Killing Us Softly 4
Jean Kilbourne's Killing Us Softly 4 was a lecture, similar to what we call a TEDTalk today. Kilbourne's presentation focuses on the idea of beauty standards; the main culprit is ads, specifically how companies use advertising to subconsciously manipulate public thinking. Their ads contribute to our social construction as society starts to comply with their standards and what they deem as pretty as Kilbourne points out, "[modeling ads] are young, thin, white, and usually blonde and blue-eyed." In the podcast, I will expand on the unhealthy beauty standards Disney princesses present on young girls. At a young age, young girls have looked up to princesses, wanting to act and look like them. As they grow up, girls have unconsciously started to believe looking like a Disney princess is what defines beauty within a woman. Disney films are no different than the advertisement and model industry, where they have previously shown no diversity.
"Looking into the Magic Mirror"
"Looking into the Magic Mirror" is a scholarly essay written by Lynda Haas and Shaina Trapedo. They analyze Disney's long history and its impact on our society through public pedagogy. Their history has showcased a slowly progressive movement from conventional perceptions of women to now a growing message of empowerment for women. I plan to mention a quote from the essay, "I'm wishing for the one I love to find me today. I'm hoping and I'm dreaming of the nice things he'll say." This quote is originally originally from Snow White's song, but the lyrics prove that old Disney princesses only look for a man and lack a sense of ambition. The idea that a woman should wait for a man to marry her teaches audience members to believe women are naive and vulnerable.
"Mulan - True To Your Heart"
"Mulan - True To Your Heart" is the 16th episode of The Hyperion Review: A Disney Podcast, lead by Steve and John. They dive into the gender and racial roles in Disney's original 1998 make, Mulan. They slowly eased into gender norms by first discussing the actors and actresses cast for the film and how they can set a message of diversity in Disney. One of the most notable quotes came when John suggested, "in order to gain her prominence and value, [Mulan] needed to not be a 'her' anymore." Mulan's actions in joining the army showcase bravery and confidence in herself, which have been lacking for many Disney princesses. Though the more critical belief here is that Mulan was only able to gain respect from others if she appeared to be a man, whereas she would've been immediately ridiculed had she kept her appearance as a woman.
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