Introduction

        As a child I turned to Disney for tales of fantasy and excitement that snagged me from my bedroom floor and delivered me on the front steps of The Beast's Castle, the hills of Pocahontas' indigenous land, and the plank of Captain Hook's pirate ship.  I always identified with the least "traditional" story, the one where the princess isn't a damsel-in-distress, the men aren't all tall hunks with soothing voices, and the characters don't all look and speak the same.  In my opinion, the best Disney movies are the ones that reflect the changes in society during the time period in which the movies were made (although I have my personal issues with Tiana, the first black Disney princess).  For that reason, Mulan (a woman who fights her OWN battles), Pocahontas (a mixed-race relationship), Anastasia (loosely based on history?), as well as non-princess Disney films like Pinnochio, show the evolution of the Disney film.  However, it is noteworthy to talk about the underlying messages in Disney.  It has become such a multi-billion dollar corporation and spans the globe.  Simply visit any Disney park and see the abundance of diversity surrounding you!  It makes you wonder how foreigners see American society.  It makes sense that their perspective on race relations or gender diversity could be influenced by the portrayal of Disney's character archetypes.  This is what interested me about the class, breaking down common stereotypes and patterns constantly seen in Disney films, as well as the changes Disney films have gone through since the beginning of the 20th century.