I’ve been sick all week and am still sick today, but the show must go on! So, let me just quickly speak about something off of the top of my head that’s easy for me to tackle. I’ll likely clarify and elaborate more on it another time, when I’m doing better and can put more into it.
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| Walt Disney Pictures' Intro |
As many of you would know or would have heard, Disney has been falling from grace for the past decade, at least from the grace of those who used to hold it in great esteem, as this fantastic source of all things enchanting and wonderful. And that’s bound to happen to any giant during times when information is intensely sought out and broadly exchanged, as we’re no longer satisfied with surface (or even false) notions to describe or explain things. In other words, for better or for worse, people are tearing things apart and it’s harder to get away with pretenses. And in some cases, it’s just that we’re maturing and/or turning more cynical about everything.
But something I’ve always appreciated about Disney, besides beautiful animation and music, is how they told stories that involve villains (or maybe just insufferable characters like Gaston). Which, in ways, warn us and prepare us if we’re ever to encounter people like them. Or if we already have, help us realize that, yes, that is fucked up. (But you know, always be as discerning as you can and don’t attribute more than it’s due to anyone.)
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| Tangled (2010) |
One portrayal I’m particularly thankful for is that of Mother Gothel, whose antics we see in Mother Knows Best and Mother Knows Best (Reprise). And the reason why I see it as such an important matter is because of how vulnerable people are when they’re barely stepping into the world, not knowing what to believe or what to expect, and how we’re then reliant on those that seem as though they would indeed know best. How, then, if they don’t have your best interests at heart, would easily exploit this vulnerability in their favor. It wouldn’t make much of a difference if you’re born with the gift of critical thinking - when certain messages are repeated and reinforced over and over, and you’re kept from the truth, you’re bound to internalize them regardless.
What’s scary about Mother Gothel is that she doesn’t even have to always lie. And this makes her more believable. Yes, there are horrible things out there to be wary about and you probably have flaws and shortcomings (or traits that could be considered as such). But what she does is emphasize this to the point where you’re completely disempowered. Kind of opposite to what it’s like with Shang in Mulan, where, although he’s harsh (and sort of sexist), he’s actually trying to push others into being capable of handling anything that comes their way, given the circumstances. Tough love, if you will call it that. Mother Gothel is instead insidiously malicious. She provides for Rapunzel and gives her space, so she has enough to entertain herself with, but is still ultimately serving herself and retaining control.
Now, I don’t know if you relate to Rapunzel and went (or are going) through anything like this. If that’s the case, my love goes out to you and I wish you everything you need to break out of it. I was fortunate to grow up with a grandmother that encouraged me to move past my fears and my mother is the impulsive and spontaneous type that can be referred to as fearless, if not just reckless. But even with that upbringing, if exposed to people like Mother Gothel for too long, I would begin to lose myself.
Make no mistake, however. Some people are overprotective of you out of genuine care for you. They don’t want anything bad happening to you and it would hurt or devastate them if it did. So much that it can drive them a bit mad. But if that’s stripping you of your confidence, you’ve got to stand up to it and work out effective solutions. You shouldn’t absorb others’ worries and fears - especially if they’re unfounded.
Alternatively, maybe there’s self-interest involved, but they’re not horrible creatures. Like Sebastian, trying to convince Ariel to stay Under The Sea.
Which Disney characters resemble people in your life?