Zipes

In his article, “Breaking the Disney Spell,” Jack Zipes argues that the standards, functions, and effects of fairy tales has changed as the means for passing them on have changed. Specifically focusing on Walt Disney, Zipes claims that Disney has used his animated film fairy tales “to replace all [written] versions with his animated version and his cartoon is astonishingly autobiographical” (Tatar, 343). Walt Disney, coming from a poor family with a manipulative father, used his films to essentially brag about the success he had become and the hardships he had to endure. This reflected the shifts in society toward individualism.

I disagree with Zipes’ thesis for the most part. Although I do not know as much as Sahil about Walt Disney, but I believe that the connections Zipes made between Disney’s movies and his life could be coincidence. He has offered no proof that Disney intentionally altered fairy tales to create movies that reflect his own life. In fact, many of the ideas that reflect Disney’s life, for example the patriarchy and work-hard ethic were common experiences of the time. I would say that Disney’s films reflect the mentality of the American people in the time they were created rather than Walt Disney’s desire to promote himself to the entire population. His films are used, like oral and written fairy tales, to pass on values, morals, and ideas of that culture at that time.

Zipes is Wrong

Zipes puts forward the thesis that Disney practically ignored the communal purpose of fairy tales and created a technologically-assisted self-promoting vehicle for himself. I think this is all false.
For starters, I feel like telling a fairy tale (or any story for that matter) is much like a band covering a song. You have a basic original structure and idea, but the best musicians use them as vehicles for their own talent. A good comparison would be to think about “All Along the Watchtower” by Bob Dylan. When most people hear the name of the song, they instantly think about the Jimi Hendrix version. Sure, Bob Dylan wrote the lyrics and the basic idea for the song, but Jimi added his own touch and took the song to the next level. It's a lot flashier, sure, but that's because it is his nature to be flashy.
In the same way, Disney's cartoons are flashy, but that is the purpose. As much as they are telling the stories, they are also displays of Disney's talent and that of his animators. Furthermore, in complete opposition to Zipes's statement of communality, this flashiness is part of what attracts kids to his movies. Movies are not only a group activity, but outside of the theater they create a group identity. I remember every time a Disney movie came out when I was in grade school, everyone had to have the newest lunch box or backpack or action figures. At the same time, it was a great way to make friends. Disney movies really brought kids together, and drew them into the stories in the exact way that fairy tales have always done.

Zipes - February 03, 2009

In “Breaking the Disney Spell”, Jack Zipes argues that Walt Disney “employed animators and technology, not to enhance the communal aspects of narrative and bring about major changes in viewing stories to stir and animate viewers, but to enhance his own image and to get viewers to stop thinking about change, to return to his films, and to long nostalgically for long established patriarchal ideals.

I do not know if I fully agree or disagree with this thesis. There is evidence that points towards both sides of the argument. I believe Mr. Zipes is erring when he contends that the technology was not mean to enhance the communal aspect of fairy tales. Film, as a medium, promotes viewing in groups. Whether it is in a theater or at home, viewers generally watch a film with the company of others – especially “family films (a designation that animated features have achieved ever since Disney made them popular). So in that regards, I don’t think I necessarily agree with Mr. Zipes.

However, he makes a very strong case for Disney’s penchant for inserting himself into his movies as the hero. The evidence from Puss in Boots and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is unarguably supporting Zipes’ theory. I would not label the similarities apparent in Disney’s life and these stories as coincidental simply because of Walt Disney’s personality. It promotes the viewing of these films as almost fantastical adaptations of his own life.

Zipes' Thesis 2/3/2009

Zipes' thesis is that Disney took the traditional fairy tale and subverted it using state of the art technology to be used as a tool to promote himself and his patriarchal ideals. In doing this Disney took away the "magic" and the community aspect of the fairy tales, and they became pale imitations of what they once were. The fairy tale became a way to keep the masses from thinking about change and instead long for the good old days of Disney.
I don't agree with Zipes' thesis. I think the fact the fact that children worldwide are taken to see Disney movies today with their parents makes it clear that community and family is still a large part of the fairy tale. It seems to me that Disney was simply following the Grimms' model of using fairy tales to teach children lessons. While Disney might have made the movies more patriarchal that was simply the way it was in America during that time.
Audra Crosby

Assignment: 3 February 2009

First, please identify the thesis of the Zipes article from this week’s reading. Then, respond to his thesis: do you agree or disagree, and why?

Don’t forget to post two comments by Wednesday at midnight.