Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us by Linda Christensen

Argument:

Christensen argues that through the media--children's books, children's movies, clothing ads, etc.--we can see that the world is dominated by one race, sex, class, or country. She wants the parents and teachers of the world to break this mold by making children realize that our society is distorted and it is up to everyone to dissect the media.

Quotes:

1. "...So why dissect the dreams..My dreams keep me from dealing with the unpleasant."

This quote was spoken by a student analyzing the media. All of her dreams, as well as who she is now, has been formed by Disney moves. The student says that all of her dreams are related to each other. The way she acts, thinks, and speaks are all influenced by her dreams. So, why would she want to alter her dreams? I think she has a fear of knowing that the media does "steal" her dreams because subconsciously that's where she got the dreams from. Starting as a little girl and developing into a young adult, the media has given her these dreams.

2. "Happiness means getting a man and transformation from wretched conditions can be achieved through consumption--in [Cinderella's] case, through new clothes and a new hairstyle."

This quote sums up the media. Any television show or movie or advertisement, you can see the need for consumption. This can mean anything from having a man to owning the newest pair of skinny jeans. Self worth is determined by what you have. If you don't have a man or a new style, then you are unhappy. I disagree that these two things will make me happy. I think that surrounding myself with good people, family, and friends, will make me completely content.

3. "Women who aren't white begin to feel left out and ugly because they never get to play the princess."

Almost every princess is white. There are the exceptions of Mulan and Jasmin. Two out of a lot more princesses are non-white. That is sad to see because there are waaaaay more than two people in our world who are non-white. As a white woman, who has a white three year old niece who loves Tinkerbell (that is a different issue in itself), I find that it must be difficult to fathom the idea that a non-white three year old girl rarely sees a princess who looks like her. I wonder who those little girls look up to?

Questions/ Comments:

What a sad article to read. I didn't actually cry while reading this article, but I did find it disturbing to read how distorted our media is, especially the cartoons I grew up watching. I mean I am set in my ways now, but I have a two year old nephew and a three year old niece who are very moldable. I think if you showed several types of cartoons, they could develop their own sense of the world. But maybe cartoons that have no people could be a better option to show kids because their is no race. However, if they looked at Spongebob Squarepants, then they would see a fat starfish who was dumb. Therefore, maybe they just shouldn't watch any cartoons because they all offer a negative mindset, whether it be with race, body type, ethnicity, or financial status. Now what can kids watch? National Geographic...and that's pretty much it.

Fin.