“Taught from infancy that beauty is woman’s sceptre, the mind shapes itself to the body, and roaming round its gilt cage, only seeks to adorn its prison.” - Mary Wollstonecraft

For those that have not had the pleasure of watching the ‘Winx Club’ - It’s a children’s TV show in which six fairies (and some small pixie things) tackle evil whilst still managing to look good. Originally an Italian animation series which began in 2004, Winx is now somewhat of a worldwide phenomenon that appears on over 100 children’s channels. It has spawned a myriad of merchandising ventures. Recently, a feature film was made and there are plans for another series and film to be released soon. It was originally conceived of by Iginio Straffi, who also happens to have created the production company responsible for Winx (Rainbow S.p.A) and made himself the CEO.

What is my beef with the cute little characters? As a feminist (and a human being), I see that gender role socialisation is an issue which harms both of the sexes. It’s unnecessary, it’s harmful, it’s unacceptable. The Winx Club, with their tiny clothes and tiny little brains seem to epitomise the message of children’s television about what it means to have a vagina. All of the elements are there, and conveniently encapsulated within the one minute opening sequence. I can’t hide my surprise that not only this level of sexism is still acceptable to the public, but we are letting thousands upon thousands of children view and internalise something which inherently aims to box them in.

Read more

Here are a few videos that made me question if perhaps YouTube isn’t every evil incarnate, all happy slapping and organised assaults on humanism and logic. Firstly a short clip which delves a little bit of the way into how Disney constructs and mediates concepts of what it means to be male or female to our children, then the start of documentary film ‘Mickey Mouse Monopoly’ - of which the consecutive parts can be perused at your leisure.

Worth mentioning that they also feature one of my lecturing professors, Justin Lewis.

That’s my little claim to fame there. Student of Justin Lewis. Perhaps there should be badges…

Sexism, Strength and Dominance: Masculinity in Disney Films

Mickey Mouse Monopoly part 1/5