"The very name "Disney" conjures a specific mood and feeling, which anyone in the Western world immediately understands." (www.ehow.com)
Walt Disney has had a great impact on American Culture. His business created jobs and employed many people: jobs making the films, jobs in the films, and jobs in the Disney parks. His films are loved by people of all ages. The Disney parks attract thousands of people, creating memories and vacations for families. Disneyland was created in 1955, in California. It is one of the most popular theme parks in the world, and Walt Disney World in Florida is even more successful than Disneyland. He had an incredible impact on the development of television; his series "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color," greatly increased the number of color televisions that were purchased by United States households. "Disney revolutionized the field of animation. (www.ehow.com) Walt Disney also effected other artists. He funded the California institute of the Arts. The California Institute of the arts trained many different types and styles of creative artists. He is the man known to make children smile and believe that dreams come true. He is an inspiration and role model in self-made success. "Walt Disney is a legend; a folk hero of the 20th century. His worldwide popularity was based upon the ideals which his name represents: imagination, optimism, creation, and self-made success in the American tradition. He brought us closer to the future, while telling us of the past, it is certain, that there will never be such as great a man, as Walt Disney."(www.justdisney.com)
Although Walt Disney had many positive effects on American culture, many people argue that he also had a negative influence on American society. Some people argue that Disney princesses are a bad influence on young girls. Disney princess stories often highlight a damsel in distress that needs a prince to come to her rescue. People argue that this shows young girls that they need a man in their life to take care of them because they cannot fend for themselves. Arguments that Disney princesses influence a girl's self esteem are also made. Many girls look at Disney princesses and grow up subconsciously thinking that they should look a certain way. It can be argued that this has contributed to the number of girls who struggle with a low self-esteem, body dismorphia, eating disorders, and dieting. Arguments that Disney films are sexist have also been made. Often disney films show male dominance over a female character. Disney films also hyper sexualize female characters. For example, in Alladin, Jasmine demonstrates that women should use their bodies in order to get things that they want. She performs a seductive act in order to distract Jaffar, so Alladin can grab hold of the magic lamp.
Gender stereotyping is very common in Disney films. Disney films greatly impact the way American society views themselves and others.
"Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the realm of entertainment towards the ideals and objectives of normal adulthood."-Walt Disney (sites.jmu.edu)
"Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the realm of entertainment towards the ideals and objectives of normal adulthood."-Walt Disney (sites.jmu.edu)
Remembering Walt Disney
"Walt Disney died on December 15, 1966. Reactions from around the world, in newspaper articles, editorial comment, and letters and telegrams present an appreciation of the joy, hope, and inspiration Walt provided to millions of people around the world."(waltdisney.org) Walt Disney was a leader; he worked hard in his rise rise to fame. There were many setbacks on his journey, but he was persistent and he was passionate about his job. His work has affected the lives of millions of Americans, greatly shaping views and ideas of American culture.