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Disney

In: English and Literature

Submitted By zain1
Words 293
Pages 2
Zain Chishti
Assignment 1
In “Animating Youth,” Henry Giroux discusses Disney’s impact on mainstream culture. Giroux argues that animation films play a far greater role than just providing entertainment to the young viewers. These films provide a source of learning on different levels and have a deeper impact on children than schools and family. Giroux believes that these films carry hidden messages and it’s often a conservative view of the American society. Giroux continues his argument by mentioning negative trends that has been present in almost all of the Disney’s films based on gender, race and patriarchy. He points out how women and people of the different race (other than white) are almost always presented in opposing or weak roles whit this he calls for accountability of the material that Disney produces and advertises to young minds. After reading Henry Giroux’s essay “Animating Youth” I found it hard to disagree with what he has to say about Disney’s animated films as his arguments were very compelling. The way that these films appeal and indulge a young mind there is little doubt they play the role of a teacher on the deeper level than any other institution does as Giroux writes “I suspect for many others, these films inspire at least as much cultural authority and legitimacy for teaching specific roles, values, and ideals than more traditional sites of learning such as public schools, religious institutions, and families.” Though I concur with the most parts of the essay I have to disagree with the part where Giroux labels Disney as giant corporation bullying other businesses. I believe that Disney deserves every right to protect their material.
Giroux Henry. “Animating Youth: The Disnification of Children’s Culture.” Socialist Review 24.3 (1994): 23-55. Print.

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