Post class 10/24 Blog

Although I have never been an ultra Disney enthusiast or fanatic (e.g. the people who have seen every Disney movie and have matching family Disney shirts and dress up as Disney characters religiously let's say), I do enjoy the occasional movie or trip to the theme park. I have always been skeptical of any major corporation, even (or especially) if they have as strong of a public image as Disney. That being said, after discussing Eco and Dorfman in class, I had a bit more tangible proof as to Disney's mastery of deception.

Relatively no one can deny that every child has based their fantasies, hope, and dreams upon Disney. However, Disney has infiltrated this world so deeply, that they have come to set the standard for what is moral, pure, and good in the world. Why shouldn't our children gain their aspirations from Disney, since they spread such messages of hope, joy, and dreaminess? It seems that only the "crazy" or extremely conservative parents who are afraid of their children worshipping these cultish, fantasy, unholy figures don't fall into this category. I think this is simply another example that one can learn to be wary of anything widely accepted or considered popular opinion (within reason/limit).

Although I agree with Eco and Dorfman on many accounts, I still fail to see an alternative to this "Disneyfication of reality" besides being critical. Although I have always held a degree of skepticism to the purity of Disney's intentions in the back of my mind, I still watch (and sometimes enjoy) the movies, go to the theme park, celebrate their charity, etc. As mentioned in my last blog about Eco and Dorfman, I agree with many of the points, but this reading seems to be highly critical (naturally) without making me feel activated. Perhaps this is due to my already existing skepticism of Disney, and these readings are meant for those completely disillusioned or asleep of Disney's capitalistic intentions. However, I will likely still go to the theme parks, attend the movie showings, allow my kids to be involved with the franchise, etc. As with many of the critical readings I have come across in my past, I feel enlightened but not necessarily engaged to do something. They make notable points, but I fail to see any viable "solutions" (this is perhaps a dangerous word as well) or things that I should do but maintain my healthy skepticism. If Disney is spreading messages to children to serve their own capital interests, what should we surround our children with instead (especially since Disney is nearly unavoidable in this day and age)?

On my honor, I have not given, nor received, nor witnessed any unauthorized assistance on this work. -Renee Sang