You may be surprised to find out that there are several Disney movies that taught us terrible lessons. A lot of these animated films are classic childhood memories for me, and some do have uplifting, positive messages. Once I became older however, I realized that as entertaining and intriguing some of these movies will always be, there are subliminal hidden messages that aren't too appealing. So, let’s take a look at the Disney movies that taught us terrible lessons and still do to this day.
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1. The Little Mermaid
Starting off this list of Disney Movies that Taught Us Terrible Lessons is the "Little Mermaid." Ariel's biggest dream is to leave the sea and walk on foot to find the man of her dreams, so she makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula. There is however, always a catch when you deal with evil. In exchange for her wish, Ursula takes away Ariel’s beautiful singing voice. Somehow, she and Prince Eric still end up falling in love despite her voice impairment. Lesson - making a deal with the devil can bring about positive results. It all depends on how you look at it.
2. Snow White
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is quite disturbing because why would anyone be okay with a random guy kissing them? If I were Snow White, I would have felt violated after waking up and finding out a man just kissed me without my consent. Yes, he may seem charming and he may have just saved me, but it’s just not cool to have a stranger come into your home and make moves on you. But, I guess it was best for Snow White to look past that; after all, he did just save her from staying in a coma for the rest of her royal life.
3. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” highlights Quasimodo as the ugly outcast who falls head over heels for Esmeralda - a beautiful gypsy. In the end he doesn’t win her heart as Esmeralda falls for the attractive Captain Phoebus! Sigh! It’s just a depressing outcome considering the fact that Quasimodo rescued the damsel from being burned alive at the stake. As a compassionate viewer, I really wanted him to know what it felt like to be loved by someone, especially since the only woman who ever loved him was his deceased mother. But I guess Esmeralda did what most "pretty girls" do: immediately throw the less attractive, sincere guys into the friend zone.
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In "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," Quasimodo is portrayed as an outcast who is rejected by the beautiful Esmeralda in favor of the attractive Captain Phoebus. This movie reinforces the damaging idea that physical beauty is more important than inner beauty, and that good looks are the only thing that matters in relationships. This lesson is particularly concerning for young viewers, as it implies that those who are not conventionally attractive are doomed to be alone. Additionally, the movie perpetuates the stereotype that women are only interested in men who are handsome and have power, and that women have no agency in choosing a partner.
4. Cinderella
Sometimes it's what’s on the outside that counts - said no one ever! According to "Cinderella", if you want to impress a guy, it’s smart to just totally change your appearance and pretend to be someone you’re not. It’s not wise to ever show anyone the less fortunate side of you. Always keep your flaws hidden and the truth withheld because men like that, you know. Oh, and when you do change everything about yourself you will be swept off your feet by your crush, fall in love, and will live happily. If only it were that easy.
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5. Beauty and the Beast
So, he kidnaps you, holds you hostage, yells at you, and acts like a total asshole. Yet, underneath that hard shell is a loving, caring, and handsome guy just waiting to fall in love with you. Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” emphasizes how abusive guys can really be good guys, and if you just be patient with them they will eventually change. Unfortunately, this terrible lesson hits home for a lot of women who in reality are experiencing or have experienced abuse from a significant other. Although Belle's admittance to loving the beast transformed him back into a loving human, in the real world this would rarely happen.
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6. Sleeping Beauty
Like Snow White, "Sleeping Beauty" also depicts a very attractive man saving a princess with just one kiss. What makes it even worst is that Princess Aurora didn’t even know the man, but after she awakens from his magical smooch, they immediately become a twosome. The obvious message in this movie is if a man saves you, you are now his property. No ifs or buts about it. Trust me, there aren't many other guys worth waiting for now that you can have your own lifesaver.
7. The Lion King
This lesson is an ongoing theme in a lot of Disney movies. However, one film in particular just makes you want to cry over and over again no matter how many times you've seen it. In "The Lion King," Mufasa unfortunately dies at the hands of his own conniving brother Scar. Due to jealousy and greed, Scar takes over Pride Land and Mufasa’s son and rightful heir, Simba, is manipulated into running away from home. So, what’s the lesson behind this one kiddos? Sometimes people just have to eliminate their rival(s) in order to get their way. Well, you’ll definitely get to enjoy the fruits of your deceit but only for a moment until karma comes looking for you.
Although the lessons in this list are quite disappointing to see, not all Disney movies were made with the intent to deceive its viewers - and of course some, like Mulan, have fantastic morals and points.. Did you ever notice any of these terrible lessons before reading this article? What are some other Disney movies that have horrible messages?
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Comments
Pannacotta: The only thing that bothered me about the little mermaid that I thought was negative is that Eric fell in live with Ariel even though she couldn't talk. which to me is kinda saying all you have to be is pretty and your thoughts and opinions don't matter. Usually I'm the first one to criticize Disney (the newer films). idk about some of these though. I will however say hunchback is not for kids lol I watched it again recently and it has some pretty adult themes. but that's just my opinion. People can take different things away from the same movie. I don't think you need to be rude to the author of this article in order to explain your opinions.
iloveparis624: let's not forget that Walt Disney did not write these stories. They are all classic literature. And @ Gabbi...I am totally with you. You are on point with everything you said!!!!.
Miriam: totally agree with all of them!!!!
Aliza: *being an adult
Gabby: The original sleeping beauty was way worse. She was raped by the king and had his kids before she woke up. This was a very entertaining article. Thanks for the laugh.
leovirgoaries: also, just because it bothered me, Aurora met Prince Phillip in the forest and fell in love with him. he then risked his life to save her, not because he wanted to own her but because he had fallen in love with her as well.
gabbi: also, you could find similar "lessons" in any movie.
Claire: How is Beauty and the Beast portraying abuse? This is ridiculous. First of all, she finds out that her father is in trouble and she goes out searching for him. When she does find him locked away in the beasts castle she selflessly offers to take her fathers place because he was sick and needed medical attention. Over time, while living in the castle, she learns more about the beast and at times has put him in his place. Through Belle, he learns to be kind and open his heart. And once Belle sees this side of him, she falls in love with him. The beast completely changes for good. I hate seeing these negative articles about Disney movies, it's very pessimistic.
Dani: the lion king is pretty much a retelling more kid friendly version of hamlet. besides, a lot of these are classic fairy tales written by the brothers Grimm, it was a different time back the, you can assume some of the stories would be messed up. in the original Cinderella there's a part about her dead mothers grave and her sisters cutting off parts of their feet in hopes of being married off to good ole Prince Charming. but I think the real message between beauty and the beast is to look for the good in people and not judge them solely on looks and such.
gabbi: Cinderella is about following your heart and making your dreams come true. And she legit did not pretend to be somebody she's not.
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