Decoding Disney

Responses to Mulan:  I forgot that Mulan started with Shan Yu’s attack as its opening scene .. I now remember that this movie scared me when I was younger. Even Mulan has animals as friends. Animals are one of the most common themes amongst Disney movies. “Primed and polished to be the perfect bride” Mulans worth is determined by her appearance and the type of man she gets matched with. The only way she can bring honor to her family is by marrying the best man.  I was bothered by the fact that her caring characteristics (that were shown with the old men and the children) were dismissed and less important than her performance with the match maker. I think that the song Reflections is great. Many people, girls especially, struggle to understand who they are and who they want to be.  “You shall teach your daughter to hold her tongue in the presence of a man” ARE YOU KIDDING ME … I suppose these ideas may be part of their culture but still girls should not be afraid

Susan Jeffords’ presents many interesting ideas about how Disney films portray masculinity. In my opinion, parts of her article were difficult to understand or stay engaged with. In the beginning of her article, she talked about Ronald Reagan and George Bush and that did not resinate with me. I understand what she was trying to bring forward outside factors aside form Disney, but I think her arguments would have been more powerful if she just got to the point sooner. I thought that her use of Arnold Schwarzenegger, in Kindergarten Cop was more effective. I like that this type of film  was compared to Disney films. I think her claim that, Kindergarten Cop sends the message that “tough, hard-driving, violent, and individualistic” men are not like that by choice, is very interesting. And I honestly think this is a valid claim. In our society, men are expected to be the tough ones. They should not be emotional, vulnerable, weak, or dependent. While women are sexualized and made to feel l

One year while my family was on vacation at Disney, I was obsessed with doing the rides. I was a little adrenaline junky and way more concerned about riding each ride as many times as possible than meeting any of the Disney characters. My favorite ride that year was the Tower of Terror. I was missing my two front teeth so whenever I said it, it came out in a country accent. My father still to this day mocks the way I would say it, whenever anything about Disney is brought up. I loved the fear factor that went along with the ride. By the end of the trip I could quote every word that the ghosts said. Safe to say my family was tired of having to go on the ride with me over and over again, especially right after dinner. This memory will always stay with me and my family. Disney is a pretty special place that gives little kids and families so many great memories.

Cinderella magic wand! These would be perfect for a birthday or any kids party! Heck even adults parties!  Here’s the basic recipe: – 1/4 C butter – 1 bag mini marshmallows (about 6 cups) – Rice Krispies cereal (about 6 cups) – blue & white sanding sugar – white candy bark/coating – large star cookie cutter – long lollipop sticks – ribbon You’ll start the wand-making process by whipping a batch of rice krispies treats. I wanted mine thicker so I put the batch in a 9×9 pan, spreading everything out in the pan to get a nice even layer. Once cool, I cut out the stars with the cookie cutter. Insert the lollipop sticks into the star cut outs.  Then, melt some white candy coating (I used 3 chunks and I always melt in the microwave). To make things easier for dipping, I just poured the melted “white chocolate” on my silpat. Then, I dipped one side of the stars in the melted candy coating. Immediately after, dip the coated star in blue & white sanding sugar (which I jus

This edible Chip is adorable and so fitting after watching Beauty and the Beast. Chip is personally one of my favorite characters!  INGREDIENTS TO MAKE A CHIP TEACUP Plain Cookies (we used Keebler Butter Cookies) Plain Ice Cream Cones Wilton Candy Melts, Bright White Twist Pretzels Wilton Candy Drizzle Pouch, Pink, Blue, Brown Edible Writing Markers, optional Edible Gold Glitter or yellow sugar crystals HOW TO MAKE AN EDIBLE CHIP TEACUP FOR A BEAUTY & THE BEAST PARTY Cut about 1/3 of the bottom off each ice cream cone. Break off rounded edges from the pretzels so they look like little cup handles. Place white candy melts in a bowl, and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring each time, until melted. Dip the little pretzel handles into melted chocolate until coated and place on parchment paper. Sprinkle on edible gold glitter. Let Dry Dip ice cream cones into melted chocolate until covered inside and out, place on parchment paper and let dry. Cut

The cartoon in the beginning is really cool. I like how they used stained glass windows. I didn’t know the people in the town thought she was so interesting and kinda coo coo for always reading. They do think she is beautiful but very strange. She is just like the other Disney princesses in that she wants more than what she has in the life she is living now. She is also reading about her prince charming.  “She is the most beautiful girl in the world and that makes her the best” SMH (shake my head) I like that she does not like Gaston just because he is handsome but rather she desires a man who is knowledgable and kind.  The scene when Belle’s father gets lost in the woods makes me sad he’s such a sweet old man. The little tea cup is adorable and really adds to the movie!  Man the beast really is not a nice guy at first. Oh man it is so awkward that Gaston thinks he can marry any girl that he wants  Holy cow I really don’t like Gaston at all. Arr

Today is international women’s day and I have been feeling extra proud to be a woman lately. I find this a very fitting day to write my reflection on the first half of this class. Maybe it is because there are only girls in the class. Or maybe it’s because our professor is a very independent, successful woman. Or maybe it is because we talk about the gender issue in Disney. Either way, the overall theme of the class is supported by international women’s day in my opinion.  I have really enjoy this writing course so far. I was nervous when I first signed up because the focus was on Disney princesses. Growing up I was never really into princesses, partly because I grew up with two brothers, and partly because I was a tomboy who just wanted to play sports. I was worried that I wouldn’t connect with the class or be able to come up with ideas concerning princesses. However, I quickly realized that my original assumptions were wrong. This class not only has taught me about the gender st

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5028340/ I am sure all you Disney lovers out there have already heard about the new Mary Poppins that is hitting the theaters this Christmas. But if not, surprise! I remember watching the original Mary Poppins during every long car trip we took when I was young. Me and my little brother would play it on our little portable tv and share headphones. Every time we watched, we would sing along to every song that played. Just thinking about the movie fills me with a warm memory of me and my brother. I am excited to see how this new version of Mary Poppins turns out. I hope it is spectacular and very successful so maybe one day a little girl can watch it with her little brother and cherish those memories forever.