Friday, February 22, 2013

Boys and the Superhero Culture vs. Disney

        In class we talked about superheroes and and the influence it has on young boys, similar to the princess culture and how it affects young girls. I feel like the overall themes that are seen in superheroes are positive, saving the day, stepping up to do what's right for mankind. But one potential problem is that the hero is usually not good enough as his normal self. It’s once something miraculous happens, or after tons of training to improve and change himself, that he is good enough to save the day or reach his dreams. Superheroes are also shown to be super tough, strong, and manly…

       Growing up, I was never a superhero boy, I was much more into the male Disney characters, like Aladdin and Hercules. (Regardless of how some may feel towards the princesses) I feel like the guys in Disney movies are a very good example for young boys. Aladdin for example is just a “street rat”, and at first he thinks that he has to become something he’s not, but it’s only when he returns to his true self that everything works out and he reaches his dreams. And Hercules, he’a a super human, but that doesn’t get him anywhere, its when he loses his powers that through love and self sacrifice that he is triumphant. I think these are great examples for young boys. It’s a different message then they are going to get in the majority of media surrounding them.

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