Disney Made Me Who I Am

I was a lonely kid. I was desperate for friendship, companionship, love, but I had little opportunity and an off-putting personality. Movies have been my safe haven from reality for my entire life. As a "90s kid," it all began with Disney. These lovely little stories had, and most likely will always have, a place in my heart.

But as I grow older and, hopefully, wiser, I'm starting to see the lessons I picked up from these movies as a child, and how I still carry those preconceptions about myself, and the world, around with me.

</3 Ugly girls are ordinary at best—probably evil.

The easiest Disney film to pick apart for this is Cinderella—the ugly stepsisters—need I say more? I could analyze and criticise, but honestly, it's been done.

I know that we're all self-conscious about our looks growing up, but even as a young (let's say seven-year-old) child, I could not relate to the princess. My only other choice was "ugly, ordinary girl," which honestly felt like a good fit. I'm not blaming Disney for all my insecurities, but when all the female characters are either gorgeous princesses or ugly normals, you pick from the options presented.

</3 Tragedy begets adventure, adventure leads to love.

You've probably noticed Disney characters tend to have one or fewer parents. It's a simple way to inject a little tragedy into a child's life, especially if the death takes place before the story begins. If they want to up the dose a bit, they just bring it on-screen; who among us has gotten over the death of Mufasa (RIP xoxo)? This gives the protagonist a justified reason for struggle and something to overcome.

As a child growing up in a happy, whole family, this seemed to track with my reality. However, as puberty hit, this belief I still held led me to question why I was not happy. My hormone-addled brain realized that I needed some tragedy to justify my unhappiness, which, of course, would take me on an adventure where I would find my one true love. And lo, the dramatic teenage girl was born. Cue stereotypical drama.

I still have difficulty accepting sadness. It feels unwarranted, so I try to reject it. I'm trying to teach myself that sadness is just an emotion, that expecting happiness to be the norm in life is unrealistic, and will repeatedly lead to disappointment.

</3 The princess gets the prince, so I get...Jafar?

Disney villains were always my preference; I didn't put any thought into it. I was drawn to them, with seemingly no reason. Thanks to the internet, I know I'm not the only one out there. Maybe we're just wired this way? But I suspect, as movies had more influence on my life than people, that Disney started me out on a path of seeking out emotionally unavailable, cruel people.

Grown-up example—Prison Break: T-Bag.

It's another thing I'm working on.

<3 Happily Ever After

So after all the tragedy, the adventure, the love, our heroes are rewarded with endless happiness. A classic end to all our favorite Disney classics.

Is it a nice way to end a story? Of course! Does it suggest to its highly suggestible audience that happiness is a state that can be achieved and sustained indefinitely? I'd say so. I've carried that feeling with me for years without realizing. It took me a while to realize and accept that there's not a point in life where you reach your potential, complete your journey, and live out your days in bliss and contentment.

Now I know these are films for children, and the ones I've discussed were made over twenty years ago, but I think it's worth thinking about our perspectives; where they come from and what has shaped them.

This all being said, I still love Disney.