Disney And Messages About Gender
This assignment supports the following unit objectives:
· Explain biological, social, and cognitive influences on gender.
· Discuss gender stereotypes, similarities, and differences.
· Summarize how sexuality develops through the life span.
Assignment Overview This application assignment has you explore your own personal feelings and biases and evaluate a media source that may be very near and dear to your heart—Disney.
Deliverables A Word document in 12-point font, double spacing, APA citations (including a title and reference page), and utilizes paragraph format with complete sentences.
Activity Details Perform the following tasks:
Step 1: Think about the underlying messages in Disney movies and contemplate the effects of these messages on children.
Share your experiences with Disney movies/television programs/literature in your childhood. What are your fondest memories? What was your favorite movie/program? Why was it your favorite? What do you remember about the stories? After sharing your thoughts/memories, then think about the gender messages that were presented in these films/programs. Was the woman brave and heroic? Were ugly characters (especially women) heroes or villains? Did the man or the woman “save the day“? Who did the domestic work? What was the family composition like (i.e., Was there a mother and a father?)? How did people fall in love (i.e., Was it love at first sight?)?
This assignment should also respond to the following questions thoroughly and thoughtfully.
· How could these programs affect children’s understanding of family?
· Do gender stereotypes run rampant in Disney films? Provide examples
· Think about a more recent Disney film. Do women take on more prominent and strong roles, is there some evidence of gender stereotyping and male dominance? Are these messages all bad? What do you believe the significance of the impact of these messages on children?
Step 2: Read through your Textbook, Web Resources, and Other Supplemental Resources to Answer the Questions. As you answer the questions, make sure you utilize paragraph format as well as APA guidelines. If you use references, make sure to cite those as well.
Step 3: Look over your Assignment for Spelling or Grammar Errors. It is always a good idea to proofread your work prior to submission. Take this time to read over your assignment and make sure you have thoroughly and thoughtfully explained your answers to the questions listed above.
Step 4: Make sure to put your assignment in a Word document (12-point font) and clearly label each with the information from the Step 5 example.