Disney in Adulthood: How the franchise is encouraging fresh mindsets
The recent release of Disney’s “Soul” has proved animated films can captivate adults in the same ways they enchant children. The movie implements thought provoking questions about pursuing a purposeful existence and thus creates a relatable storyline for its mature audience, while also teaching valuable lessons to its younger viewers.
A few other newer works, like “Inside Out” and “Up”, work similarly by addressing healthy coping mechanisms when dealing with overbearing negative emotions and the process of grief after losing a loved one.
The Pixar franchise hasn’t always addressed such heavy topics, and Gen Z in particular has seen the films evolve from light-hearted comedies to increasingly contemplative works on love, loss and what it means to be human.
The alterations Disney has made are beneficial because they subtly introduce crucial topics on mental health to children, and remind adults about the art of not taking life too seriously.
Mental health awareness has rapidly gained ground in the past decade due to the steadily growing levels of depression and anxiety disorders in adolescents.
As we witness college students and high schoolers struggle with self-esteem and levels of satisfaction in their personal lives; it becomes evident actions need to be taken to ensure future generations do not suffer the same consequences of the digital age.
Movies often play a large part in the entertainment aspect of one’s childhood, they can also be highly influential in regards to attitude and outlook at an early age.
From the lasting friendships in “Toy Story” to the unwavering love of a parent in “Finding Nemo” there is no doubt even seemingly trivial cartoons leave imprints of a greater significance than meets the eye. People will subconsciously try to emulate these mindsets because the media portrays them in an ideal light.
There is proof producers of these technological creations are knowingly formulating goals that produce more of these positive behaviors in their general audience.
When a giant company such as Disney makes the necessary changes to improve the overall well-being of society, it becomes easier to picture a future where technology and media facilitate healthy mentalities rather than harmful ones.
There have been far too many negative accounts where comparison and discontentment are linked to modern day cell phone and television access.
How encouraging it is to know something as simple as a children’s movie can aid in the establishment of a brighter future associated with new age technology.
