I think everyone who has a pulse is aware of the widespread influence of Disney and all of its corporations; however, when most people think of the influence and popularity of Disney they probably tend to think of the financial aspects of this influence. The fact of the matter is, according to Dorfman, Disney’s greatest influential means may have nothing to do with money whatsoever. The one quote that I feel best sums up the arguments presented in this article is: “Thus, the imagination of the child is conceived as the past and future utopia of the adult.” (127). The article continually brings up the unrealistic qualities which are present in all Disney cartoons, movies and comics, the fact that everyone involved is so innocent and naïve to the harmful nature of our world. Dorfman argues that this may be a way of adults choosing to shelter their children and protect them from things that may have bothered them throughout their life. These Disney story lines are a way for adults to recreate a reality that they may see as a less that perfect world and hope to create a vision of hope and encouragement for their children. This is why Dorfman presents this quote arguing that we all came into this world as spotless, sinless people (past utopia) and hope to someday, depending on one’s religious beliefs, return to a life of being perfect beings (future utopia).
Dorfman also makes the argument that Disney characters are often represented as animals, with the hope of giving the children the image of not seeing individuals based on their skin color or race, but rather seeing them for who they are and creating a sort of “pure entertainment” for the children.
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You have some great points you bring up about the nature of Disney providing a safe framework that children use to see the world. It's interesting you take this approach to the text since before Disney the previous folk tales and fairy tales consisted of blood and guts (take the Brother Grimm for example). Therefore you bring up the interesting notion of the generation above us wanting to change that approach and instead bring children into a happier world. This is good, as is your last thought that I wish you had elaborated on just a little! I only say that cause it sounds like you were onto something. Don't forget to broaden your mind to the materials relations to previous theorists.
:)
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