Children & Media

1. Children & Media Veronica Monteyro, Steven Jambard, Jonathan Vasquez Greenwood/Block 4 Media Study November 18, 2008

2. The Little Mermaid Ancient Modern The Little Mermaid was written by Danish author, Hans Christian Andersen in 1836. This fairy tale is about a young mermaid prohibited to go on land. But once she finally has the chance to go above the ocean, she instantly falls in love with a human – which is strictly forbidden. The Little Mermaid is the tale of her struggle of trying to capture this man’s heart while not trying to dishonor her family. The Little Mermaid was taken from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale and produced into a Disney film directed by Ron Clements. This tale is basically the same as Andersen’s original story, but more with a childish touch to it. In The Little Mermaid the young mermaid must choose between true love and her family.

3. Similarities and Differences Ancient Modern The main character’s name is Sirenetta Sirenetta has blonde hair and five sisters Sirenetta’s enemy’s name is Witch of the Deeps Sirenetta falls in love with a Prince, but the Prince is in love with another woman The Witch of the Deeps makes a deal with Sirenetta saying that she’ll give her legs if she gives the witch her voice Sirenetta tries to get the Prince to fall in love with her, but fails The Prince and the unknown woman get married The Witch of the Deeps tells Sirenetta that if she kills the Prince she can have her legs back Sirenetta tries to kill the Prince, but stops herself, and tries to throw herself overboard “Air fairies” catch her as she hits the ocean, and lifts her into the sky The main character’s name is Ariel Ariel has red hair Ariel’s enemy’s name is Ursula Ursula will give Ariel legs if Ariel gives the witch her voice Ariel is in love with Prince Eric, and Prince Eric loves her too Ariel and Prince Eric get married and live happily ever after

4. Children in the Market in the Ancient the Little Mermaid The old tale of The Little Mermaid may not be the most suitable story for children. This is because it is not your typical love story. Rather than falling in love and living “happily ever after” it ends with a sad note. Sirenetta, the main character, ends up trying to kill the man she loved after he married another woman. But, when her attempt failed, she tried to kill herself instead. This story would give children the wrong idea about love at a young age. It may teach them to do something drastic, even as drastic as kill, if things do not go their way. And that is especially something that people would not want to teach their children. Parents should be careful to let children read this story as children’s minds work very fast and can take action quickly. This is not good because society does not need a child sociopath on the loose. Children are definitely not the main market group in this situation.

5. Ancient the Little MermaidPros & Cons for Children Positive Factors Negative Factors Although it starts off as a love story, children who might read this story may think it’s okay to do some of the evil things Sirenetta does. This story promotes avenged homicide, as well as suicide. • Starts off as a love story • Fantasy life shown i.e. mermaids, and witches • “Magical” transformations fin  legs! Evil characters who make dirty deals with the kind characters Love twist; not a happy ending Tries to commit two killings Promotes suicide

6. Children in the Market in the Modern the Little Mermaid The Disney production of, the Little Mermaid is based off Hans Christian Andersen’s original story of the Little Mermaid. The Disney version of the Little Mermaid is much more suitable for children than the ancient fairy tale.The Disney version is much more “child friendly” and is a big love story. Although the two stories have the same similar plot, they also vary in a few ways. Disney’s The Little Mermaid is the typical girl meets boy-they fall in love-and get married story. This is a completely different ending than that of the ancient the Little Mermaid. This version is more appropriate for children because it does not preach anything bad such as murder, only love and happy endings!

7. Modern the Little MermaidPros & Cons for Children Positive Factors Negative Factors Children should not get any bad ideas by viewing this film. It was a complete happy ending fairy tale, with no bad influences for children. *Positive factors are similar because two stories are similar Love story Two characters end up falling in love and getting married Fantasy life i.e. mermaids and witches are shown “Magical” transformations such as fin  legs! * Evil characters who make dirty deals with kind characters Scary characters may not be suitable for young children

8. Mulan Ancient Modern The story of Mulan is actually based off a legend in Chinese history. Hua Mulan was a heroine in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) who disguised herself as a male and took her father’s place in an ancient Chinese war. Ballad of Mulan by Anonymous is a poem described to tell of the legend’s journey. It conveys a story about a young girl who did not want her father to leave his family and go to war. So, in secret, she left home pretending she was her father and for 12 long years she battled in war as a boy. Finally, at the end of the war, she revealed herself as a girl and everyone was completely shocked. The Disney movie Mulan, was directed by Tony Bancroft in 1998. This movie was based on the same adventures that the legend Hua Mulan went through thousands of years ago. The plot is still the same – a young girl takes her father’s place in a Chinese war, but keeps her identity secret because if found out she could be killed by the government. Her objective is to prove everyone that she’s able to do anything a man can do too.

9. Similarities and Differences Ancient Modern Mulan goes to war in place of her father and is gone for 12 years Mulan is not forced to get married Mulan does not have a sidekick dragon friend Mulan also goes to war in place of her father Her family are forcing her to get married, when she doesn’t want to Mulan has a sidekick dragon friend named Mushu There are many star “cameos” in this film such as Christina Aguilera and Eddie Murphy staring as Mushu

10. Children in the Market in the Ancient Mulan The poem Ballad of Mulan can be just as suitable for children as it is for adults. This is a tale of a young girl who wants to prove her honor to her family by taking her father’s place in a time of need. If a child was to read this poem they could get the idea that deception is okay in some situations. Which could be good or bad, depending on the situation and how the child takes it. In the poem, there is one or two stanzas which speak of war. This could absorb into a child’s mind and think war is okay. Which, in most cases it is not. Although there are a few negative points of this poem, Ballad of Mulan also has a few key components that can be good for a child’s expanding mind. Ballad of Mulan represents honor, respect, and loyalty towards elders and one’s family. This is something extremely important to teach a child while they are still young so they can practice these principles as they are growing up.

11. Ancient MulanPros & Cons for Children Positive Factors Negative Factors • Teaches children about loyalty, honor, and respect • Teaches children to never let a man’s job restrict you from doing anything • Easy to understand and read the poem Speaks of war and fighting Makes it seem like deception is acceptable

12. Children in the Market in the Modern Mulan Mulan is enthralling for children because not only is it a cartoon, but it is a musical too. Children, especially at a young age, are more attracted to cartoon characters – especially ones like talking dragons named Mushu. And, the fact that children are able to be interactive and sing along is a fun experience. Mulan, like in Ballad of Mulan, also has graphic war scenes which may not be suitable for young viewers. This may give the idea that fighting is okay to do, which in most cases is certainly not. In Mulan, Mulan’s parents were making her find a husband and get married without her approval. This is bad because it shows children that it is okay to not marry for love, when really marriage should be treated sacredly and treasured.

13. Modern MulanPros & Cons for Children Positive Factors Negative Factors *Positive factors are similar because two stories are similar Shows cartoons to attract children Is a musical to get children to interact Teaches loyalty, respect, and honor to children Teaches that war is okay Teaches that deception is acceptable Teaches that marriage is not sacred, and not for love