Social Expectations In Disney Movies

As children, we’re influenced to think similar to the rest of society and follow traditional ideas established by past generations. These customs are portrayed throughout our surroundings including: religion, social media and, as the video demonstrated, Disney movies. Through these elements, children are taught about social expectations within our community. Boys, for instance, learn what a “real man” is through the impact of their culture and the prominent ads within social media. I, like many others, was unaware of the affect society has on the way I perceive those around me. Our perception and morals are shaped and innate rather than “second nature” (Ferris and Stein 2014:77).

I own almost all Disney movies on cassette because of my past infatuation with princesses and princes. At the moment, I was oblivious that these movies were shaping the way I differentiate normal from abnormal, good from bad and so on. However, now I realize the ramifications on my persona. In Disney movies, all popular and successful men are portrayed as resilient, emotionally stable and heroic, while woman are depicted as feeble and beauty symbols. According to
society, these qualities are acceptable, but other characteristics may be threatening to our self image. Consequently, as I child, I thought negatively of myself because I did not resemble Jasmin, Bell, or some prominent feminine stereotypes.

Nonetheless, movies like Mulan, had more of a positive impact on my self perception. The movie itself, is similar to a counterculture because it directly opposed mainstream ideas and offered alternative lifestyles (Ferris and Stein 2014:87). The character, Mulan, did not fall under the social expectations of women; rather she embodied distinct characteristics that females were not accustom to portraying: intelligence and bravery. The protagonist is not a damsel in distress; rather, she is a loyal daughter fighting for her ideals. As a kid, I admired people brave enough to stand up for their belief system because of Mulan.

Culture and many more elements define what is acceptable within society.
Because men are the dominant figures in almost any situation, they are expected to contain any emotion that may portray them as sensitive or vulnerable. In today’s society men are discouraged to cry in public, but allowed to express happiness, anger and excitement to an extent. According to social standards, men can express excitement towards a football game, but not towards shopping because that is a feminine errand. According to Farris, technology is the greatest influence on society (91). Subsequently, media like sports advertisements and music send messages to all individuals. Through this source of communication, men continue to be portrayed as dominant and stable even in the worst situations while women are depicted as objects of sexual
appeal.