I also do not generally post here but found this debate rather
interesting. As in most film portrayals there are multiple images to
be found, particularly in Disney animation. However, it is essential
to focus on the image that is most obvious to young viewers. In the
case of the Little Mermaid, most little girls (and boys) are likely to
extract the selflessness of the key female character. While
selflessness is a valued characteristic for women in our culture it
does not serve to help our daughters to deal with who they are and
where they are in the world nor do films such as these instill or
encourage self awareness, self confidence or self value in little
girls who are to be tomorrow's women. Consider the view of womanhood
that such images present to the common audience (young children, often
without parental input). Young boys are programed by such images to
expect women to BE for them. If indeed they are aware of the
self-sacrifice made by the women in their lives they expect that this
is their due. Likewise young girls come to expect that their value
lies in relationship to the men in their lives and that the
willingness to sacrifice anything to capture/hold the attention of
their men is the measure of their value. I agree that real love,
soul-felt and committed love involves compromise and sacrifice but on
the part of both/all parties involved. It is not merely a female
responsibility to make a relationship but that of the committed
couple. No such couple committment is portrayed in this film. I feel
I speak from experience as well as from an academic perspective. I
have known both sides of the picture and have raised daughters who
have/are dealing with the legacy of such images for girls and women.
There is little more fulfilling than a committed relationship of love
and equality but where is the equality in The Little mermaid?
Toni
>From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sun Feb 8 10:36:19 1998
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
by imo25.mx.aol.com (IMOv12/Dec1997) id GQPMa26147
Date: Sun, 8 Feb 1998 12:35:59 EST
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: highschool essay
In a message dated 98-02-08 10:37:51 EST, Kelley writes:
<< With patience and kindness, I beg to differ. Of course, Disney teaches
history with every piece of information they put out, whether it is a
cartoon or the ABC nightly news. >>
We should make it clear that Disney always says that the story is BASED ON a
true story - they never really claim to be stating the truth and all the facts
which would constitute true telling of history!
Regarding equality in relationships - I agree - but that is something that
comes with self-respect and self-esteem taught to girls. I find it hard to
believe that you expect Disney to teach your girls self-respect and self-
esteem!
Re: equality not protrayed in the flicks - excellent point, I agree! We need
more examples of how equality between the sexes creates harmony and love how
domination and control lead to anger and hate - We need books and movies that
can illustrate these lessons to our children. Too bad Disney is too wrapped
up in making money to really make some good movies that express some good
values for both sexes to learn equality! But you can still derive some good
messages from their movies!
Thanks!
Angela
>From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sun Feb 8 13:39:52 1998
Date: Sun, 8 Feb 1998 15:39:36 -0500
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Kelly Carpenter)
Subject: Re: highschool essay
Well said, Toni.
