I'm annoyed by an article a friend of mine shared (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1308584/Why-does-Disney-hate-parents-Ever-noticed-favourite-films-kill-Mum-Dad-.html) and I have to write it out.
In this article, the author essentially talks about how Disney hates parents and always kills them off. The author doesn't seem to consider that maybe, just maybe, one of the most traumatic things a child could endure is the loss of a parent and overcoming that loss is an wonderful achievement in a child's life and a testimony to the love of others in the face of grief. In the movies she references, none of the characters succumbs to despair and depression, but rather learns to live a positive life in the face of such tragedy. I think this is a rather good thing to teach children before they might have to experience it themselves.
The movies she mentions may have only one or even no "biological" parents, but does that mean the child was left alone to learn their way in the world with no love and guidance? NO! In every Disney movie, she mentions there is a true caregiver of some sort. For instance:
---------------
Toy Story - Andy definitely has a mom, a sister and of course the wonderful toys. There's an assumption that she's a single parent, but no proof of that (you just might never see dad). And poor Andy is so hurt by having only one parent that instead of simply throwing his very old very childish toys in the trash he lovingly saves them over the years and eventually makes sure they find a home where THEY will be loved and cherished. Oh...wait...
---------------
Bambi - yes he tragically lost his mommy by the mean old hunter and I don't think we ever know what happened to dad (been awhile since I saw this one). But he had Thumper and Flower to befriend and show him the world.
---------------
The Lion King - yes, we all know that dad dies tragically but he is still THERE for the little cub up in the stars. And of course mom is there; it's the kid that runs away. But honestly, who wouldn't want to be raised by Timon & Pumba? Hakuna Matata might not the best way to deal with all things in life, but we could all use a little more of that. Eventually Simba learns to be a man, face his mistakes (which weren't even his!) and returns to lead his pride with...pride.
---------------
Peter Pan - Peter RAN AWAY as a baby because he didn't want to grow up. Wendy's parents were both there technically. But, through each other they learned that growing up may not be a horrible thing and that grown ups could be trusted.
---------------
Finding Nemo - Marlin might have been a little neurotic, but whose parents aren't some times? Plus, when placed in the tank, the other fish looked out for him (mostly). And of course Marlin never gives up looking for little Nemo, he just keeps swimming, just keeps swimming, swimming swimming swimming....
---------------
Dumbo - this poor elephant probably had it the worst of any Disney character. He definitely had the most confusing life but he never gives up, has a great mouse friend (talk about learning acceptance!) and eventually reuintes with his wonderful mommy. Oh, and he gets to see pink elephants on parade(this part might not be the most kid friendly but it does open the doors for conversations on drinking...)
---------------
Tarzan - orphaned when his parents are killed by a wild animal, he's raised by a shrewdness of apes. Animals that should have killed him choose to raise him and raise him right - into a strong caring leader. Then of course he also has Jane, who teaches him to read and write and even walk upright. She helps him become a man.
---------------
The author takes an extremely cynical view on why Disney creates so many movies without parents:
"Might the company - and its output - be a true reflection of our disparate society and the obvious disintegration of the traditional nuclear family? Or might it be the other way around? Might Disney have played its own part in the demise of family values given that we - and our children - have fallen for this wholesome entertainment for decades? If nothing else, Disney stands accused of failing to honour that most sacred of bonds - that of the mother and the father to their children."
Personally, I don't think family always means two biological parents and 2.5 kids. Lives can end tragically, without or without choices. "Family" can be grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and neighbors, church members and sometimes even church mice, sweet dogs and fluffy kitties. Values don't come from having two parents in the house - they could just as easily be alcoholic druggie sadists! Family values come from love and wanting to do the right thing and from people teaching respect, sense of self, honor, trust, and other positive character traits to the next generation.
This isn't something we've been taught to do by movies or have adopted as "ok" by being brain-washed by movies. Personally, my grandparents were huge in my upbringing and are two of the most loving and wonderful people I've ever known. Specifcally, I lived with them for two years as my mom thought it was safer to be with them than to go to a high school where my step-dad was stationed. She was probably right and I'm glad she made that choice for me.
I was also influenced by individuals in my churches and the parents of my friends as well as my teachers and coaches. I know people who were raised by single parents, siblings, grandparents, and even adoptive and foster parents and they have all turned out to be wonderful, bright, healthy individuals.
While I wouldn't mind seeing a few more movies where it's a little more like Pleasantville, I think we can learn a lot from Disney movies - how to respect our selves, our elders, the planet and its animals; love is loyalty, caring, respect and trust; tragedy happens and we can overcome with love and strong sense of self; and cynicism gets you nothing but sadness and loneliness. The "most sacred of bonds" doesn't come from blood, it comes from love.
To that end, I suggest that author review her own cynical view before she gives that "value" to her own children. Then, maybe she can enjoy Disney movies for what they should be - family entertainment with many good values.
