families that struggled with migration to America, single moms taking care of their children, or family unity staying together.
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