The role of "mother" in Disney movies?

Question

Did anyone ever notice how the mother characters in Disney movies is either dead/killed/taken/none exsistent...ex. Cinderella, Snow White, Bambi, Beauty and the beast, Pocahontas etc.etc.

Does someone over there have a serious complex or does Disney just hate women?

Answer 1

Or just hate mothers.

Answer 2

I agree, there are always issues with the mother or both parents. But I don't think Disney hates women, because there are so many princess movies where a girl lives a sad life and lives happily ever after, like Cinderella. Maybe they are trying to make a different image for children rather than the usual old fashioned family of mother, father and children, it makes kids realize that often at times people's parents pass away. I think it's a way to bring a bit of reality to their stories.

Answer 3

This all goes back to the nature of fairy tales in general. The hero (or female hero) has to have some sort of social strike against them - something that makes them look like the weakling until they're given a chance to prove themselves. And this proving comes through the hero's journey, which is, of course, the story itself.
The idea of removing a mother (or parent figure) is symbolic of having something vital taken from life. In response, the hero usually fills this void with a mentor figure, who encourages the hero to take up the quest/journey. In a way, the removal of the parent figure also represents what the hero will be expected to give away for the sake of the journey. However, in the end, what the hero has lost is usually restored, though not necessarily a replacement for the lost loved one.

Answer 4

My favorite Disney Movie would be The Little Mermaid. I used to watch that when I was a kid every single day and repeat it for how many times in a day! LOL I even knew every single word they say and I can't help but say the words and sing with the characters while watching the whole movie!

Answer 5

Consider the character of Nani in LILO & STITCH. Nani is Lilo's adult older sister, and has to take on the role of mother to Lilo after their parents are killed in an auto accident. The film clearly points up Nani's struggle of trying to maintain a job and guardianship of a rambunctuous 6-year old (who has her own issues to work out) while also fending-off Cobra Bubbles, the well-meaning but stern Child Welfare officer who wants Lilo to be removed from Nani's care.
Sounds like many of the same struggles single mothers face.

Answer 6

I've noticed that for years, didn't think anybody else noticed. I think the Disney writers must be psycho.
Don't forget
Fox and the Hound, Lilo and Stitch, Aladdin, and Finding Nemo to name just a few more.

Answer 7

Disney movies are known for the main character having usually only 1 or no parents at all...it creates extra drama and gives even more perseverance and triumph to that character when they ultimately succeed/win at the end...And its not just women who are missing...Equally number of men.

Answer 8

They don't hate women because the main characters are usually princesses. The movies are trying to show people with hard lives overcoming them, and to make them have hard lives, they often are orphans.

Answer 9

You're right. And if they are there they don't spend much time with their children. Like in Mary Poppins. The parents don't spend a lot of time with them.

Answer 10

lol...maybe...thats a good observation....i think they just want to turn the Disney movies just a little more tragic