close
Are Disney Films Responsible for Poor Millennial Body Image?
November 2018 | Reading time: 3 minutes
Table of Contents
In recent years there has been a lot of outrage regarding the appearance of characters in Disney films. Many people believe the slim figures corrupt the minds of young children, and the famous hourglass image leads to body image issues.
A study conducted at Brigham Young University tested whether Disney princesses affected the behaviour of 200 pre-school children. The results showed that girls with body-esteem issues were more likely to engage with Disney Princesses, and this engagement increased over time. Girls as young as aged 3 believed that women are thin because of these films.
Disney Merida
This issue is not just linked to the portrayal of characters in films. Dolls also have a significant, if not more dominant impact in communicating the wrong messages about body image. The most famous example of this is Barbie dolls, boasting a thin waist, prominent bust and curvy hips. The dolls of the Disney character Merida from ‘Brave’ also received a lot of negative attention. In the film, Merida was a realistic and average figure, with an indefinite bust, and a plain face devoid of make-up. However, the Merida doll had a much more pronounced bust, thinner waist and a lot of make-up on.
Here, Disney missed out on their chance to have a positive impact on body image for their young audience. Instead, they conformed to the unrealistic image that so many dolls adopt. Furthermore, researcher Sarah Coyne pointed out the ‘feminisation’ of Merida detracts from Merida’s fierce strength and independence in the film. Her strength is what the younger generation should aspire to, rather than wanting to have a certain look that is unhealthy and unattainable.
Moana
Fortunately, Disney’s ‘Moana’ in 2016 is better than the traditional Disney Princess films. Moana is much more average looking so audiences identify with her. As a result of this, children idolise her heroic traits rather than her appearance. Interestingly, in a study conducted by Dr Maya Götz for the International Central Institute for Youth and Educational Television, 70% of 1,055 children said they wanted to watch an average character, rather than a thin or chubby one. This corroborates with the idea that children need to see characters they relate to, and whom they see themselves in.
This is a great opportunity for the media and toy industry to have a positive and constructive effect on their young audience. By reducing the focus on body image, children idolise or copy traits and behaviours. Interestingly, a blogger for the Huffington Post argues that parents should openly discuss body image with young children. This helps children to understand there are a range of body types, and there is a difference between what is realistic and unrealistic. Either way, it is vital that the media and toy industry stop producing these unrealistic images. A better way to use their influence is to teach children how to love themselves, and that everyone is unique in their own way.
If you want to look and feel even better, read about our HIFU Face Lift treatment which restores health and vitality to your skin.
Related Articles
What’s the difference between Botox and Dermal Filler Injections?
Both can significantly reduce the signs of ageing, so what's the difference between Botox and Dermal Filler injections? (more…)
Laser Hair Removal Birmingham
Permanent laser hair removal at VIVO Body Studio Birmingham At VIVO Body Studio Birmingham, we use advanced and effective laser...
Black Friday: Where, When and Why
What's the DEAL with Black Friday? Our treatments are 50% for Black Friday (see prices), but what exactly is it,...
Make Every Day Stylish
Being stylish is all about knowing how to accentuate your natural beauty while being comfortable in your own skin. (more…)
The Best Fitness Trackers
Which fitness tracker is right for you? We live in a society that is becoming ever more obsessed with health...
Water Aerobics – Get Fit in Water
Water aerobics has a bit of a reputation for being something that the elderly do but in fact, it's a...
Embrace a Balanced Lifestyle: Secrets to Living Your Best Life
What is a Balanced Lifestyle?A balanced lifestyle is all about finding harmony between various aspects of your life, such as...
Crafting Your Dream Lifestyle: Tips for Living Your Best Life
Defining Your PrioritiesThe first step in crafting your dream lifestyle is to identify what truly matters to you. Take some...
Does the Atkins Diet Really Work?
How effective is the Atkins diet? With hundreds of weight loss plans available, it's difficult to choose one that best...
New Year, New You: Ideas for New Year’s Resolutions
It's 2019 already! We all know what that means - it's your chance to start over and do things right....
Botox Injections in Birmingham
The popular anti-aging treatment comes to VIVO Body Studio As we get older, the signs of ageing are most apparent...
How to prevent skin damage in the winter
The festive season of baubles, presents, and merrymaking may be the worst for your skin, but it does not have...Fill out the form below or click here to arrange a callback at a specific time.
Quick Contact
"*" indicates required fields
Happy Customers
1,815 Reviews and Counting
Mobina carried out this treatment and she is v knowledgable, professional and attentive throughout. I’ve got my next appointment booked & can’t wait to see the results after that session.
I would highly recommend this treatment and Mobina.