For most Americans, Disney films were as prevalent in our childhood as Lincoln Logs and trips to the doctor. It's the same way for kids today, and not only do they have the Disney films that their parents grew up with -- classics like "Bambi," "Snow White" and "Alice in Wonderland" -- but they have more-modern movies like "Finding Nemo," "Chicken Little" and "Lilo And Stitch."
Disney films, like most classic fairy tales, have always dipped into the dark side, with themes like death and evil stepmothers commonly being a part of the story. Although unconfirmed, some believe it's because Walt Disney was unresolved with his own childhood -- particularly the fact he wasn't raised by his biological parents.
New-school Disney flicks sometimes have questionable language. Even films with a "G" rating use the word "stupid" or "idiot" which frustrates and confuses many parents who believe a "general audience" rating should eliminate mature plots and language. However, many young kids are exposed to programs like "Jimmy Neutron" and "Fairly Odd Parents," and so they are used to action-packed visuals and pre-teen plotlines. Hence, Disney is just trying to compete.
Menomonee Falls' Nan Galica, who is the mother of a 2-year-old, overall enjoys Disney films and feels comfortable having her daughter watch them. She does, however, question some of the dialogue.
"Even in 'A Bug's Life' there are phrases I wish I could omit, like 'die, die, die' when the little bugs are putting on a skit. We have enough of that in this world. I don't want to expose that to my daughter sooner than I have to," she says.
The depiction of certain races is another concern for some parents. Marianne Miro has a Guatemalan-born child, and she wonders what kind of messages some Disney films might send to him.
"I was watching 'Peter Pan' the other night for the first time in many years and I was appalled at the portrayal of Native Americans. How will I explain that one to my Mayan son?" asks Miro.
Both of the sexes are stereotyped in Disney films, although in all fairness, this is not a Disney-specific issue. Enforced gender roles still appear in much of children's programming, including "Dora the Explorer" and "Maya and Miguel."
Erin Moynihan, a Burlington mother with six kids, has many Disney films -- mostly because she enjoys the music -- but wonders about the gender stereotyping.
"I always looked at 'The Little Mermaid' movie as a movie with beautiful music, but with an odd message for girls: Sacrifice your voice for a man's affection. It seems strange to me," she says.
But not every parent has problems with yesteryear's Disney productions. For many people, Disney movies are the comfort food of childhood cinema, and they harbor nostalgic memories of their magical qualities, beautiful scores and fantastic imagery.
"I prefer the classics, like 'Peter Pan,' 'Cinderella,' '101 Dalmations' and 'Lady & The Tramp.' I think that the original Disney movies were wholesome, evil stepparents and all," says Heidi Schmidt of Muskego.
And although some of the new Disney films use harsh words and feature storylines that aren't always age-appropriate, this summer's "Cars" is surprisingly tame and compassionate in comparison.
"'Cars' is a great new movie -- no real evil guys, yet teaches a lesson about caring for others instead of yourself," says Galica.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
