Aladdin: Arabian Nights

READING DISNEY CARTOONS

Imagery & Culture / Aristimuno/ Spring 2010

THIS EXAM IS DUE

AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS

THURSDAY, MARCH 25 (yes, Thursday)

PART I:

Define each of the following concepts. (1 paragraph each, 5 points each answer: total 50 points)

For each term, you may quote from the author, but must elaborate on the definition in your own words to show you understand the concept.

From Stuart Hall:

Connotation
Intertextuality
Representational Practices
Difference & Otherness
Stereotyping (as defined by Stuart Hall)
At least one strategy of resistance and critical engagement leading to awareness and transformation.

From M.C.Miller, why should we look at commercials closely?
From H. Giroux, Give 3 reasons why we should analyze Disney texts critically. (10 points)
From C. Adichie, what is the danger of “The Single Story”?

PART II: (Total 50 points this section) 4-6 pages

Analyze the following 2 clips from THE LITTLE MERMAID through the filter of the three currents identified in class: white supremacy, patriarchy, and globalization/multinational capitalism. How does this case study from Disney embody the ideologies of white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism?

You should approach this question as an attorney making a case before a judge.

“Your honor, in this essay I will prove that Disney’s film Little Mermaid embodies the ideologies of (1) white supremacy, (2) patriarchy, and (3) globalization/multinational capitalism.”

You should incorporate the terms from the previous section in you answer, making sure you show your understanding of them.

You may also refer to other cultural texts (images, ads, films, etc) discussed in class.

The Little Mermaid

Poor Unfortunate Soul

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi4o2cG_SsI

Under the Sea:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgA2xo0HYrE

In this video, a few suggested things to think about that may help you make your case

· Look at how the Caribbean Other is constructed in comparison to the Non-Caribbean (American) Self (personified by Ariel).

· What do the “Caribbeanized” fish do? How do they speak? How do they act?

· If “up on the shore they work all day” then what do they do under the sea?

· Do you see a pattern between the music motif (Jungle Book, Jamaica, Under the Sea, the picture in Time magazine, images from Classified X, images identified by Hall)

· How is the Caribbean represented as the place that provides raw materials (food) for “The Emperor”? What does the King look like?

Below are some additional clips that may also help you make your case.

Use them as evidence as you argue your case before the judge.

From Jungle Book “I Want to Be Like You”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hdrcDDqRHk

From Dumbo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOcVkofa1AU

From Alladin

Arabian Nights Revised opening song

Be sure to read the original lyrics in Giroux’s essay

http://youtube.com/watch?v=eEGlJP4X4vc

Spanish Version