Multiculturalism and the Mouse

Race and Sex in Disney Entertainment

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Film, History & Criticism, Performing Arts
Cover of the book Multiculturalism and the Mouse by Douglas Brode, University of Texas Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Douglas Brode ISBN: 9780292783300
Publisher: University of Texas Press Publication: January 27, 2009
Imprint: University of Texas Press Language: English
Author: Douglas Brode
ISBN: 9780292783300
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Publication: January 27, 2009
Imprint: University of Texas Press
Language: English

In his latest iconoclastic work, Douglas Brode—the only academic author/scholar who dares to defend Disney entertainment—argues that "Uncle Walt's" output of films, television shows, theme parks, and spin-off items promoted diversity decades before such a concept gained popular currency in the 1990s. Fully understood, It's a Small World—one of the most popular attractions at the Disney theme parks—encapsulates Disney's prophetic vision of an appealingly varied world, each race respecting the uniqueness of all the others while simultaneously celebrating a common human core. In this pioneering volume, Brode makes a compelling case that Disney's consistently positive presentation of "difference"—whether it be race, gender, sexual orientation, ideology, or spirituality—provided the key paradigm for an eventual emergence of multiculturalism in our society.

Using examples from dozens of films and TV programs, Brode demonstrates that Disney entertainment has consistently portrayed Native Americans, African Americans, women, gays, individual acceptance of one's sexual orientation, and alternatives to Judeo-Christian religious values in a highly positive light. Assuming a contrarian stance, Brode refutes the overwhelming body of "serious" criticism that dismisses Disney entertainment as racist and sexist. Instead, he reveals through close textual analysis how Disney introduced audiences to such politically correct principles as mainstream feminism. In so doing, Brode challenges the popular perception of Disney fare as a bland diet of programming that people around the world either uncritically deem acceptable for their children or angrily revile as reactionary pabulum for the masses.

Providing a long overdue and thoroughly detailed alternative, Brode makes a highly convincing argument that with an unwavering commitment to racial diversity and sexual difference, coupled with a vast global popularity, Disney entertainment enabled those successive generations of impressionable youth who experienced it to create today's aura of multiculturalism and our politically correct value system.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In his latest iconoclastic work, Douglas Brode—the only academic author/scholar who dares to defend Disney entertainment—argues that "Uncle Walt's" output of films, television shows, theme parks, and spin-off items promoted diversity decades before such a concept gained popular currency in the 1990s. Fully understood, It's a Small World—one of the most popular attractions at the Disney theme parks—encapsulates Disney's prophetic vision of an appealingly varied world, each race respecting the uniqueness of all the others while simultaneously celebrating a common human core. In this pioneering volume, Brode makes a compelling case that Disney's consistently positive presentation of "difference"—whether it be race, gender, sexual orientation, ideology, or spirituality—provided the key paradigm for an eventual emergence of multiculturalism in our society.

Using examples from dozens of films and TV programs, Brode demonstrates that Disney entertainment has consistently portrayed Native Americans, African Americans, women, gays, individual acceptance of one's sexual orientation, and alternatives to Judeo-Christian religious values in a highly positive light. Assuming a contrarian stance, Brode refutes the overwhelming body of "serious" criticism that dismisses Disney entertainment as racist and sexist. Instead, he reveals through close textual analysis how Disney introduced audiences to such politically correct principles as mainstream feminism. In so doing, Brode challenges the popular perception of Disney fare as a bland diet of programming that people around the world either uncritically deem acceptable for their children or angrily revile as reactionary pabulum for the masses.

Providing a long overdue and thoroughly detailed alternative, Brode makes a highly convincing argument that with an unwavering commitment to racial diversity and sexual difference, coupled with a vast global popularity, Disney entertainment enabled those successive generations of impressionable youth who experienced it to create today's aura of multiculturalism and our politically correct value system.

More books from University of Texas Press

Cover of the book The United States and Latin America by Douglas Brode
Cover of the book Hijos del Pueblo by Douglas Brode
Cover of the book Cycles of Time and Meaning in the Mexican Books of Fate by Douglas Brode
Cover of the book The Shaman’s Mirror by Douglas Brode
Cover of the book Politics of the Chaco Peace Conference, 1935–1939 by Douglas Brode
Cover of the book Torture in Brazil by Douglas Brode
Cover of the book Painting Texas History to 1900 by Douglas Brode
Cover of the book Blood Orchid by Douglas Brode
Cover of the book Indian Tales of North America by Douglas Brode
Cover of the book Old Riot, New Ranger by Douglas Brode
Cover of the book Selected Poems of Rubén Darío by Douglas Brode
Cover of the book The Educator's Guide to Texas School Law by Douglas Brode
Cover of the book Morphology of the Folktale by Douglas Brode
Cover of the book Tax Reform and the Alliance for Progress by Douglas Brode
Cover of the book Armadillo World Headquarters by Douglas Brode
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy