Catholic Cleric Accuses Disney of Exploiting Spirituality to Sell Products
While these comments about Disney may seem a bit fanatical, there is some truth to the underlying point. Disney does make a load off of movies and the merchandise surrounding them. Sometimes it just seems like it's all a bit...much. But, Disney is a business, and a business exists to make money. If people are willing to buy the products, Disney is going to make them. So, if there is a problem with consumerism, materialism, and greed, it is up to parents and families to curb their own habits. Sure, I would love it if Disney would donate half the money they spend on advertising to charity and lay off the beating of kids with ad after ad using every possible medium, but that's not going to happen. It's up to me to limit my kids' exposure to the hype and teach them values. However, I don't think that means that we can't enjoy a good Disney movie or take a trip to Disneyland together.
I have to agree with the priest. Disney movies are too geared toward selling us stuff we don’t need. And I think his point is the same as yours that parents should reject or limit these messages directed at children.
Not having read his book, I can’t say for sure, but the article didn’t sound like he was telling parents not to see any Disney movies. It seemed to be about how to find balance and happiness.
And frankly I like to see the Catholic Church talking about issues like materialism and consumerism instead of all the others it typically does.
I COMPLETELY agree with him. And I am glad that he said something. I’d like to add to the criticism — what’s up with every Disney female character dressing like a hooker?! I don’t think that Tinker Bell needed to be in full bloom with a teeny bitty dress in the latest movie. It makes Halloween costume shopping stressful!
Yes Molly, in my original version of this post I started to comment on that related point, but it suddenly became way too long. This is the real gripe I have with Disney. Tinkerbell’s outfit is ridiculous to the point that it ruined the movie for me. Really, what is the problem with just making the characters’ outfits decent?! Jasmin, Ariel and Tinkerbell would be just as loved by kids and more so by parents if they were a little less sexy and more appropriate for the age group that idolizes them. I don’t understand what the animators are thinking when they draw the characters in these skimpy outfits knowing the movie is for little kids. It is extremely frustrating.
As the mom to a 5-year-old girl, I’m in the “tame down the outfits” group. There are some strong characters that don’t dress that way — Jessie from Toy Story 2 for example — but I think for the most part they expose a bit too much. In terms of merchandising, yes, it is a bit overwhelming but I also think it’s a case of water finding its own level. If someone out there buys the Cinderella tissue box cover then they’ll keep making products just like it.