Disney a Manipulator

               Anyone who grew up in the United States is familiar with the Disney classics such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White.  However, few of us realized the impact that movies like this have on our psyche as we continue to grow through adolescences and into adulthood.  As a male, I cannot say that I spent much time watching movies where the main character was a princess, just because it was not going to take priority over Power Rangers, Pokémon or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. 

               What I did not realize until this passed weeks lecture however is that although the movies had very little impact on my expectations as a guy, it could have influence over the relationships that I have had over the last five years.  Every one of us, regardless of gender, has complained about the other sex in respect to dating.  “She’s clingy.” “He’s insensitive.” Or my personal favorite, “Guys suck!” In reality there is a large possibility that we can attribute our frustration to the gender roles and flawless nature, that are portrayed in Walt Disney’s classic princess films.

               Now do not take what I am saying out of context, this post is not at all targeting woman alone. I for one prefer to date a strong woman with her own goals as well as her own quirks and flaws.  However, in numerous relationships I have been the victim of unreasonable expectations.  Obviously we cannot prove that these unreasonable expectations for both genders are completely attributed to the portrayal of flawless human beings in Disney movies.  However, I believe that as long as we continue to allow the sponge like brains of children to be influenced by these twenty plus year old films it will only continue to hurt relationships in which both parties do not realize that flawless is not conducive to reality.