Beware of cartoons: what’s wrong with Disney characters

Children’s cartoons are often perceived differently by adults. Positive characters are annoying, negative ones are sympathetic, and simple plots no longer seem so simple. Together with the psychotherapist, we understand the hidden meanings of these stories.

«The Lion King»

Favorite cartoon of many children and adults. But this is not just a drama about the life of the jungle, but also a story about the internal conflict that Simba had.

The story could have had a different ending if our hero had his own value system, not imposed by anyone, knew how to stop in time to “think” and ask himself the questions “do I want this?” and “do I really need it?” and would allow himself at least a little to live carefree.

And it’s also a story about running away from yourself — after the death of his father, Simba is seized with a sense of shame, and he finds a new company, Timon and Pumbaa. The lion feeds on caterpillars and in every possible way denies its essence. But in the end, he realizes that this cannot continue, and begins to search for his true self.

«Aladdin»

A beautiful love story that, in reality, would most likely be doomed to failure. Aladdin meets Jasmine and by all means tries to get her, and decides to do it by deception.

But what we see: Aladdin has a very subtle soul, and he is ashamed of himself. His secret is revealed, Jasmine forgives him. Such a model of relations — «a bully and a princess» — is often found in life, and in the cartoon the image of a bandit-Aladdin is romanticized.

Can a relationship built on deceit be happy? Unlikely. But besides this, it is worth paying attention to double standards here: of course, stealing and deceiving is bad, but if you cover it up with a good motive, is it permissible?

«The beauty and the Beast»

The relationship between Adam (Beast) and Belle (Beauty) is an example of a codependent relationship between a narcissist and a victim. Despite the fact that Adam kidnaps and holds Belle by force, psychologically puts pressure on her, his image causes sympathy.

We justify his behavior with a hard fate and remorse, which is replaced by aggression and manipulation, but in fact this is a direct sign of narcissism and a lack of responsibility for one’s life.

At the same time, Belle may seem stubborn, obstinate and stupid: can’t she see that he loves her and is ready to do anything for her? And she, despite her intelligence and breadth of thinking, still falls into the clutches of a narcissist and becomes a victim.

Of course, the story ends with a happy ending: the Beast becomes a handsome prince, and he and Beauty live happily ever after. In fact, codependent abusive relationships are doomed, and you should not look for excuses for such human behavior.

How to watch cartoons with a child

  • Ask questions to the child. Be interested in which of the characters he likes and why, who seems to him a negative hero, how he relates to certain actions. From the height of your experience, you and your child can look at the same situations in different ways. It is worth gently explaining to him your vision of the situation and discussing the problem from different angles.
  • Discuss situations that you do not allow in education and communication. Explain why this is unacceptable and how to behave in a given situation. For example, physical violence or abuse in cartoons is sometimes romanticized, and the child may adopt the idea that it is acceptable under exceptional circumstances.
  • Explain your position to the child — gently and carefully, without imposing it or scolding him for misunderstanding something. Do not ignore counter questions. Surely he will be interested to know your opinion about the characters, situations, to hear about your attitude to what is happening.
  • Ask your son or daughter to discuss why, in their opinion, the character acted this way and not otherwise, what was his motivation, whether the child approves of his behavior. Ask leading questions — this will not only help draw conclusions, but also teach the child to think analytically.

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