American Culture and Social Impact. Essay

Another writer notes, "It is important to point out that the marketing/merchandising effort is not a haphazard or casual affair. Not only are licensees carefully selected, but the Disney company insists on coordinating all aspects of the design and marketing of the products" (Wasko, 2001, p. 56). Most American children grow up on a diet of Disney films, and that has continued for generations, really showing that good, high-quality films really do stand up to time and generational change. Our culture would not be the same without Disney, because he is such an integral part of growing up, going to films, and creating family films that bring generations together. It is hard to imagine a world without Disney - it would be a world a little less enchanting and magical, and a world with far fewer entertainment choices.

Disney's work has permeated our culture in other ways, too. Most families would not dream of missing a trip to Disneyland or Disneyworld with their children, and even the language of Disney films has become a part of our culture. "Mickey Mouse" was a term for something that was messed up or completely sloppily. In addition, terms like "Big Bad Wolf," "Wicked Stepmother," and "Prince Charming" all conjure up immediate images of his whimsical characters, but they also represent real people in society - the wicked stepmother, the blow-hard, and the perfect man all go by those names, as well, and they have developed into part of our culture and language. Little girls still view Disney films and want to be princesses, and little boys still want to be Prince Charming, decades after Disney's films debuted, and that shows how much they have become part of our culture and society.Many others have recognized the tremendous achievements of Disney, and credited him with his contributions to our culture. Another writer notes, "Gifted with the ability to transform his 'visceral instinct for the rhythms and emotions of mass culture' into soothing explanatory images, Disney 'helped ordinary Americans define themselves' and navigate troubling times from the 1920s onward (Steiner, 2003). He has been recognized for his contributions with honorary degrees, awards, and numerous books and articles being written about his work and how he changed American culture.

In conclusion, Walt Disney left an indelible mark on society and culture. His films are still popular because they are timeless, family-oriented, and vastly entertaining, and his business and vision continues to grow and change. Disney died in 1966, but his name and legacy lives on in the company he founded. His films are such a huge part of growing up around the world that it is hard to imagine life without them. They teach core values like good and evil, they are wholesome and fit for the entire family. They embody the values of Disney the man, and they indicate how a visionary like Disney can make an unforgettable mark on society, culture, and humanity just by doing something they love and sharing it with others.

References

Brittain-Catlin, T. (2003, June). Walt Disney and the quest for community. The Architectural Review, 213, 97.

Bryman, a. (1995). Disney and his worlds. New York: Routledge.

Jackson, K.M. (1996). Introduction Walt Disney: Its persuasive products and cultural contexts. Journal of….....