How we receive messages from different media and the reactions they generate, have significant effects on our worldviews. Mickey Mouse Monopoly is a documentary examining how Disney’s longtime broadcasting of certain themes and messages can affect viewers’ thoughts and opinions on activism, gender roles, and other social issues (Loggerenberg). It examines these concerns in great detail by speaking with teachers, parents, and students, and it takes a critical look at how Disney impacts our culture.
The documentary begins by introducing viewers to several parents who are dissatisfied with Disney films’ influence on their children. They discuss how the stories and characters reinforce stereotypical gender roles by portraying men as strong and majesty and women as weak and helpless (Loggerenberg). They are concerned about the messages these films send to children. They point out that the Disney universe is static and unchanging, providing an out-of-date perspective on critical societal shifts such as diversity and gender equality.
The documentary reveals how Disney has skillfully influenced people’s ways of thinking in the United States and beyond. Interviews with parents who are concerned that their children are being exposed to harmful stereotypes of good and evil, as well as unrealistic depictions of gender roles, are featured in the documentary. As one mother says, her daughter asked, “Mom, I don’t mean to be racist, but why do dark people always do the wrong things?” This exemplifies how racism dominates Disney’s stories (Loggerenberg). In his book The Mouse That Roared, Dr Henry Giroux argued that Disney’s use of public pedagogy conceals its corporate power and creates a romantic view of its productions that is often not questioned.
This documentary additionally demonstrates how Disney has misrepresented beauty and gender roles in the past, which is an important point to make. For instance, the female leads of many 1980s and 1990s Disney movies are typically portrayed as weak and reliant on a male character. Despite the increasing prevalence of strong female characters in media, these roles are still often limited by unrealistic beauty standards, such as tiny waistlines and seductive body language (Loggerenberg). Disney is brilliantly within their rights to turn their movies into new toys and clothing, bringing the films’ messages into kids’ everyday lives.
The documentary delves deeper into the Disney brand by exploring its merchandising. Several interviews are featured, in which their subjects talk about the increasing prevalence of Disney merchandising, from clothing and toys to fast food and other consumables (Loggerenberg). Disney can tactfully plant messaging into our world by marketing products featuring recognizable characters and memorable catchphrases. Especially in today’s capitalist society, where profits dictate what we create culturally, the commercialization of childhood poses a special problem.
In the end, Mickey Mouse Monopoly is an insightful look at the impact of Disney films and Mickey Mouse. Through expert interviews and first-hand accounts, the documentary reveals the extent to which Disney has influenced the ideas and beliefs of both children and adults. It’s a powerful warning about the importance of being critical of the messages conveyed in film and media and keeping an eye on what our children are exposed to in the sphere of popular culture.
Work Cited
Loggerenberg, Renier Van. “MICKEY MOUSE MONOPOLY.” Www.youtube.com, 13 Aug. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDwYOBJLZdg.
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