Trapnest, Dorfman

Disney is the ninth most valuable brand name in the world as stated by research done by interbrand (http://www.interbrand.com/best_global_brands.aspx) in 2008. Meaning that ignoring Disney’s assets such as physical objects, production powers and land owning the name and logo “Disney” alone is worth 29,251 million dollars. It is no personal shock that Disney could attain this metaphysical wealth by operating in almost a separate realm than most other products.

“Children’s games have their own rules and laws, they move supposedly in an autonomous and asocial sphere like Disney characters…” - Dorfman

This wealth Disney has, on all levels, I feel is also representative of how much influence Disney has over the development of children. I found it interesting how Dorfman and Mattelart points out that these child fantasies that Disney produce are created by adults. Also how this fantasy is used to promote what “adults want.” As Dorfman said:

“The authoritarian relationship between the real life parent and child is repeated and reinforced within the fantasy world itself…” – Dorfman

I think of how many parent/child relationships there are in the Disney movies. Even thinking back to the original inspiration for Disney the original Grimm fairy tales were designed to educate adults as well as children of how they should act and how their relationship should be. While it was more severe things like “don’t beat your children” and “don’t run away,” many of the relationship influences remain in-tact today. Looking at Cinderella, true it was a step mother, but it shows that you should not treat your children poorly. Otherwise it is possible that they can return and see their revenge and justice upon you for your actions. Or children who run away from their parents or don’t follow their advice and then end up getting into trouble or kidnapped. I think everyone knows of that touching moment in the end of the Disney movies where the kid hugs the parent and says “Mom/Dad, I’m sorry, I’ll listen from now on.”