When reflecting back on childhood, many individuals have distinct memories that somehow helped to shape them into the men and women they are today. There is one experience shared by many children around the world known as the Wonderful World of Disney. Growing up as a child, I can remember the countless hours spent in front of the television watching everything from Classic Mickey to the Star Wars trilogy. Personally I can recall almost all of the lyrics to every Disney tune as well as some extremely obscure trivia. However, it was not until much later in life that I began to understand the profound words of wisdom and lessons Disney had to offer.
The Walt Disney company is not only an overpowering monopoly full of happiness, childhood joy and dreams. The company prides itself in providing quality entertainment meant for the whole family. On a deeper level, though, the company is able to accomplish something that is, in my book, nothing short of remarkable. The Walt Disney Company, through the many topics explored in their films, are able to introduce and teach children important life lessons with the help of songs and funny dialogue.
For example, The Lion King teaches children around the world that “the past can hurt but you can either run from it or learn from it.” In the same respect Mulan says that “the flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” It is also worth pointing out that Disney in almost every one of their films reminds its viewers that death is a part of life considering that someone has either died or dies in every one of their films.
On an even more global level, Disney has become a cultural phenomenon that expands far beyond the movie theater. Millions of children and adults alike flock daily to their various theme parks around the world. Everything from weddings to the name of a child have been influenced by the dream of one man. My question is, then, if the life and ideas of one individual was able to influence world culture as much as Walt Disney has, why would anyone would choose not to expose others to his creative work? I understand that parents and other members of society have their reasons, but I truly feel that those who never experience the wonderful world of Disney are missing out on something in our culture no matter what country they live in.
I guess what I am trying to say is that no matter how someone looks at it, Disney plays a powerful and extremely influential role in our lives as people. Therefore what would happen if individuals allowed themselves to learn from a little animated mouse with years of life experience behind him?
The bottom line is: expose your children to the power of the mouse.
