I agree with Christensen's point that we can use writing to break stereotypes and that we must question the lessons in cartoons and Disney stories. I feel it is important for students to be able to identify, write about, and overcome stereotypes. I also see how different opinions about myths and stereotypes can affect perception.
I was quite angered by the student article on page 43, "Help Me Syndrome" because she took the idea that women were characterized as weak and silly and applied it to several female Disney figures without acknowledging the counterargument. She claims that Sleeping Beauty is a silly princess whose actions punished an entire kingdom and only a man's kiss could restore order. And that the only way for the Little Mermaid to be happy was for Prince Eric to kiss her and make her human. Belle had to be saved from wolves by the Beast. I believe it is the female characters who are the strong, responsible ones. Sleeping Beauty lived simply, doing her share to keep up her home and provide food. When she fell into her hundred year sleep, it was the fairies who cast the sleep spell on the kingdom so that they may awaken together. Prince Phillip played no vital role other than speeding up the alarm clock. The Little Mermaid saved Eric, preserved human artifacts, helped bring down the Sea Witch, and attained the life she sought. Belle went to rescue her father; she took his place in the dungeon. She broke the spell on the Beast. She is independent, intelligent, loving, and actively tries to better herself and those around her.
I feel it is equally important not to simply break the myth, but see why the myth is trying to teach, how it succeeds in doing so, and what could be changed to reflect a different viewpoint. By doing so, they will be better prepared to determine bias in writing, the purpose of given stereotypes, and the ability to see more than one opinion. Charting stereotypes will help students understand historical significance or even help them think and write analytically about a text.
1 comment:
I read your blog before class on Wednesday, but I didn't have a chance to reply to it, so I wanted to reply to it now. I agree with your point on the "Help Me Syndrome" essay. I feel that when we talk about stero-types that we need to talk about positive things as well as the negitive. There should be a balance.
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