Unlearning The Myths That Bind Us by Linda Christenson - Argument

Like many children I grew up watching the Disney movies, my all-time favorite is the Lion King.  So for me, reading this article was not that enjoyable. 

This author, Linda Christenson, argues that society’s culture takes possession of the minds of young children and teaches them how to act, live and dream.  She argues that television shows, magazines, books, and movies all contribute to a “secret education” that people are getting.  This “secret education” is manipulating the way we think, live, act and even dream.

By writing this article she wants students to be able to uncover the values that are embedded in movies and companies.  Linda Christenson wants students and society to critique representations of hierarchy and inequality in children’s movies and cartoons.  She also wants them to imagine a better world that is characterized by relationships of respect and equality.

Videos that show the authors argument:

If society is framed by our entertainment then how come the “good guys”, for the most part, finish last?  If in movies the hero or the good guy is supposed to get ahead in movies, then why do so many people who are liars and cheats get ahead in life? 

Point to Share:  Cinderella is about a girl who is treated poorly by her stepmother and stepsisters.  She defies all odds by going to the ball.  Her “family” does everything in their power to stop Cinderella from going to the ball.  Yet this servant girl does make it to the ball in a beautiful gown, and falls in love with the prince.  Cinderella was their servant.  This movie shows that people can make it through hard times, and can make a better life for themself.  Aladdin is very similar.  However in this movie they are Middle Eastern and the peasant is the boy.  Many of these movies are created to bring hope to children that they may be able to be happy in life.  I think that people are over analyzing these movies; they are supposed to show children that telling lies only gets you in trouble, you cannot run away from a problem, and to stay true to who you really are.