Is Disney Promoting Unrealistic Ideals?

AP

College Writing 112

12/03/14

Kiss the Girl (But Only If She Changes Everything About Herself to Fit Your Idealistic Standards)

Throughout our lives we are exposed to a variety of events and experiences, such as movies and music. These stimuli subconsciously mold our minds into what they are today by influencing our thoughts and actions. Some of these stimuli enforce ideas that are good intentioned, offering insight into a harmonious world. Others do not do the same. In the Disney movie The Little Mermaid, various references toward body image, a person’s worth based on appearance, and prejudices are made to subconsciously steer audiences towards particular thoughts, ideals, and fantasies. Are these ideas pushing people to pursue the wrong actions?

The Little Mermaid is a classic Disney movie that came out in 1989. It tells the story of Ariel, the youngest daughter of King Triton. Triton is the ruler of the sea, with magical powers that give him the ability to dictate anything around him. He is stern, respected, and he chooses the “tough love” route when it comes to disciplining his daughters. Ariel, the “trouble” child, has an obsession with humans and collecting their personal belongings from shipwrecks.

Human-merpeople contact is strictly forbidden in the kingdom, which causes an issue for the sixteen-year-old rebel Ariel when she swims to a ship one night to watch the humans aboard celebrate the birthday of eighteen-year-old Prince Eric. Ariel immediately falls for him upon seeing him interact with others. However, a storm suddenly brews and giant waves throw Eric and his crew helplessly into the water. Ariel rescues him from drowning and brings him back to shore, where she sings to him until he wakes up. She then quickly swims away.

After their encounter, Eric desperately tries to find the girl who had rescued him. However, King Triton lashes out and punishes Ariel for interacting with humans. He destroys the collection of human possessions she...