Response to Giroux's 2 Articles
"Animated Youth: The Disneyfication of Children's Culture"
Giroux's "The Disneyfication of Children's Culture" brings up interesting points about Disney's influence—and therefore its responsibility—regarding children's culture. The article discusses a "utopia" that Disney has created about a white, middle-class America with conservative values—as a result, its films often have antiquated views of racial and gender roles. Yet Giroux argues that it is not wise to ignore or censor the films; rather, Disney movies can be used to educate, to start conversations, and to influence youth culture for the better.
While I agree that Disney films can have racist or anti-feminist subtexts, I personally did not have my worldview impacted by this, even while watching Disney films nonstop as a child. The movies weren't programming me to think the way they did—rather, they served purely an entertaining purpose. This isn't to say this is the effect the movies have on all young children—they could be absorbing these messages subconsciously—and it is still Disney's responsibility to influence youth positively.
The article also discusses Disney's image versus its reality. Giroux contrasts Disney's innocent, mythical ideas with its role as one of the largest companies in the world. As a large company, Disney is likely to have other motives than perpetrating utopian values—the problem is finding when these motives overlap. Disney films often are innocent and magical. but they must be viewed through the lens of Disney's larger corporate identity.
Overall, Giroux argues that one must watch Disney films as they are such a large part of American culture—but to do so with caution. I agree that Disney films can carry subliminal messages that affect children's perspective on the world, but I also believe that the magic of Disney movies should not be taken away from children. Let them watch, enjoy, and embrace the magic—then turn this captivation into an opportunity for education.
"How Disney Magic and Corporate Media Shape Youth Identity in the Digital Age"
As time passes, Giroux seems to have grown even more angry and bitter towards Disney. He compares the commodification of society to the commodification of Disney, emphasizing that Disney is a mega-corporation with no moral compass. Yet this company is largely responsible for a growing generation of values—those of its enraptured childhood audience.
I would argue that Disney's agressive marketing tactics are simply the company trying to make money. They are corporate, but they are more than the "cutthroat commercial" entity that Giroux villianizes. Yet Giroux acts as if Disney is not able to act like a normal company, attacking it for trying to hide criticism and bad press like any other company would. Giroux contrasts Disney's innocent image, which he dwells upon in his 1994 article, with the way he views the company: dark and malicious, preying on young children just to make a few extra dollars. Giroux even uses the metaphor of a "cigarette lighter," comparing the digital content Disney produces to something addictive and ultimately destructive.
Giroux's "The Disneyfication of Children's Culture" brings up interesting points about Disney's influence—and therefore its responsibility—regarding children's culture. The article discusses a "utopia" that Disney has created about a white, middle-class America with conservative values—as a result, its films often have antiquated views of racial and gender roles. Yet Giroux argues that it is not wise to ignore or censor the films; rather, Disney movies can be used to educate, to start conversations, and to influence youth culture for the better.
While I agree that Disney films can have racist or anti-feminist subtexts, I personally did not have my worldview impacted by this, even while watching Disney films nonstop as a child. The movies weren't programming me to think the way they did—rather, they served purely an entertaining purpose. This isn't to say this is the effect the movies have on all young children—they could be absorbing these messages subconsciously—and it is still Disney's responsibility to influence youth positively.
The article also discusses Disney's image versus its reality. Giroux contrasts Disney's innocent, mythical ideas with its role as one of the largest companies in the world. As a large company, Disney is likely to have other motives than perpetrating utopian values—the problem is finding when these motives overlap. Disney films often are innocent and magical. but they must be viewed through the lens of Disney's larger corporate identity.
Overall, Giroux argues that one must watch Disney films as they are such a large part of American culture—but to do so with caution. I agree that Disney films can carry subliminal messages that affect children's perspective on the world, but I also believe that the magic of Disney movies should not be taken away from children. Let them watch, enjoy, and embrace the magic—then turn this captivation into an opportunity for education.
"How Disney Magic and Corporate Media Shape Youth Identity in the Digital Age"
As time passes, Giroux seems to have grown even more angry and bitter towards Disney. He compares the commodification of society to the commodification of Disney, emphasizing that Disney is a mega-corporation with no moral compass. Yet this company is largely responsible for a growing generation of values—those of its enraptured childhood audience.
I would argue that Disney's agressive marketing tactics are simply the company trying to make money. They are corporate, but they are more than the "cutthroat commercial" entity that Giroux villianizes. Yet Giroux acts as if Disney is not able to act like a normal company, attacking it for trying to hide criticism and bad press like any other company would. Giroux contrasts Disney's innocent image, which he dwells upon in his 1994 article, with the way he views the company: dark and malicious, preying on young children just to make a few extra dollars. Giroux even uses the metaphor of a "cigarette lighter," comparing the digital content Disney produces to something addictive and ultimately destructive.
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