The Disney Company's massive success in the 20th century is based on creating an image of innocence, magic and fun. Its animated films in particular are almost universally lauded as wholesome family entertainment, enjoying massive popularity among children and endorsement from parents and teachers.
Mickey Mouse Monopoly takes a close and critical look at the world these films create and the stories they tell about race, gender and class and reaches disturbing conclusions about the values propagated under the guise of innocence and fun. This daring new video insightfully analyses Disney's cultural pedagogy, examines its corporate power, and explores its vast influence on our global culture. Including interviews with cultural critics, media scholars, child psychologists, kindergarten teachers, multicultural educators, college students and children, Mickey Mouse Monopoly will provoke audiences to confront comfortable assumptions about an American institution that is virtually synonymous with childhood pleasure.
Interviewees include Henry Giroux, Diane Levin, Gail Dines, Elizabeth Hadley, Carolyn Newberger and Alvin Poussaint.
Praise for the Film
"A daring and disturbing look at Disney's power to shape mass culture. Anyone who cares about children and commercial culture should see it, but get ready for the urge to cover your eyes as Mickey Mouse Monopoly chips away at one of America's favorite icons and leaves you with nothing but the ugly truth." - Nancy Carlsson-Paige | Lesley University
"Viewing Disney without rose-colored glasses... 'Mickey Mouse Monopoly' explores representations of race, gender, and class in Disney movies, drawing on interviews with media experts, teachers, parents and children." - Boston Globe
"'Mickey Mouse Monopoly' is an insightful, stimulating look at the world of Disney. A terrific teaching tool for a wide range of classes; highly recommended for generating critical discussion of The Mouse House." - Janet Wasko | University of Oregon
