Lessons of Humanity in Walt Disney’s Earlier Animated Features

Critics of Disney’s contemporary creations hail from all areas of the political spectrum: factions of the Religious Right have deciphered naughty words and sly innuendoes in the animation scenes; feminists, and others, object that many women characters are portrayed as buxom sexpots looking for some strong man to rescue them. Native American groups, historians, and the general public have criticized Pocahontas (1995) for being historically inaccurate and demeaning to Native Americans.

However, vintage Disney films are a treasure trove of didactic import for children. Coming of age, learning to be patient, pursuing goals, overcoming obstacles, contending with evil, dealing with abandonment issues, making friends, and, most importantly, coexisting with humans and animals different from ourselves are all themes present in most Disney films.

Snow White (1937) learns to grow into adulthood at the tutelage of seven dwarfs. Her education, comparable to a seven-league journey, prepares her for assuming responsibility. Pinocchio (1940), through the help of his human father, discovers the responsibilities of being human. He makes mistakes, fails, refuses to give up, and eventually succeeds in his goal. In The Fox and the Hound (1981) the intricate relationship between enemies is resolved when the antagonists realize that they are different but that they must coexist and live in peace. Self-esteem and accepting one’s differences and limitations are also central to Dumbo (1941).

Bambi (1942) is a call for the preservation of nature and all living things. Bambi’s mother is killed by a hunter, and hunters carelessly cause a fire, destroying most of the plants and wildlife, but the cycle of life continues. Eliminating distinctions between social classes is emphasized in Lady and the Tramp (1955), The Aristocats (1970), and in Oliver and Company (1988).

Children learn to respect differences and see themselves as a part of a larger whole. Self assurance, respect for others, and the knowledge that obstacles can be surmounted all promote a sense of security and foster the idea that peace and co-existence are possible. This must be nurtured and reinforced to ensure that young people will accept themselves and others, learn responsibility, and experience the joys of living as compassionate human beings.