How have disney songs reflected US society?
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Summary
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Some studies suggest Disney songs reflect working-class culture, values, and social hierarchies, while other studies highlight their reinforcement of orientalist and colonialist power structures and instances of cultural appropriation.
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Introduction
Disney songs have long been a reflection of various aspects of U.S. society, capturing cultural, social, and political nuances through their music and lyrics. By examining the ways Disney songs have been used and interpreted, we can gain insights into how they mirror societal values, norms, and changes over time.
Key Insights
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Cultural Representation and Appropriation:
- Disney's "Moana" was marketed as a culturally accurate portrayal of Polynesian culture, but its music reflects Western ethnocentrism. Despite using Polynesian musical traits, the film frames these within Western musical characteristics, illustrating a continuation of Western control over the representation of marginalized cultures.
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Reinforcement of Social Hierarchies:
- Popular songs, including those from Disney, often reflect and reinforce social hierarchies based on race, gender, and immigrant status. These songs articulate class values and working-class gender construction, integrating ethnic groups into American culture while maintaining social stratifications.
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Creation of Idealized Worlds:
- Disney theme parks use music to create idealized, nostalgic versions of American life, such as "Mainstreet USA" and the EPCOT World Showcase. This use of music helps to construct a "whole new world" that reinforces certain cultural narratives and power structures, including orientalist and colonialist perspectives.
Conclusion
Disney songs and their use in films and theme parks reflect various aspects of U.S. society, from cultural representation and appropriation to the reinforcement of social hierarchies and the creation of idealized worlds. These songs not only entertain but also serve as a medium through which societal values and norms are both mirrored and perpetuated.
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