lack of moms in disney cartoons
By arnibarni
@arnibarni (35)
Philippines
April 21, 2008 9:56pm CST
have you wondered why most disney cartoons feature heroes and heroines without any mothers? snow white, cinderella, ariel (the little mermaid), belle (beauty and the beast), jasmine (aladdin), pocahontas, to mention a few all didn't have moms. what are your thoughts about this? just curious...
1 person likes this
3 responses
@gcrew931 (228)
• Philippines
22 Apr 08
I guess the lack of moms in Disney animations add to the flavor of the story. Moms represent care, love, and a nurturing environment. Without moms in the story, it would show that even the main characters are not perfect. They are real and they also experience hardships. Having no moms in these films add an effect to the story. It makes it appear that the characters are moving in the real world facing real problems. Having no moms cultivate the effect of giving the story a realistic feel and the same time adds color and a bit of a hidden plot and conflict in the story. Oh well, there goes my training in psychology. It's just my two cents worth.
@arnibarni (35)
• Philippines
23 Apr 08
true. somehow it makes the characters (albeit their nature) more real. good point! thanks!
@arnibarni (35)
• Philippines
23 Apr 08
true. somehow it makes the characters (albeit their nature) more real. good point! thanks for sharing!
@Angelwriter (1954)
• United States
22 Apr 08
In Cinderella and Snow White, the mother is missing in the original stories. And, it's basically what other people here have said. And, characters in stories need obstacles to overcome, and it helps if the characters don't have a mother to turn to. Kind of ups the "me and just a few fuzzy/short/fishy/inanimate friends against the world." Disney could imagine a father being scatterbrained or distant and pretty much out of the picture even when they're still around, but can't imagine a mother being that way. So, they get rid of her.
@arnibarni (35)
• Philippines
23 Apr 08
hehehe. lacking moms may also make the characters stronger since its very hard not to have a mom... thanks for sharing!
@Breath (1297)
• United States
22 Apr 08
When I read this my mouth flew open.I had to laugh.You are right!I have never thought about it that much.And the mothers that are in some of the stories are ugly step mothers.I wonder why my self?Mothers play an important role in family life.Since Disney is so family friendly and all of the movie are directed toward family viewing they should show a positive loving mother figure...Good point!Thanks for the thought...
@arnibarni (35)
• Philippines
22 Apr 08
actually, it was my then 4-year old son who noticed it first. you're right, for a family-oriented company, its weird that they don't include mothers in most of their movies. oooh! even nemo lost his mom even before he hatched! thanks!